When I was young and too determined,
shaking my personality around by its neck,
I met a man.

I wore high heels.
I wore long jeans.
I tried to stay awake at 2am.

I wore sunglasses inside
comedy clubs.

When I was young and uninvested,
shaking my pride around by its neck,
I met another man.

I carried Doritos in my purse.
I carried Blue Moon in my purse.
I stayed at home until everyone else had gone home from the comedy clubs.

I wore fancy dresses
in my kitchen.

When I was young and undetermined,
When I was young and invested,
laying my discontentment down to rest on a soft bed of acceptance,
I met men.

I wore destressed jeans and fancy cardigans and off the shoulder t-shirts.
I wore slacks and sweaters and ID badges.
I went to work, went to work, and wrote.

I wore reading glasses
at rock concerts.

Someday, I will be young and in love–
then what will I do?