On your birthday, my dear
     friend, I think of you,

and sunshine--
     because the two are so

entwined in my mind--
     you light up every room

with your perma-smile,
     your energy bringing dull places

to life. You carry light
     with you, golden curls bouncing,

always a touch of bronze on
     your skin. And your heart,

warm and overflowing with love
     for your Appalachia and her

people, surely has nourished many.
     On your birthday, my dear

friend, may you feel the love
     returning back to you

from all those who have
     known your glow

and, like the sunflower, 
     are thankful simply to bask.