XXVI

I’m 26
DANG
I spent my 26th birthday
The way that I spent my 16th
On a beach in Nassau, Bahamas
One of my favorite places in the world
Not because of the weather
Because it’s the same as home
But because
It is truly special
It brought me out of a funk when I was 16
Helped with a broken heart when I was 20
Allowed me to find my laugh again at 25
And reminded me to count my blessings everyday
At 26
I’m 26
WOW
The last half of 25 was a whirl wind
I was on hand to experience history
I cried and I laughed
I lost and I gained
I was let down and disappointed
I excelled
I tiptoed around falling in love again
I hurt someone
And I got hurt
Re-found confidence and security after leaving
Them on a park bench for a brief moment
I wonder how 26 is going to start
26
SERIOUSLY I’m 26
I have decided to hold on to my realism
Mixed with optimism and fantasy
For at least one more year
I’m positive that the older I get
The better I get
I’m going to keep my heart open
Despite the caution tape that’s in front of me
Embrace what makes me
Patience
I’ll treasure every moment
And capture every dream
That 26 brings