Birthday

“I don’t understand, where are the gifts?”
They told me there would be gifts.
I see presents, lots of presents
but no gift.

Many say: “five and older”
I don’t see my name
Who is this five and older?
He has a really weird taste

Mum gave me her guilt
For not being something or
For not doing something
I don’t know

She also gave me a five and older
to show her sister
that she cares about…
I don’t know what

My dad, he is at work
His admin found a few five an older’s
One I might leave with the cat
The others… I don’t know

My aunt’s present
is in a beautiful box
Inside is what real parents
Should give their kids

My uncle got what he wanted
For his birthday
When he was six
Or maybe thirteen

From each grandma
wrapped in colorful paper,
with a bow, a statement:
“I’m better than the other bitch”

From my friends,
Many presents
About their parents
But no gift

I think I’ll go see the cat
She’ll play with me
Just me
It will be my gift

Patrice Capitant 2012