Tom, Part One
Tom wanted a dog.
He wanted a dog a lot.
He wanted a dog# more than anything# in the world.
Every day he asked his mother.
Every day she said no.
Dogs are dirty.
Every day he asked his father.
Every day he said no. 
Dogs need too many walks.
Tom was very unhappy.
He asked himself:
Why are parents so silly?
I would clean my dog.
I would take him,# or her for walks.
Days and weeks# and months passed.
Then, on July fourth# Tom had his birthday.
Happy Birthday Tom,# said his Mom.
Happy Birthday Tom,# sang his Dad.
They had a box# in their hands.
No, before you ask,# it is NOT a dog.