As your birthday approaches, 
Facebook reminds me 
your big day is coming—
“Birthdays this week”
and then, on the eve,
“Wish Ray Borovich
a happy birthday” and part 
of me does. Part of me sends
a joyous happy birthday
at you across several years
and all the loss. Your other 
186 friends must get a reminder,
too, from the clueless, 
timeless Facebook. 

I receive these nudges, too,
for other friends long dead,
Joan and Claudia.
They all live on in cyberspace,
every snarky comment,
every small victory
every God loves ya.
every 👍 and ♥
and cat on a Roomba—
all still inhabiting that
endless, scrolling page. 

I’ll make the cake for you, Ray.
I’ll add one more candle,
and I’ll blow them all out.
I’ll send you a birthday 
greeting just so I can Like it,
clicking and clicking 
like ruby slippers calling           
you home.