Birthday Poem

The years pass
one after another, like minutes
evolving into hours.

You grow this way—
fingers unfist
legs become
lean and muscled.

I am abandoned by minutes.
Wax drips its slow journey
to sweetness. You mouth the flame,

used breath, escaping your lips,
lingers upon a wish.
It awes and extinguishes

Another year:
its way scent filling our kitchen.