women and birthdays

we men

almost forget our own birthday,

the day

arrives

and you see the number

on the calendar

and sigh.

so what.

you're still here,

still alive,

maybe you'll celebrate

later by having a donut

and a second

cup of coffee.

but women are different

creatures.

the whole world

seems to know that their

special

day has arrived.

they get their hair done,

their nails,

a new dress is bought.

they go to the spa.

it's a month-long event,

with dinners out,

dinners in,

parties and balloons.

dancing and drinking.

birthday cards

arriving in the mail.

gifts by the dozen,

bottles of wine.

it's Christmas,

it's New Years Eve,

it's the fourth of July.