new map

Where do I begin?

To unpack

put in place

the words that escape—proper narrative processing of the past near-two months (two months!) since leaving Minneapolis for Austin, Texas.

Pass Go! Go! Go! collect 200 names and faces, find a new rhythm and scrap the thesis, I’m gonna need a whole new map and reams of legends to unlock it.

I’m having a wonderful time. My job is fulfilling and fun, the city friendly and hot! hot! traffic atrocious and tacos delicious.

I get to play with the prettiest girl

spar with the wittiest Arthur

pick out places to set my bones

brake for roadside shrines to conspiracy

follow creeks through the center of the city

and once—get this—shoot pool and listen to Tool with the Brothers K like it’s 2002 and life never happened to any of us.

Most people tell me, “Welcome to Austin!” but one guy said, “Welcome to Texas.”

That’s when I felt fullest.

There’s a place for me in all of this.