November 22, 1956
Happy birthday, Miss Lorleen
Crisp sheets lay frigid on my body My foot stretches out like a tentacle searching for a warm spot On the peeling linoleum None!
I make a mad dash across the trailer; windows rattle as I hurtle by to turn on the heater box One coil lights up My birthday candle Make a wish Miss Lorleen…
I crash back into bed and burrow neath the pile of sweaters and bathrobes that serve as blankets I curl up next to the body lying next to me The one that tries not to touch me anymore Only conceding to sleep with me this night out of need for body warmth
I’m glad for all those pounds I’ve gained to accommodate the slight form that lies open mouthed, snoring, one tooth missing He rolls over and farts My birthday song How long has it been since he sang to me? Happy birthday to you Happy birthday dear Lorleen…
I wait Wait for the heater coil to creep into my room Wait for the man next to me to stir and try to remember the last time I truly felt warm felt loved
Outside One silver thread escapes through steel grey clouds between the dusty gingham curtains and for one moment rests on my forehead My birthday kiss
I rub the warm spot to make it last Before the day begins.
Happy birthday to you….