Let's make this birthday one to remember.

49 years old (Born on August 20, 1975)

Happy Birthday, Matthew! Another year older, wiser, and still effortlessly turning life's messy moments into poetic gold. From "All-American Poem" to "Black Ice," you've navigated the slippery slopes of existence with grace—and occasionally a well-placed metaphor. Your students at Vermont College of the Arts are lucky; rumor has it your lectures are so inspiring they've started rhyming their grocery lists.

And let's not forget your editorial magic at Tin House Magazine—turning literary chaos into curated brilliance. May this birthday bring you as much joy as your poetry brings us laughter and insight. Cheers to another stanza-worthy year!