Every 'Birthday' isn't 'Happy'
Day 2/30: A series where I write a poem every single day for 30 days.

Alisha leaves her bed to a new fresh day
She has to earn her bread, at the age when she should play
She carries her crafted hats and sets off to the street
She does this everyday, regardless of scorching heat
"Pink hats, cute hats", she chants like a bird
Somedays she earns the bread, few other; she's unheard
But, today was a special day, It was her 13th birthday
"Happy Birthday, sweetheart", she felt no one would say
She knew birthdays were special, she'd seen girls celebrate
She'd seen a hundered cakes but never one in her plate
How could a BIRTHDAY, for her be a wish?
No one would give her gifts, no one would set her dish
For poor people do have a Christmas, but it's not always merry
They have a birthday too, but who said the word 'happy'?
She went to work that day, no matter her 'birthday'
To feed herself and stay, that was her life and way
.
Author's Note:
Thank you so much for reading! Have a beautiful day ahead :)
About the Creator
Maryam Batool
I'm 17
I'm a storyteller who loves poems, fiction, and romance. Creativity is my constant companion. I take joy in turning thoughts into worlds. Writing is my way of exploring life and connecting with others
Ready to let my writing bloom!
Reader insights
Nice work
Very well written. Keep up the good work!
Top insights
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Expert insights and opinions
Arguments were carefully researched and presented
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme



Comments (6)
This was heartbreaking, but very true.
Nice poem with some deep ponderous thoughts. Well done! You are right Christmases aren’t always merry and birthdays aren’t always happy. But we can find the will in our minds to reach a personal merriment or happiness within these respective events. Even the poorest most destitute person can have a modicum of happiness living within themselves. I like what Calvin London stated in the previous comment: People have the ability to love.
Beautiful, sad but true. There is so much dichotomy in the world and different levels of success, kindness, health, etc. There is one thing that is uniform across all levels of society. People have the ability to love.
My heart broke so much for her 😭😭😭😭😭
For poor people do have a Christmas, but it's not always merry They have a birthday too, but who said the word 'happy'? These two lines hold the soul of the entire poem. A beautiful one and so sad!
A heartbreaking truth 🥺