Happy Birthday by Rae Iolene

Happy Birthday 

I.

Crossfit before dawn

BOO! TWO more months, Rach! Two More!

Ah! I jolt awake. 

You scared her on her birthday!

Happy birthday! April Fools’?

II.

Was that true online?

Is it really your birthday?

Well, I’m not a joke,

born on this day years ago. 

But are you sure? April Fools’!

III.

Dissecting cats, cut—   

epididymis loose—Hey!

You hold it, a gift,

It is not for my daughter.

April Fools’ is not for her. 

xx. Rae Iolene

1 April 2026