Today on the calendar
it feels quieter than usual
I hide a single sentence
inside every breath
I’m not good with words
so I write it softly
afraid you’ll hear it
and afraid you won’t
Happy birthday
I say it slowly
In this world
you’ve always had a place
I don’t know how to say much
but I truly remember
Thank you for showing up
you made my life feel warm
You arrived at just the right time
like a note in the margin
Not stealing the noise
but making everything steady
When I fall silent
you never mind
As if you understand me—
no need for extra lines
Happy birthday
I say it slowly
In this world
you’ve always had a place
I don’t know how to say much
but I truly remember
Thank you for showing up
you made my life feel warm
If you look up
you might see
someone far away
quietly wishing you well
I keep your existence
in today
and in tomorrow too