A birthday comes but once a year,
...And brings with it good fun and cheer.
These couplets then, from Facebook sent,
Hope to instill much merriment.

But though it is a grand occasion,
Think of us, your friends (non-asian)
Now that we are four ways split;
In Scotland, Wales and other bits.

And so resentment now creeps in
'Twixt all my rhymes (though it's a sin
To covet of thy neighbour's jaunt)
Since life in Britain's grey and gaunt.

For while you're out in India
We work in banks and schools and... er...
Alright, a Masters' not that bad
Though now I'm off the dole, I'm sad.

I hope you've not yet seen it all
For India is not that small;
That your excitement still allows
For temples, elephants, and cows.

===

Regards your birthday though, let's not
...Get too worked up or lose the plot
For twenty three is no big deal
I mean come on, you're old- get real.

Of course, despite my words, take heed
To celebrate with rum and mead.
Though probably you'll go with gin
And tonic; get that quinine in!

But now the poem's at an end
And since I count myself your friend
I don't mean to be too aloof;
With veiled insults I mask the truth.

I honestly hope that you're well
And that at Raleigh you'll excel.
So when you have finished your quest
To find yourself, please come back west!

By Thomas Bush