Happy Birthday Mom

We stride into the
luxurious hotel restaurant,
my grandmother and I,
hastily searching for our
patiently waiting family

My grandfather sits
at the far end of the table,
withdrawn from the crowd,
cousins laugh as they play
catch with the coffee mugs,
which I quickly confiscate

I paste on my smile
as we sit around the table,
and I pretend to be thankful
as we bow our heads
and say grace

While everyone digs into
the turkey and mashed potatoes,
I seem to be the only one who
notices the empty seat
at the head of the table

I make sure no one notices
as I bow my head and whisper,
"Happy Birthday Mom"