On this day, the first day, fifty years from your birth,

I do wish to express to you your own true worth;

Compassion, honesty, understanding, support,

These are a few areas that you’ve never come short;

Through adversity you’ve conquered, where others have failed, 

So high in every aspect of life’s ladder you have scaled;

A man of great character, with so many reasons to boast,

Except this man’s too gracious, more unpretentious than most;

One need not look far to see the countless lives you’ve enriched,

The untold snags and hitches you have mended and stitched;

You’re an inspiration to many, a leader among men,

Never failing to display your worth again and again;

I hope that you are aware what we all see plain as day,

That you are gliding and winning through this, life’s grand ballet;

So know that you’re celebrated with great admiration,

Here’s to you on your birthday, a cause for celebration.