This is the Anniversary poem.

I’d like to mark 

The last time I stepped foot into the COA library,

Where I sat and learned to hide myself away during my first semester at college.

The first day I met Sophia and Dawson,

Who have kept me rooted in place, both at UNE and in the pleasure of everyday life.

The day I realized I was starting to fly,

My father looked at me and told me, “Go, spread your wings. Fly.” before he rolled the window back up and left me there.

I didn’t believe I’d ever be able to.

It took me months to learn how,

I kept falling on my face.

But soon, unbeknownst to myself, I was flying.

I wish I knew when I’d learned how.