Uninvited

I sit at the edge, watching rings exchange,

the air thick with promises, sweet

as untouched cake on my plate,

a reminder of joy I’m excluded from.

The laughter swirls, light and warm,

yet in my heart, the chill lingers,

table for one among the throng,

a silent toast to choices not taken,

to love that feels so far away,

that slice of cake tastes bittersweet.