i used to count down
every ticking awake until the handle striked
though i’ve never liked my birthday
and i don’t say this for a day when things are otherwise
i’m just not particularly fond of a built idea
a fabrication of balloons and icing
festivities that are perhaps meant for me
don’t get me wrong
my enthusiasm remains
i’ll go to the park
watch the water sway
and get extra gummy bears on my frozen yogurt
i’ve just grown to let my birthday be my birthday
and nothing else