no flowers

as another

birthday approaches,

i wince,

i laugh, i smile.

again, really?

okay. but

let's keep it on

the down

low,

maybe a slice of cake.

no gifts,

no cards,

no flowers.

let's make love,

let's lie

in the sun.

let's pretend that 

there is no

end.

just more months,

more years, 

more hours.