On my 40th birthday, <br />I went to a book store, <br />Pulled a book off the shelf <br />Turned to page eight, and saw my name <br />In boldface type, over my own words. <br />I was happy to fork over the 11.95+tax <br />To buy a book with my own poems in it, <br />Even knowing my free copy was in the mail. <br />I just wanted to hold the book in my hands, <br />Wanted to see my own validation in print. <br />On my 40th birthday <br />I got up in front of the biggest crowd <br />I'd ever performed in front of, <br />And unloaded my soul for twenty minutes straight, <br />For once, so comfortable in the spotlight <br />The words just flowed out without struggle. <br />I felt the waves of love and understanding <br />From the audience, for once, so receptive. <br />The standing ovation at the end made me cry. <br />On my 40th birthday <br />One of my favorite teachers from high school <br />Told me he was very proud of me, <br />Proud of the person I'd become, <br />Said he always knew I'd be somebody, someday. <br />He bought one of my chapbooks and asked me <br />For my autograph, and told me to keep in touch. <br />On my 40th birthday, <br />Eight people told me they loved me <br />Two dozen people hugged me <br />Fifty people sang me Happy Birthday <br />One person bought me flowers <br />And one person let me cry on his shoulder <br />When I was overwhelmed by it all.<br /><br />Sandra Brennan<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/on-my-40th-birthday/
