Thursday, March 3, 2022

the birthday card

for Marsha

Picking through the limited grocery store selection

Needing to find a birthday card for a friend

Faced with a choice between pleasing artwork and words

My partner decided that the words are more important


It's the thought that counts as they say

So almost any card would be welcome

Acknowledging the sisterly bond between them

Forged in their personal and political history


Knowing each other for so many years

Working together to organize demonstrations

Leading comrades in the struggle for liberation

Dedicating their lives to making a revolution


In a lifetime marked by celebrations and also setbacks

By hopeful developments and also reactionary repression

By the rising tide of advances and also the ebb of retreat

It takes a special person to remain an enthusiastic optimist


Not having seen the card inside its envelope yet

My words no doubt are very similar to what is there

Sharing a common vocabulary of heartfelt well wishes

Appreciating our continuing connection with her