Radically Happy

I am at camp.
Summer camp.
Nerd camp.
(What we now would call STEM)
Probably in Florida.

I am awesome.
Funny, like Rohan.
Everyone knows who I am.
It feels wonderful.

I even win an award.
“Mr. Popular”
It includes the right to crash any party.
Not just at nerd camp.
Any camp.
(Though it may just be honorary)

I see two girls whispering.
Perhaps arguing.
They finally come over.
They are going to a party.
They have a friend coming from out of town.
She needs a date.

I’m flattered.
I’m awesome.
I’m impressed they had the courage to ask.
And dared to believe I’d agree.
I say yes.

I get to the party.
I am a total jerk.
I don’t remember the girl.
I use magic to terrorize those who insult me.

I get back to the dorm room.
It is late.
My teenage son Rohan is there.
He is supposedly watching a movie.
But is actually lying on his side texting.
I hint that he should go to sleep.

Then I wake up

---

Reflection

• I’ve never cared much about popularity and acceptance.
• I cared a lot about girls liking me.
• The annual UW Eua Claire science camp was a big part of high school summers for me.

I am often loud
And frequently argumentative
But never a jerk.

I wonder
If I wish I could be.