So it's midnight
and the tv's
on
the electronic
glow of
people on,
I'm ignoring words
and sounds

It's midnight
and the cake is
gone
my birthday
cake with
pink and
purple
sugar frosting,
metal fork on scratchy plate
in the quiet dark where
I celebrate behind
its veil

It's midnight
and the candle's
done
consumed by
heat and black
a river of smoke
and I'm ten again
you're my friend again
and I'm able to love without end,
again

It's midnight and I'm a year older
and you're a year
further behind.