Cake

 

We put the sweet cake

On the painted plate

Time for tea 

She claps her hands in glee

I fill a tea pot 

For a cup of tea

Checking first that dormouse

Isn't inside 

After the cake

We will have fresh strawberries

Sweet as blushed cheeks

And thick silky cream

The sugar will make us sleep 

How glorious that will be

But it's your special day

She trills

You should want it to 

Last forever and ever

Depression makes the days long

Makes you want them to be shorter 

So finally you can rest

We sit at the wooden table

Alice's hands jiggle 

With anticipation

I cut the cake in half 

And she sinks in her teeth 

With a smile on her face

Sugar around her lips

She can be happy 

With the littlest things

I admire her for that

I nibble at my half 

Of the cake

Try not to cry

She looks at me

Happy birthday 

She whispers

Thank you Alice 

I say

Glad we have each other

On this day.