Grandpa's Cigar

A pinata hangs

next to streamers

and cellophane banners

with Nemo

playing in the background.

Children fight

over party favors

and cookie wafers

until they dye

their t-shirts rainbow.

The cramped dining room,

filled with unfamiliar family.

sings in unison

the birthday song

with wishes of wealth

and good health

until the short breath

of the restless boy

smothers the flame on the cake.

He starts a new year

seperated from you,

with only a memory

of your scent of smoke.