And then I turned 23.

I turned twenty-two.

In Austin, Texas.

I walked across a stage,
and was handed a diploma.

And backpacked from Barcelona to Sorrento.

I followed my sister back home.

And then fell in love.

(& in love with 4 and 2.)

I rode a bus all over New Zealand.

(With a flannel and my best friend.)

I broke my heart.

And then broke it again.

I cried some.

And then cried some again.

I picked up and left.
Swore to God that I was through.

And lived in a kitchen.

New York City with forty bucks.

Was a waitress in bowling alley.

And moved in to Queens.
And out in 2 weeks.
To a balcony and Central Park backyard.
And a smiling little baby boy.

And then I turned 23.