Erin

Last Thursday, I sat on your ground

In a cold rain, and am still chilled.

Today, you turn twenty-five.

My gorgeous girl, I stand and my face

Comes apart, I want to howl...

I'm freshening your flowers, pink roses,

Your favorite.  Beside you

Mother and Daddy, and Uncle Mike.

A little girl, you ambushed me 

Each night arriving home from work,

Hiding, then vaulting into my lap.--

Just last month in Brooklyn, you 

And I took off adventuring.

Wandering the Bronx Zoo in a drizzle.

You caught the brooding eyes

Of the Silverback, glued to my side.