on her 22nd birthday

she had hoped for a surprise party

all her friends yell surprise

instead

she sat at home alone

cheap red wine, tears in her eyes

on her 22nd birthday

she had hoped to have a man

to fill her night's desires

instead

she dresses in flannel and wool

to keep her warm when she retires

on her 22nd birthday

she had hoped to have a life

a future filled with hope

instead

she kicked a chair from under her

and dangled from the end of a rope