Birthdays must feel rather sudden
when you’re young
everyone shouting how special
you are for one day
giving you presents
and letting you eat
whatever you want

it’s no wonder
I found you upstairs
halfway through the party
with your old babysitter
quiet on the couch
as she read you a book

your cousin has a present for you

I told you
and as we walked downstairs
you asked me

even though I’m four
can things go back
the way they were.