Today is your birthday.

Would have been your birthday.

Still is

But different

I saw a cardinal

You always loved them

I’ve been indifferent

On the verge of distaste

I see their facade on too many things

But this morning

When he flitted by on red wing

My heart squeezed

I called out your name

And he looked back at me

Flew to the lavender bush beside me

And chirped.

I miss you.

With every day.

Every breath.

I miss you.