Today, I grow. My petals do not wither, my crown does not fall. I breathe the parasites that once clung to me — and I do not mind. Today, I am celebrated. The world bears witness that I was once born, once wished to die, but life has lent me a new breath. I no longer curse this day. Today, the sky welcomes me— so beautiful, I can’t tell if it’s me or the view it paints. It says, “both,” for today is my day. The brightness of my smile inspires it, perhaps somewhere, a child is born too— one whose life will bloom in blessings, just like mine, it says. Songs echo, candles are blown, the wind hums in celebration. Family rejoices, love spreads, happiness lingers in the air. And I— I fall silent for a while, realizing once again this is the day the world embraces me, sings me joy, and gifts me a name that sounds like a prayer from heaven.