birthday candles

her birthday
not unlike the day
before,
the day to come,
but unique
in its marking
of time
come once more.
how quickly
the leaves
fall, how the years
gather.
how love
and joy return,
and fade,
as does
spring. as does
the sun
each morning.
and how strange
it is that
more mystery
comes with each
new candle
added.