Happy birthday to me

A poem

My poem-a-day challenge ends today. It’s coincidentally my 40th and I’ve been “forced” to celebrate it. And I’m delighted to have been. Birthdays are fascinating to me. For most things in life, something everyone has is by definition not special. And yet birthdays retain that charm for almost everyone, even many who deny it.

I’ve come to see birthdays as more about the people around the person celebrating. Specifically, about those relationships, and an opportunity for them to feel that warm feeling you get from showing care and love. Over time, I’ve realised that it’s more selfish to refuse to celebrate than it is to appreciate others appreciating you. And that has led me to the understanding that allowing others to appreciate you requires appreciation for self first.

So… (to be read to the tune of the happy birthday song)

Happy birthday to me I’m happy to see How far I’ve come And all that I’ve done Happy birthday dear me-hee Can’t believe it’s forty!

Who would’ve thought That I would have fought My resistance In this instance And now celebrate Two score that’s been great

I’m glad they told me Said “We shall see” Now I feel so well loved Well kissed and well hugged I love my surrounds And all that abounds

I love this new life No struggle, no strife I love seeing ahead As they always said, The best’s yet to come My still rising sun.