Birthday Parties

Swings, cake,
splashing in the lake

water, slides,
and kiddie rides

giggle, tickles,
burgers and pickles

singing, smiles
large toy piles

a special day
in every way

"Awake early" by Laurie Molloy

Awake early to catch a glimpse

Of immaculate silence

Untouched

Without breath

Missing the chatter

That goes along

With obligatory words

 

Unleashed from beeping

And buzzing

And banging

 

No one outside

No one at the door

 

Those in the house

Quiet as a mouse

Then the alarm

 

And the banging

And buzzing

Remind me I’m alive

The earth has returned

As it was yesterday

 

Grateful for my moment

Of silence

Amazed at the bounty

Of noise

 

So happy to hear

Little words