Sunday, 27 February 2022

A Birthday ... by Elizabeth Obadina

Today I share my birthday with Amber.*

I am – well old – and she’s just turned fourteen

With sparkling eyes and cheeks flushing rosier.

Today I share my birthday with Amber,

And remember long ago excitement and optimistic wonder.

Now my life’s turning red just as hers beams bright green.

Today I share my birthday with Amber.

I am – well old – and she’s just turned fourteen.

*A long time ago, on a normal working day which also happened to be my birthday, I accidentally gatecrashed a lunch break birthday party for a lovely young lady called Amber. I hadn't the heart to muscle in on her celebrations but I have many times since wondered whether the joie-de-vivre and laughter of that moment stayed with her as she grew up and made her way in the world. At the time I slipped away and penned this triolet.

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