Birthday

My birthday would be perfect
If I had cakes for tea
Piles of presents with shiny paper
Tied by big pink ribbons
A party dress to wear with frills and flowers
Shiny red shoes on my feet
All my friends would come round
We would play silly games
Sardines, kiss chase, twister
I would eat chocolate and not feel sick
I would go to bed late
After everyone had sung Happy Birthday to me
Over a huge cake with sparkling candles
Which would light up my face and make my eyes shine

Today, though, I must go to work with strangers
Work as though I never had a birthday, never cared
Keep quiet about my age as if ashamed
Control that child inside
Who, today, is longing to dance

Happy Birthday to her.