The director of the First Years
had me meet in her office.

She wanted to discuss
my shortcomings
and the seriousness
of my irresponsibility
and instability.

She said,

“You just can’t stay up for three days.
You need to regulate your sleep schedule,
or else you’re going to grow ill.”

Which I already was. Dreadfully.

She was serious.
She was concerned for my well-being.

We discussed an upcoming show.

When I was to leave,
I told her my parents would be there,
and reminded her she had already met my father.

To which she responded, “And your two brothers.”

I said, “So then, perhaps my mother and sisters as well.”

She replied, “See, I care, now you need to.”

And I never stopped letting her down.