Her wish
She sits at the kitchen table preparing to
Snuff out the flames of the cheap wax nine and zero.
Tupperware clutters the fake maple wood shelves
Behind her. Nilla wafers and a jar filled with tootsie
Rolls and butterscotch cling to the end of the shelf,
Awaiting chubby hands with sticky fingers. The red
Vinyl chairs with the copper upholstery tacks go
Unused while everyone waits for the birthday girl
To make her wish. But she takes an extra second
To glance at the empty rocking chair. Her wish is
Known but still goes unanswered. Pine needles chafe
Against the screen windows as the wind helps extinguish
The two small candles. Everyone cheers as the chocolate
Cake with white icing is cut and passed around on
Dixie paper plates. Orange sherbet is put on the side,
It's her favorite but her sugar is already too high.
The aluminum dipper that hangs over the
Sink reminds her of a life she no longer lives.