Happy Birthday

A Gift.

As another year
Dissolves into memory,
I am again
Humbled
By your perfection,
Your flawlessness.
I have taken you
For granted,
But I have also woven you
Into every future,
Every dream,
That I have imagined.
I have filled myself
With every smile, laugh,
And touch
You have given me--
If I were to ever let you
Slip into my past,
I would be left an empty
Shell, a hollow
Excuse for the person
I now am.
I will never let you go;
My fingers will never
Straighten, allowing yours to
Slip from mine;
As my hands grow old
And calloused from life's worries,
They will never let go
Of yours.
My lips,
However wrinkled and worn,
Will never grow tired
Of brushing your own--
They will never stop whispering
I Love You.
You may droop,
You may sag
Under time's relentless pulling,
But not without me
Holding you up,
Always holding you--
When my hair is grey
And gone,
I will still be next to you,
Knowing there is no one else
Who could ever compare
To you.

Reviews

[FJ Davis]

A gift to us all. These are the heroic sentiments of a true romantic--one who gives love never to be withdrawn; one whose pledge will not be broken.
"Happy Birthday" is a touching expression of mature love. This is an exceedingly high aspiration, Ben. And, while I realize "it's just poetry," it is also one of the deep longings of your soul.
God, give us more of these brave young romantics; the world declines without them!

[Judy Ponceby]

Wow!! Now this is truly as you said "A Gift" to a special person no doubt. :) Fantastic flow of words, beautiful concept to bring to life for a special person. You have outdone yourself Ben. :)