Another birthday has arrived, and in the spirit of embracing the years with a smile (and the occasional startled glance in the mirror), I’ve written two new poems — in the mood of marking another turn around the sun — and turned them into songs as well.
I hope they bring you a smile, or even a raised glass in quiet celebration of being here.
Still Here — Cheers to That
Another birthday and I am still here
Who’s that in the mirror?
Oh, dear…
Let me see
Oh no
I think it’s me!
It’s my birthday—
is this the best I can do‽
I’ll pretend its not me
but someone else in lieu.
I did brush my hair
but you wouldn’t think so
and where am I
where did my looks go?
Anyway,
I shrug my shoulders
and turn away
after all, it is my birthday
time to celebrate
that I am still here
time to crack open
and uncork a beer!
—Lesley Scoble, January 2026
Audio — I’m Still Here 🎶
I hope you enjoy this playful interpretation of my very serious poem. I plan to narrate this one myself soon—but for now, I hope you enjoy the song.
The self portrait sketch is how I saw myself on my birthday (January 5th).
I Lost my Looks
In the past year I lost my looks
I’ve tried creams and lotions
and healthcare books.
In the past year I lost my looks
If you find them
please
send them back
without them
my face
hangs
slack
I want to find them
don’t you see?
without them
the face in the mirror…
well,
it
isn’t
me
I’ve read tons of beauty magazines
but
I look like fruit left too long in the bowl—
dried prunes, tangerines,
cheek by jowl
In the past year I lost my looks
where can they be?
They can’t be far
without them my face droops like a windless flag
Oh!
here they are!
Well, who’d have thought
after all the stuff and potions
I’ve bought
while my skin starts to sag
like a rumpled rag
They’ve been here
hiding
in my bag.
—Lesley Scoble, January 2026
Audio — I Lost my Looks 🎶
Thank you, dear reader, for stopping by and reading and/or listening to the poems and songs. I wish you joy and many happy birthdays! 🥳
LesleyScoble.com 
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