SATURNINE
Crescent Holiday
Candles rise from my birthday cake
like skeletal fingers
flipping me the bird
Reminding me that time has not forgotten me
regardless of my attempts to hide from it.
Squeals of joy emerge from the youth that run amok around the table
circling like a pride of young lions
sensing weakness amongst the herd.
They understand only cake and presents,
Not comprehending that we are celebrating another year closer
to my funeral.
My joints creak as I lean forward, gripping the table.
I breathe in.
I blow out the candles.
I breathe in.
I am still alive.
Author Bio
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Crescent Holiday is a resident at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Wilsonville. She takes college courses offered by both Portland Community College and Portland State University, where she majors in English. She is the mother of a number of children including Soriyah, Britain, Iliyana, Indigo, Sterling, and Cha'uri--and she has a husband who is the love of her life. She can be reached by mail for comments and discussion at the following address:
Crescent Holiday
CCCF #15721242
24499 SW Grahams Ferry Rd.
Wilsonville, OR 97070