Today is my son’s birthday-hip, hip hooray!
BECAUSE YOUR BIRTHDAY
By April Halprin Wayland
Because I put on winter underwear, a purple turtleneck and a magenta ski jacket and went for a walk hoping to find some stuff to make a way cool card for you
Because I slumped home, no perfect piece of wood, bit of blue glass, weird spiky caterpillar or rain-dampened page with a funny word
Because when you were little you were silly, serious, laughy, pondering, bouncy, excited, focused and kind (always kind) and now you’re tall and all of these
Because I didn’t really like the drums and you really like the drums and now I like them, too
Because you texted me to remind me that I was doing everything okay when I didn’t think I was
Because when you walk into the kitchen, my eyes have to adjust to your brightness
Because just walking down the sidewalk with you to get that thing to fix your bike is wonderful
Because of all these things and none of them
I had to write this poem
Because I’m so lucky
Because you’re you
Because I’m glad that’s true.
© by April Halprin Wayland 2010 all rights reserved
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