Contributor Series 11: On BirthdaysMy BirthdayBy Murray DunlapOh to be 35, in a wheelchair, and live at homeBecause of a car crash, hmphTrying trying trying to stay saneFailing failing failingRelearning to walk, one day at a damn timeSo I turn 36, in a cloud of angerBut I turn 39 in a passionate vision of happiness […]

Contributor Series 11: On BirthdaysEnter Stage RightBy Julie Ellinger HuntYesterday’s date, a somber reminderof your departure,only a bakery white boxremains in the cornerof the fridge. Today, a day older, I’mreminded that it was youwho insisted on red velvet cakewith a single candle.“Do not sing to me this year,” your voice trailed off,while I half-listened, half-wished […]

Contributor Series 11: On BirthdaysFound on the Corner of Stadium and MainBy Monica CrumbackAnd how old? They always askas if there is some answerless vague and better weighed than I don’t know.If there is, then I don’t have it.All I know is you were young, but now your face is turning gray.And your legs are […]

Contributor Series 11: On BirthdaysBirthdaysBy Harris TobiasMy birthdays stack up like dirty platesAfter a partyPlastic forks and half eaten cakeMake for a tipsy pileAnother year, hooray,I have come this farLog another birthday in the fileIs that one more or one less?Both I guessAnd while I’m glad to have been around to see three scoreAnd tenI can’t […]

Contributor Series 11: On BirthdaysAn age of Down’sBy John Lavan My son has a marvelous habit of tellingstrangers that this very day is his birthdayand they, confused, can’t fathom the truth but trust his nodding smile, congratulate the rascal on reaching a mighty fine agealthough sometimes they do seem surprised by the notion that a boy […]