Earlier Poems Quotes

“In real life
it’s the living who haunt you.

— Franz Wright, from section 1 of “Observations,” Earlier Poems (Alfred A. Knopf, 2007)”
― Franz Wright, Earlier Poems

“This was the first time I knelt
and with my lips, […] kissed
the lit inwardly pink petaled lips.

It was like touching a bird’s exposed heart
with your tongue.

Summer dawn flowing into the room parting the
curtains–the lamp dimming–breeze

rendered visible. Lightning,
and then soft applause
from the leaves …

Almost children, we lay asleep in love listening to the rain.
We didn’t ask to be born.

— Franz Wright, “Untitled,” Earlier Poems (Alfred A. Knopf, 2007)”
― Franz Wright, Earlier Poems