The brittle grass beneath his feet
The cooling air won’t fail the beat
Was feeling sick but can’t throw up
Too tired to sleep but can’t get up

This pill to swallow, a bitter beast
And time spent here, still meant the least
Static sparks in electric air
First given was warning fair

Wonder out and he will tell you jokes
Between *****, Red Bulls an’ Cokes
Now an echo cries and begs to stay
Tied to a wish for a happy birthday

Candles are lit.
The family gathered.
The son brought downstairs, eyes covered.

Make a wish my son.
I wish..
I wish, the Russians were gone.

Confused? This is not birthday party.
This is Russian airstrikes dropped down daily.

Syria is my home.
A tyrant on the throne..

cheering and poorly sung melodies echo throughout the room,
the kitchen is dimly lit with the small flames and smiles of family members I rarely see,
the air is pushed out from my lungs,
the smoke fills the air,
the candles smelling of burnt happiness,
the oil spills on the buttercream frosting,
the pinks and yellows swirl together,
but I can't think of anything besides
"oh god, when will it be over?"

©L.F.

Happy Birthday
to my favorite
and only sister.
Thanks for always
being there.
Have fun being 17

I will not lie
Every year on this very day
the more I want to die
but is the voices that keep me alive

On this day
I'm expected to be happy
as everybody wishes me
But I've always felt empty

Nothing has changed
Every year is the same
From the silence in my room
to the noises in my brain

My wish for every year
will never be different
whether or not I could be happier
Then the previous birthday

Birthdays are not my things,
I'm not into gift-giving really,
But I'll give this poem to you
Because, Mom, you're special to me.

The cake burned in the oven
The fridge broke down as well
The plumbing broke
& soaked the floor
This was the day from hell.

So much for cake & ice cream
So much for mopping up
I'm telling you, I have the flu
This day has been a flop!

Not gonna call a plumber
You know how $$$ goes
This happened on a Sunday
That's spendy doncha know!

I've HAIR that hurts, my buddy
I've such and aching head!
Is it a sin to just turn in?

I'll spend the day in bed!.

Catherine Jarvis
1/23/2020