Silent B-day

On my birthday, happiness doesn't bloom, Instead, awkwardness fills the room. Excitement's absent, fear takes its place, Attention makes my heart race. Never had wishes, never knew what to say, When asked what I want on my special day. Expectations feel useless, I’ve learned to cope, Just accept whatever, that's my hope. Numbness wraps me on the D-day, Feelings locked, kept at bay. Because if I let emotions spill, A breakdown under the stars, I fear, will kill. I stand in shadows, far from the light, Avoiding the festivity's glaring sight. Birthday cheer feels so out of place, In my quiet, solitary space. No candles blown, no grand celebration, Just a quiet, personal meditation. In the stillness, I find my way, Through another quiet birthday. written by Ananya Dubey