Night Sky with Exit Wounds

by Ocean Vuong

If you must know anything, know that you were born because no one else was coming. The ship rocked as you swelled inside me: love’s echo hardening into a boy.

Everyone can forget us—as long as you remember.

some nights you are the lighthouse / some nights the sea / what this means is that I don’t know / desire other than the need / to be shattered & rebuilt / the mind forgetting / the body’s crime of living

the body is a blade that sharpens by cutting.

If I close my eyes no one can hurt me.

Don’t worry. Your father is only your father until one of you forgets.

Don’t be afraid, the gunfire is only the sound of people trying to live a little longer & failing.

The most beautiful part of your body is where it’s headed. & remember, loneliness is still time spent with the world.