Today is my niece’s birthday
Much loved and well thought of
Tomorrow, her new age officially
Will roll across her tongue proud
In slight departure from youth
Creating a cheek to cheek smile
A week later, this step up the
Numerical ladder will make her
Pause remembering the fun
The celebration and joy attained
With this shiny new pinnacle

She can no longer use
A visual jazz hands to
Display her decade of youth
She is eleven now, this requires
Pause, thought, reflection for her
More for all of us, fondly
Knowing she will continue
Creating laughter, love, and
Even sometimes frustration
Becoming who she wants to be
Ten lovely years chasing behind