The Way Things Go

You buy the perfect present.
You wrap it up real nice.
You add a card with loving thoughts,
So you'll see smiles twice.

The gifts all sit there waiting.
The birthday boy's all set,
But yours will make his face light up;
You're sure enough to bet.

Then suddenly you notice
Someone else has bought the same.
That giant grin you know will come
Will not be yours to claim.

You feel some disappointment
But that's just the way things go.
You'll buy another present
With another card and bow.