Hallmark was a little out of the way...

A Birthday Poem by Juliet The Awesome

Today we celebrate the birthday of James, our buddy
He has a lot of luck, just ask him how he kept his new white shoes from getting muddy

He takes it easy, going in late, taking a long lunch, napping and maybe returning to work
I guess when your Bashkia is not as good as Kucove’s, you can get away with this perk

He knows how to use the system, maneuvering through bureaucracy’s intricate weave,
Claiming he’ll do an English club, he’s going to Macedonia on business leave

He’s not always on time, the last to arrive at our swearing-in event
And to finish his bachelor’s degree, for six years he went

But really his nature is that he is very friendly and sweet
Whenever I had a mortgage payment, he bought me an ice cream treat

Normally he’s quite a gentleman and a reliable escort at night
But when his host mother said he can’t help clean my shoes, he didn’t put up a fight

But then there are instances where his host family said he was rude,
He should have known better since he hasn’t been paying for food

He has many luxuries compared to the rest of us by living in Berat
But he’s frustrated when men water the street while he has no water when it’s hot

Then there’s the missionary with a car, such a contact is really the best
It lets him take advantage of things far away, like the annual Tomori blood fest

His new place will be a mansion, three bedrooms, two baths, and a gym membership
Now guests don’t have to worry about upsetting nena when silently out the door we slip

They tell us to integrate, adapt, and always be alert
James, on the other hand, draws attention wearing his gabi “Kelly” shirt

His hobbies here are napping, Shqipopoly, Frisbee, and of course ping pong
He was going to run a marathon but that didn’t last long

Peanut butter, muesli, and smoothies make him grin with joy and nod,
As well as 50 cent pizzas, hummus, and animal crackers made by God

He’s a good dancer and he likes to sing quite a lot
Mostly Meatloaf’s, “Hose me down with Holy water, if I get to Hot, Hot!”

We’re going home for Christmas to spend time with family
It’ll be good to eat foods we can’t get in good ol’ Shqiperi

With that to look forward to, the next couple of months will be a breeze.
Until then, dear James, each day you must seize