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.