Sixteen: a perfect square and fourth! Good Lord, your age is headed north! So slow it down, just linger, tarry; Always be my Mary Berry. Though both of us seem not so young, It’s clear we scarcely have begun; Sixteen’s not old, that’s plain to see, Not when you’ve got eternity! So raise your voice today and sing, One day, you’ll dance before the King. ---------- (a birthday card inscription on the occasion of Marion’s 16th birthday)