another candle on the cake

they told me to place

another birthday, another year

surrounded by my family and Friends

but I don't think I've ever felt this alone

I promised myself so many things

I'd do by this day, this year, this age

I hope I've been able to make myself proud

did I make it?

I would've asked myself this today

yes. yes, I did make it

but at what cost?

I wouldn't say I'm happy but

didn't I promise that to myself too?

or is this hollow hope all I'll ever get?

birthdays.

once, maybe, they were milestones 

but all they'll ever be is 

another candle on the cake