July 16
Though the date has no meaning
for me, though I saw a man roadside
stand begging and suffering is unabated
among some I know there is peace
and among those lives which do not
touch mine one surely celebrates a birthday
one and another an anniversary this night
someone is suddenly a father another
a mother while one touches the last
page of a book and another wipes paint
from her hands. Though the date means nothing
to me those whose lives do not touch mine
are standing beside me in patience
and so to them I say in the darkness someone
you do not know wishes you well
with what magic is left to me I would know
all your names but then the magic of it
would dissolve like a date with no meaning
Translations from the English 
I’ll say this, Jeff: every date that I read one of your poems has more meaning, immediately. Thanks, as always.
You are too kind, or maybe just exactly kind enough. I was hoping you’d read this one; figured you’d get it.
I am exactly pleased by your reply. Thanks again.
I thoroughly enjoyed this poem but July 16th means something to me. My daughter was born on this day. Here is a poem I wrote 8 years ago. I hope you enjoy it.
LAVINIA AT TWENTY
I can never see you clearly
not the way friends and lovers,
enemies and strangers do.
Inside that face the world sees
are all the other faces
hiding in time tunnels
Younger faces
and younger still
passing down the line until
there is only one face
I see.
It is like no other
seen only by a mother
that first face
of that baby
still corded and warm
after birth.
© M.L.Emmett
from Poems for Poodles (not seriously)
Thanks MP. You just proved the point of the poem, I guess, and in a very poetic way!