Leap Day

Today is not a day to sleep
For it’s been four long years
Since last time we were told to keep
This month ‘fore March appears.

An extra day for earth to turn,
Determined long ago,
Is Leap Day, which in school we learn
Is something we should know.

For calendars reflect this date
And all those giving birth
Bestow a birthday kids will hate,
At least the ones on earth.

Yet most don’t seem to care about
The calendar’s spare square
Forgetting that, without a doubt,
It isn’t always there.

But those who know may celebrate
A ritual we keep
Once in four years, for on this date
We somehow take a leap.