Birthday

For My Friend on Her Birthday

Once, we wore a birthday like a badge
Another year meant the world got bigger;
Balloons and paper hats were friends;
We could eat the cake.

Now the day is ushered in with
More flames than Armageddon.
The frosting sags with heat and
We wish on extra breaths.

The cards don't have a clown
With a nickel for his nose.
And ice cream, when we eat it,
Stays neatly on the plate.

So just this year...

I wish you all the wishes
Ever wished on chocolate frosting
Warmed by seven candles
And cooled by rocky road.

I wish you all the glitter
Of a single silver skate key
And the belief that all of life
Is a breathless glide downhill.