For My Family
A good friend
told me
her family
no longer
celebrates birthdays
with gifts.
Because they grew weary
of failed expectations
they have canceled
birthday observances.
I want to be sure
you know
I do not feel
the same way.
********
by Lori Lipsky
photo credit: istockphoto/Creativeye99
Tag Archives: birthday
To Honor the Widow
In Honor of the Widow Seated Alone at the Restaurant On her Birthday by Lori Lipsky Their son found a wife Began married life His career took him far away Their next flew west He deemed it the best For him and his family Their girl met a man Transferred to Japan Pursued him across the sea Their youngest moved north He was the fourth Some grand opportunity Mom and Dad and no other Though they loved one another, Their children had all moved away. Grandbabies were born It caused them to mourn They couldn’t afford to visit Good intentions, well meant, Photos were sent, But then Dad grew ill and died Now mom lives alone Connects on the phone Her children are spread worldwide Her birthday was hard, One kid sent a card One called and wished her well No cake, no caring Her ache unsparing, Her kids all live far away. ***********
The first five stanzas were submitted to and published by Pegasus Review in April 2011 under a different title.
I have plans to eat out with my husband for my birthday today. We’ll be talking about our girls, I’m sure. Our youngest moved out of the house on Thursday to attend college a few states away in Missouri. Our oldest moves to Georgia in a couple of weeks. The empty nest days begin…
Is there a widow in your life? Do you know when her birthday is?
**********
