After- the Birthday Party
It was my seventh birthday party, mother had everything planned,
decorations were in the dining room, invitations sent out, balloons;
and on February 1- I was going to have a party with all my friends,
I will never know why mother did not just cancel that party but she didn't.
I was so excited all of January and always trying on my dress,
but at the party- I sat at the head of the table, quiet and frozen;
I remember all the kids with their hats and playing with balloons,
the cake was in front of me, the candles lit, but I was just sitting there.
Someone took a picture of me- my mother and grandma behind,
and they were weeping, but not because it was my birthday . . . for Susan;
you see we buried her the day before, she had died January 29th,
she was buried in a peaceful spot beneath a leaning maple tree.
After the party . . .
I told my mother that I never wanted another birthday party,
and mother said, we can change the date of your birthday;
but I refused- it is my destiny to have this day reserved for Susan,
and I have never celebrated another birthday- never will.
You see, I watched Susan die and something broke inside me.
___________________________________
(January 25, 2016) Edited, June 23, 2019
Poetry/Narrative/After- The Birthday Party
Copyright Protected, ID 16- 1159-640-02
All Rights Reserved. Written under Pseudonym.
Submitted to the contest, After The Party- Old/New
sponsor, Anthony Slausin
First Place
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