Birthday Present

back then I didn’t
dare wish openly for a girl,
another boy would be a fine
addition to the family, it brings
bad luck to have a preference.
but
I secretly hoped, keeping
my wish close to my chest
as I waited every day for
the new arrival, everyday
an effort in the unrelenting
heat, to wait, to wait
until I held my newborn
baby girl in my arms
and cried with

happiness.