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.
