57 is 19 x 3

Pressed between the pages, filled with love across the ages

Sweeter words expressing your grace were not written by sages

The thoughts of the joy, the twinkle in your eye caught this boy

I meant every single word babe, loving you I would never toy And I’ve been banging my head, nights with no you I’d sooner be dead

But I sit again and add more to the realms of poems instead

Another year passes by alone, I sit and I stare at that goddamn phone

The love we share touches me more than anything I’ve ever known

In my head I commit acts of violence, I curse the world in silence

Then I calm myself, hearing my grandma and smelling her violets

Dasn’t get so upset kid, end up like your pa, talk silly and blow your lid

Close your eyes and say a prayer that it gets better, so I did

But it’s the mere thought, it guides me to the place that I sought

And I finally chill, actually chuckle at the resolve that it brought

Mother chimes in about care, I hear her daily even though she’s not there

Promises made are meant to be kept she said as she twirled my hair

Those eyes were not lying, follow through boy, you have to keep trying

No battle was ever won by sitting there yelling and crying

So I just figured I would say, I give my right arm to find a way

To look you in the eyes,

kiss you and wish you a Happy Birthday

But if it doesn’t come to fruition, I will do my best not to bemoan our position

Only to picture the joy we will share when we finally improve our condition

I love you Christina Rose!

Tim Windisch

01 24 2025