they say it's your birthday

your years peeled away
hopes uneven and torn
left layers of scar tissue
a topographical map
highs and lows
a life rolled up

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY

and stashed in the dark

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TO YOU

multicolored candles drip
waxy pools in frosting
sweeter than the years
a knife cuts big pieces.
the crumbs, i gather with my forefinger.