My birthday is just another day.
But it’s sometimes
Most of the time
Always
Shitty.
Somehow on that day
There’s always yelling, sighing, and
Red rimmed eyes.
No.
You were just yawning.
You just had a restless night.
You’re happy.
You enjoy your birthday.
You’re excited.
You’re just like everyone else.
You’re smiling.
You didn’t get yelled at.
You didn’t disappoint anyone.
You enjoy your birthday.
You remember six years ago when you licked sweet frosting from your fingers and sang in class.
You remember twelve years ago when your teacher made you a birthday crown for you to parade around with the whole day.
You remember eight years ago when your brother wrote you that birthday card.
Nothing has changed.
Yeah.
You still enjoy your birthday.
But it’s shitty.
I’m not happy.
I’m not smiling.
My heart is burning and my shirt is wet and it’s getting harder to breathe
But
You enjoy your birthday.
What’s Not in a Conversation 