in honor of a birthday

a birthday is what?

a celebration of trips around the sun?
an annual diversion from daily tasks?
an entry marker or a reminder...
of entries and exits
and what it means
to be on this stage for our brief spell?

or is a birthday a way to say,
for one day
the value of a friend?

in so many small words and gestures
as might make a sum,
a tribute,
an acknowledgment of that friendship,
that we come together once a year
to celebrate

your words
your listening
your life
your wit
and all that makes you...
you.

and those particulars
which shine on this day
but shine the brighter
for the fact that we might count you
as our friend...
that we might honor you
on this your birthday
as you honor us
on every day,
good friend,
with your own Self.