Birthdays

Though often drowned in the cacophony of celebration,
birthday, unlike others, is the most personal occasion.
It is about only you, and for you;
no partnership, or companionship should be required;
though an invisible shoulder or silent affectionate embrace is most welcome.

It is yearly reminder set to tell you that you have existed,
and still do.

I believe, that whole act of celebrating birthday
doesn't reflect well on the remainder of the days
of the year gone by, or to follow.
In some way 364 days should be of festivities,
and birthday should be a day of reckoning.

A day of contemplation and solitude,
where you kiss the tender moments
of the year gone by on forehead
for having made that visit to your life.

On this day, in the noise of celebration, I often hear the eco of void, filling the uncelebrated lost time.

-Pulastya