I felt the strong grip of the nylon strip that held me together.

Keeping me from crashing,

The seatbelt brought peace to my mind.

I knew it would never let go,

It would always keep me in place.

I felt a sense of trust, 

A memory only familiar in my childhood years.

I remember the lime green and barbie pink birthday cake

And the sparkly white unicorns prancing on the plastic table.

The crowd of blurry faces finished singing the sickly-sweet tune of Happy Birthday

As I blew the candles out from my fathers’ lap.

I always enjoyed my father's birthday cards, 

They would happily greet me once a year

On my special day.

I was naive.

Oh so naive.

I did not know that would be my last greeting from him.

I was so happy sitting on my fathers’ lap

As his bright pink birthday card greeted me

Hello.

My eyes fluttered open.

I am no longer surrounded by the unknown faces

And unicorn paper cups.

I can no longer smell the faint aroma of frosting and blown-out candles.

I can no longer feel the warm embrace of my father's arms.

Instead, I feel the cold, rough strip of nylon

Holding me together

As I wish for one more greeting,

One more birthday card 

From my father.