A Birthday Hug

In neon light,

the alleys hum,


pins crashing,

laughter echoing off the walls,


the sweetness of birthday cake in the air.

Grandpa Dale’s smoke curls linger,


reaching for memories


that now live only in art and whispers.

Kelsey’s embrace —

so vivid, I can almost feel it —


soft, warm, and steady,


a hug that holds the world still,

if only for a moment.