an early birthday

a simple birthday cake
chocolate
white icing
only a few candles
they sing
they say
make a wish
i cry
i hear her voice
i hear his voice
they say
do not cry
it's ok
we love you
no matter what
now make a wish
i close my eyes

i own my car
thanks to them
and still
a week later
gifts
gifts i do not deserve

years and years of pain
and here they are in front of me

no matter what
no matter what
no matter what