i realized i no longer remember your birthday

at the realization of this realization i
crumbled on my bathroom floor
and cried for joy at my mind
learning to replace the long memories
of birthday candles in your living room
with a comfortable void
like the space after they were blown out

these things learned to be left alone
until nothing but the peace of
forgetful numbness remained

my heart surviving its own efforts
my heart surviving you

me
surviving you