A Devout Wish

I breathed in.
I couldn’t get enough air.
I coughed through the hitch in my throat.

I tried again,
A deep breath that didn’t satisfy.
I hacked in rhythm to a steel drum beat.

A third time still.
I, my lungs to bursting, filled.
It came rushing out in an ineffectual breeze.

The birthday candles stayed lit.


-A poem dedicated to all those of my friends and family who have a birthday in July.