Happy birthday to me .

won't you celebrate with me

by Lucille Clifton

won't you celebrate with me what i have shaped into a kind of life? i had no model.

born in babylon

both nonwhite and woman

what did i see to be except myself?

i made it up

here on this bridge between

starshine and clay,

my one hand holding tight

my other hand; come celebrate

with me that everyday

something has tried to kill me

and has failed.

Drink some water. Wear a mask.

M

(A now 31 year old)