HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

   by Bryon Howell

There are people
who throw out
their birthday candles
every year
after blowing them 
out.

I have always
saved 
the candles
and used the 
same ones
over and over
again and again
every year.

My wish never 
comes true.

Perhaps it's
simply time
to buy new candles?

Perhaps I need 
to make
the initial 

cut

a bit deeper?