My Birthday, 1995

Today she let me stay with her.
She let me watch her fold the laundry.
She took my hand and wished me
Truly well. And I have been gifted
by the heavens. I know.
I have been given another chance.
Another birthday means another life.
I don't make lists.
I don't measure out my regrets.
She gave me that lovely smile,
so much like Ariel in the Southern Hemisphere
Or Ariadne spinning her thread.
The source of life is very close here.
She holds me dear.
Another chance.

Another poem from the summer I was in love with Connie McAllister Panichi.