Birthday morning but still woke up early, as usual, to write. My stillborn sister Vanessa came through this morning’s poem. I like my birthday in new ways as I get older. I like the spiral of time, of love and forgiveness. I like the chance to live. How it happens over and over. I like my strong body, the feeling of this house of flesh and bones. It sags and pulls in new ways, thanks a lot gravity, but it surprises me with its power and softness too. I’m grateful today. I’m 46.