James' Day

I used to be the cute one,
Little and round and sweet.
Now it's my blonde-haired brother
Smiling and kicking bare feet.

I used to be the cute one,
Who girls would kiss and coo
Now I'm covered in scratches and mud
(The creek will do that to you)

I used to be the baby
Patted and coddled when crying
Now I get a stern look and rebuke
When I make a sound like I'm dying

I used to be the baby
And helping was volunteer stuff
Now I've chores to keep up with
And I can't seem to do quite enough

I used to stay out of trouble
'Cause trouble was out of my reach
But when I said "Daddy, what's this"
And suddenly there sounded a screech,

I stood staring shocked and I knew
by the look on his face I did do
Something awful which soon I would rue
Although the red gadget was new
And in four white letters P-U-L-L was written...
...well, "WE DON'T PULL FIRE ALARMS"

I used to be the cute one,
But now I'm headed to jail
Like George, who fooled the Fire Department
Maybe I'll get a cell with my pal.

I used to be the cute one,
So Owen, I'll spare you some harm:
Don't ever grow up
Don't learn how to talk
And don't pull the Fire Alarm.