[ WP ] Everybody who turns 25 learns a reality shattering secret about the world . Nobody has ever leaked this secret to somebody under 25 . Today is your 25th birthday .

I'm pulled aside 
 
 movement followed by mother's worried eyes 
 
 
 Can we have a word? 
 
 
 My father asks 
 
 
 He sits me down and starts to pace 
 
 
 Worry written over his handsome face 
 
 
 `` It's come to this'' 
 
 
 He starts and stops 
 
 
 `` God knows now you're old enough, 
 
 You're twenty-five 
 
 
 And I must strive-'' 
 
 
 He swallows 
 
 
 `` To tell you the truth.'' 
 
 
 I sit tight and wait 
 
 
 But I've waited years now for this date 
 
 
 There's a secret, the adults wo n't tell 
 
 
 He opens his mouth to speak and stops 
 
 
 His lips are white, his face is pale 
 
 
 `` Son,'' he says and I grip my chair 
 
 
 `` The truth about this whole affair,'' 
 
 
 `` Father please, just tell me now.'' 
 
 
 The words slip out and now it's said 
 
 
 I ca n't believe I've been so misled 
 
 
 My father's words 
 
 
 Loud and clear: 
 
 
 `` Son, there's no such thing as beer.'' 
 
 
 I stand and gasp 
 
 
 He shakes his head 
 
 
 `` The world is serving us juice instead. 
 
 
 It tastes the same, it looks alright.'' 
 
 
 `` I swear I've had drunken nights!'' 
 
 
 I pace the room and growl in rage 
 
 
 My father sighs, he claps my back 
 
 
 `` Everyone just pretends. 
 
 
 I'm sorry, Jack.'' 
 
 
 

