The Happy Birthday

I kicked the can across the yard

But that’s another story

How dare it rain today

On your birthday party

It was stiller than a winter day

Now it’s subtle as a wrecking train

As lonely as this God-damned space

Waiting for it to get started

What to get for you?

I wish that I was cool

And I wish I had a million dollars, too

But, I guess until I turn that way

I’ll just say, Happy Birthday to you

Happy Birthday to you

Paper plates will catch the wind

Blowing off the T A B L E

Plastic spoons and sporks watch them sail

As the day gets started

A box of Pandora’s things

Or the world’s largest ball of string

But I can’t think of anything

To get you for this party

What to get for you?

I wish that I was cool

And I wish I had a million dollars, too

I guess until I turn that way

I will say, Happy Birthday to you

Happy Birthday to you

Time fades like pencil sketches all these years

Your birthday is here…

Buying pieces of the moon

Or a first edition Dr. Seuss

Or a big vanilla ice cream scoop

Bring it to the party

What to get for you?

I wish that I was cool
And I wish I had a million dollars, too

Because then there’s more that I could bring

But I’ll just say

Happy Birthday to you

Happy Birthday to you

©2011 Megan Slankard