There was once upon a bright clear morn,
A piece to state that you were born.
Embroiled within life’s tapestry
And safe inside a registry,

Some years in school and well I never!
Other pieces say ‘you’re clever’.
Thus qualified in math and lit’
You see what you can make of it.

Snuggled up beside, or not too far,
A piece that lets you drive a car.
To grasp the wheel and thus to steer,
From here to there, and there to here.

When cupid chances upon your head,
A piece to certify you’re wed’.
The threshold crossed, confetti flung,
A foot placed firmly on the rung.

With currency saved you joined the race,
A piece says you now own the place.
So mow the lawn and paint the wall,
And cook when friends and neighbours call.

And of course in time they’ll hang their heads,
Another piece declares you’re dead.
A choice is made you can’t revoke,
It’s down a hole or up in smoke.