Michael died, in part at least, when he was 21

Michelle has had three birthdays now since Michael has been gone

She hides the Adam’s Apple that’s protruding from her throat

By wearing her pashmina and top-buttoning her coat

She’s raised her voice an octave and has mastered gentle talk

But cannot hide the strident clumsiness in Michael’s walk

Michael died, in part at least, when he was 21

Michelle has had three birthdays now since Michael has been gone

She cannot buy from Prada; Michelle is no size 10

And shoes are problematic – they don’t do heels for men

Not that she would need them, standing 6 feet tall

But, unlike Cinderella, she will not go to the Ball

Michael died, in part at least, when he was 21

Michelle has had three birthdays now since Michael has been gone

Her nails are finely manicured; Michelle is proud of them

Her fingers though like sausages, her hands like trawlermens’

Embarrassed by the size of them she hides each in a glove

But nothing stops Michelle’s life’s quest to find eternal love