Acknowledgments

This book exists thanks to the magic and hard work of Sophia Janowitz, the patience and wisdom of Seth Godin and Alex Miles Younger, and the confidence and faith of Kelly Stoetzel, Chris Anderson, and the Scarecrow Brigade.

This poem exists thanks to the support and guidance of the NYC Urbana Poetry Slam, the Bowery Poetry Club, all the poets that light up the New York City poetry community, and mentors like Taylor Mali, Cristin O’Keefe Aptowicz, Jeanann Verlee, Anthony Veneziale, the Ferril-McCaffreys, and Rives.

These drawings exist thanks to the sight and insight of Joel Janowitz, Sarah Wainwright, Jan Kawamura-Kay, Jeffrey Kay, Deanne Urmy, Doug Fitch, Anne Lilly, Lily Herman, Michael Leibenluft, Katrina Landeta, Marianna Pease, and Rebecca, Marina, Mandy, and Terry Hopkins.

This joy exists thanks to the patience and love of family (you know who you are), friends who might as well be family (you know who you are), and especially Sophia Janowitz, James Schonzeit, Tatiana Gellein, Phil Kaye, Emily Borromeo, Kayla Ringelheim, Alex Kryger, and the Higher Keys.

This girl exists thanks to Mom, Pop, and PK.

And Lion and Blankie.