They made a circle out of sage and gold

[sovay]

It is my birthday. I am forty years old, which makes me the age of a character in an unpublished novel when their life changes all ways for the better, which I would enjoy as an omen: a second plague celebration was definitely not on the docket last year. I woke to a card from my godmother and a package from selkie and a book from my parents. With any luck this wandering cloud-slipping sun will hold long enough for us to get to the sea, as I have been promised. I am still here and especially these days that should count for something.

Comments

[radiantfracture]

Happy birthday! I made you a thing (as yet untitled):


[birthday incantation? something like that.]


I need a beginning.

The sea, then, with its gifts.

Let me see you as you will be, singer,
upright among the shore rocks, a taper
each moment brighter, eating the storm
and shining back its fervors,
lightning dancing in your grinning teeth.

Or Proteus, if you prefer,
uttering the ocean’s prophecies,
first taking, then changing,
the form of each thing clutched,
released –
turning all the stones of the strand
with your long fingers
to show the life surging beneath.

Caveat, proviso –
I worry about the undertow
in all wishes. An it harm none,
especially you.

If Arachne were all admiration.

Then let my thoughts travel on the night bus,
slow shuttle, drawing the line
between the far edges of the frame,

while you set to work
unravelling the snarled roadways,
sorting them into even weaves.

What pattern emerges?
You will tell me. You will sing it
beautifully.

[sovay]

Happy birthday! I made you a thing

It's a wonderful, wonderful thing. Thank you for it. I didn't expect it at all. Also, if it doesn't sound narcissistic, you should really send it somewhere. It's good.

*many hugs*