My 40th birthday

Sitting at the end
of three square tables
pushed together,
I look around at you
my friends for years.
I am blessed
to have eight busy lives
find time for mine tonight.
One life has crossed mine
for 33 years,
another for 24,
and a third for 22.
Years were lost between,
but always reunions
were met with smiles,
hugs, and kind words.
Even just a phone call
could lead to hours
of conversation.
And here we are tonight
for my 40th year on earth.
Drinks are served.
Toasts are made.
Stories are told
and oft denied,
followed with laughter.
Dinner is ordered.
Drinks are drunk.
And pictures are taken.
Not everyone
knows each other.
Couples split and turn
to new friends
for conversation.
I sit at the head
of these three tables,
these eight people,
and wish
this dinner
would never end.