52. Birthdays

You existed before, in your mother’s womb.
There you were comfortable, warm and cared for.

But you left that place behind.
You entered a world, cold and harsh.
The mere act of living became a struggle.
You cried.

Yet, every year you celebrate that day.

Because the day you were born,
you were no longer the extension of another being.
The day you came to this world,
you were empowered to give the world something
that neither your parents,
nor your teachers
could give to you.

Celebrate your birthday.
And take time to think:
Was I really born?
What have I given the world that the world did not give to me?