Last Day of 43

It always concludes the same
left to fend for myself
the family occupied by another matter
cursing me to reflect
as I scatter a dinner together

Another year lived
responsibilities met
cancer-free
employed
housed

Confidence brittle
rearing at times
but still scampering
towards inertia

Tomorrow
Facebook will be filled with wishes
and I will be showered with kindness
- a king with no soldiers

A feast for three,
unknown in this city
beyond the proprietors,
co-workers and loose acquaintances

My best friend died at 33,
I will not see the wilder side
or receive an afternoon pint
to lubricate the day

I am not complaining,
only aware how these events shift
ever growing
still breathing

I shall kiss the ground
lucky to have seen another ten
presently
surprised.