Accidentally Thirty

I blinked at twenty,

woke at thirty

Still wearing shirts I bought too early

My knees make sounds when I stand up

My favorite bands sell anniversary merch

The kids online call me "unc"

I don't know what that means—but stop

I downloaded one new app Then asked my younger brother how it

works

I accidentally became thirty

Nobody asked if I was ready

I still feel seventeen and nervous With more passwords and insurance

I accidentally became thirty

Life got heavy, strange and worthy

I lost some friends,

I found some mercy I’m not where I thought—but I’m still working

(yeah, yeah) Some dreams changed,

some dreams died

Some came true in weird disguise

I learned that strength is asking help

And leaving places that erase you

I watched my mother getting older

Held my family slightly closer

Time is cruel because it matters

Love is scary for the same reason

Maybe growing up isn’t arriving

Maybe it’s learning how to stay

When the younger version of you Would have run the other way

I accidentally became thirty

Still ridiculous, still learning

I may never feel completely ready But I’m finally becoming friendly With

the person in the mirror

See you at forty.

Please drive slowly. (mmmmm)