I’ve learned to take more notice of them.
Today is my birthday, a years-on-this-Earth day,
Of which there’s been many before.
A day to be treasured as life gets re-measured.
Who knows if there’ll be many more?
And the number? It’s merely a number, not really
A cause for concern on its own.
I will put it to use as the perfect excuse
To recall all the years I have known.
This birthday’s arrival confirms my survival,
Despite broken bones1 and disease2.
That’s why celebrations with friends and relations
Are occasions that I’ve learned to seize.
- See “The ladder”
- See “Streptomycin”