Forgotten Cheers

The calendar glows in mocking triumph,

like a cruel prank, another year slips by.

A friend's text buzzes, cheerful and bright,

my chest tightens as emptiness swells,

a crumpled birthday invitation,

lying forgotten under my bed,

each creased line a testament

to joy that feels foreign.

Shouldn't this be mine?

Instead, I drown in silence,

a gift left unopened, gathering dust.