January Birthday

With a birthday in early January
He has to accept the nearness to Christmas,
Joint presents and second thoughts
For wishing him a happy birthday
When surely Christmas and New Year
Were not even finished with?

To add to the ill-timed nature of his celebrations
He has to share his birthday with his brother,
The exact same day, six years apart –
Couldn’t be planned if they tried.

And although he’s the younger
It’s very much clear
That he’s late to this party,
As his brother laments
The lack of a shiny new bike
And the appearance of a sibling instead!