Unforgettable

Birthdays, exciting and full of joy.
The family comes over bearing gifts
Wrapped in flamboyant paper and shiny ribbons.
Bright balloons of every color in the rainbow,
Some say happy birthday and others are laughable shapes.
Streamers dangle from the ceiling and drape the walls.
The one day of the year about you and what you want.
Friends come piling in ready with their sleeping bags and pillows.

Most birthdays are fun.

Your 15th birthday is a big one.
You’re one step closer to getting your license
And one step closer to independence.
You’ll always remember it.

You go to the movies with your best friend thinking it will be a great time.
You settle yourselves in the back seats while others mosey on in.
The movie starts and you’re laughing, having a good time.
Then a man gets up from his seat and stands in front of you,
You freeze with fear and confusion.
He sits in the seat next to you and places his arm on yours.
You don’t know him.
You look to your friend to see if she noticed it too.
Her eyes are wide with terror but
She won’t move them away from the screen.
You whisper as softly as possible, can we leave?
You both bolt out of theatre and into the bathroom to hide.

You don’t go back to the movies for months but,
You’ll never forget your 15th birthday.