It is like:
Rain from
a cloudless sky,
Sugared lemon,
Cocktails boiling
from the ice cubes and
penny less millionaires.
It is a blissful sad tear.
An ugly beauty queen.
A darkened noon
or speeding snail.
A lazy ant,
purring
from a cat fight.
It is the
Dreaded Delight!
Since you left me
you are always there
bubbling just
below the surface.
You come back every time
I pass a schoolyard.
Or go to a wedding
and see a bride.
Or watch the graduating
girls cross the stage.
Or when
I see a dress that
on you
would have been perfect.
Or the day when
I heard of two others who
had your same birthday.
Or when I look at
scrape books
and you are there.
I told you
with rising balloons
that you could leave,
that I could
now let you go.
But you didn't,
you are always there.
Christmas time,
the Dreaded Delight.
Your birthday today,
the Dreaded Delight.
This is the best we can do.
Always greatly missed
and always remembered
with Dreaded Delight.
Happy Birthday!