Approaching Birthday

I did not know the date

Or even the month.

But I knew from the changing seasons,

Autumn chilling into winter,

My birthday

Was fast approaching.

Birthdays at home

Had been full of love,

Family,

Presents,

And cake.

Birthdays belonged

In the past.

Folded tight,

Tucked away,

With memories

Mama,

Papa,

Mushke,

Leybl.

Birthdays did not belong

In Auschwitz

Where I did not know

If I would live another day

Let alone

Until my birthday.