Something Bright, Then Holes Quotes

“WHAT IT IS

It is what
it is. But
what is it?

What it is—

Some soft
tautology

whose terms
are touch

Time to give, time
to give it up. ”
― Maggie Nelson, Something Bright, Then Holes

“Afterward (or, The Bridge)

Because desire always exceeds
its object. Because the energy you gave me

feels big enough to birth wings. Because
I want you to push into the wetness

and I know it. Because of the salt
and the wind. Because everything

that is supposed to happen
will happen, is happening, or

has already happened. Because
ambivalence is more beautiful

than justice. Because my heart is
shooting ahead, and I have no choice

but to follow it. Because I want you
to be happy, with or without me.

Because of the birds fleeing the storm.
Because the harbor is permeable

and shining. Because it felt like
that last night of my life

but it wasn't. Because a web of cables
is there to catch me if I blow

sideways, and always will be. Because
I walked across the bridge and was free.”
― Maggie Nelson, Something Bright, Then Holes

“and I am missing you in the way
that spreads. I'm trying

to wear my freedom like
an amulet, make it something

I'll never forget.”
― Maggie Nelson, Something Bright, Then Holes

“...But I trust I will live
in my skin again, if life
is sweet and long.”
― Maggie Nelson, Something Bright, Then Holes

“...No more words
from the field! Thus begins
the slow slide back
to my life, back
to the plans I drew
before the summer
became the summer
of wanting you”
― Maggie Nelson, Something Bright, Then Holes