Her Name in the Sky

by Kelly Quindlen

For now that she understands the yearnings of her heart, what is she supposed to do?

“I don’t know—I mean, it’s like, how long have you known your own name?”

If he knows every hair on her head, why can he not recognize the truth of her heart?

And this neck—this neck that has leaned forward so she could pray over a chair, that has tilted back so she could see the heavens, that has turned to the side so she could hide from her demons, that has propelled her forward so she could kiss a girl.

I find you so amazing is that you’ve always seemed to know who you are. So if you’re now learning more about who that is, then how can I be anything but happy for you?”