Birthday

 Birthday 7/29/2014

It was a hot at the cemetery

And the sun beat down

On the back of my neck

But I was glad that I was there

Whether it mattered or not.   

It felt a little strange

As we stood in a half circle

Lifting up our glasses

To a piece of granite. 

I hope you noticed

And I hope you laughed

Because that is what life is for

With all its awkwardness, and absurdity. 

We live stiffly and walk with a purpose

But seldom take the time

To hold and caress

As if strangers are more important

And care at all. 

But a young life

Is like a ball of fire

Hurtling through space

And throwing sparks in all directions. 

I have faith

And it feels real

As they arranged your birthday gifts

And forced out smiles. 

I am sorry for this world

So dumb and lifeless

As it careens from disappointment

To mindless disaster. 

You shouted to this world

Who you were

But it cannot hear

What it does not know. 

Here is to you

As you grow and serve

Bigger and higher things

Than all the great minds of this world

So full of nothing at all. 

Dream bigger dreams

And make them all come true

Fully alive

And fully free.