Birthdays Shared

by Michael Dylan Welch and Alan S. Bridges

First published in Blithe Spirit 30:3, August 2020, page 65. Originally written in January of 2018. Verses in this rengay were inspired by famous people who were born on each of our birthdays. Michael wrote about Alan’s birthday, and Alan wrote about Michael’s.

dying is an art—

“Hughes” chiseled off

Plath’s gravestone again Michael

a second chance, as George Bailey—

it’s a wonderful life Alan

on Mt. Rushmore

the youngest dead president

carved with glasses Michael

Sonny and Cher’s

“I Got You Babe”

karaoke solo Alan

Dylan Thomas’s photo faded

at the White Horse Tavern Michael

the right to die—

he argues John Stuart Mill’s

harm principle Alan