Please excuse me from the well-intentioned,
Customary fussing on this date.
Knowing me, you know I mean no disrespect.
In fact, it's great affection
Plus a glint of understanding—
and yes, a hint in case
you'd like to reciprocate—
That prompts me thus to counter-celebrate:
Happy nonbirthday to you . . .
There never was a day of your birth,
A beginning to your being
Or a limit to your worth.
Happy nonbirthday to you . . .
What you are is what you've always been:
Free from time and time's quick sin
Of running out.
Happy nonbirthday, dear one . . .
I celebrate the unique statement that is you—
a statement only God can make,
that even God cannot recant.
You are the radiant imprint
Of Life's irrepressible presence,
Shining since that day before the dream of days,
And, happily, even on this earth day, too.
Happy nonbirthday to you!
