so, with his hands tied
he raised hers
since there were alphabets of questions
in the words which she spoke
and the ones that she didn't.

Periwinkle tablecloths
Coca-cola pop rocks
Cake looks like a race track
Mickey has a clapper
Maddie's got a party hat
Daddy lights the numbers
And many more...
In unison
Now make a wish!
Oh, there's nothing that I need
Ah, there's myself in a balloon
Red and sheer and shy and
Make a wish!
Shiny, high and stationed and
Smile!
It's your birthday,
You idiot

Lyrics in her face
blaze, from screen to mouth
bony thumb, scrolling
mumbling into an ancient microphone
hanging from the rope swing
in her garage.

Voice shakes here, shivers there
but ****
she is soulful.

Authentic, exquisite
in holey socks and wet hair
and goosebumped arms
getting swallowed by a hoodie.

*******, she has it all
and gives it nothing.

Some of us are simply stunning
no spray tans or updos
no sequined skirts or stiletto shoes
no autotune or makeup kits
no words-

only nothing
could improve her.

Nothing could improve her.