You love a birthday, you.

No matter whose it is. 

Candles lit, you know what follows;

A song, golden flickering flames that vanish on a

cake that others will swallow.

You love a celebration, you.

No matter what the festival.

Be it Christmas, Easter, or any other occasion,

you were born to share in another’s joy

Amplified by your elation.

You do not ask for anything, you.

Nor do you come to me with a list,

Though I would fulfill it in a heartbeat if you had.

You desire not to possess the latest fashion,

So why does this still make me sad?

You do not know tomorrow is your birthday, you.

Anticipation comes at the moment you see

Not the presents, they cannot hold your attention.

But the cards, the candles, the faces that sing

Happy Birthday to You in joyous affirmation.

You won’t know it’s your birthday when I’m no longer here

to tell you the moment you open your eyes.

If you have not anticipated your special day then there can be no pain

Or disappointment when no cards arrive, nor the candles

 that I’d light for you again and again.

You don’t know how much you are loved, you.

Or how my fears simply cannot come to pass.

You are surrounded by those who love you as their own.

You were never mine to keep, your gift is to so many

And I know you will never spend your birthday alone.

Happy Birthday Hazel x