By I have read an Ocean Vuong poem or two prior to this, and have read about Ocean Vuong himself in The New Yorker. He was born in Saigon, lives in NYC, and is 31 years old, having written this, his first full-length collection of poems, in 2016.
I’m pleased to report that I had to wait in line to get this book at the library, and the line continues behind me. A book of poetry that cannot be renewed–imagine that!
I will come back to read these poems again before my three weeks is up, but for now my favorite one-page poem is “Anaphora as Coping Mechanism.”
In the Notes at the end of the book, there is this: “Anaphora as a Coping Mechanism” is for L.D.P.
I am still in line at the library for Vuong’s first novel, On Earth We Are Briefly Gorgeous. I’m looking forward to reading it.
Open Arts Spring 2023 
I am still chewing on this poem – thanks for the workout!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am in that same line, Teri. Reading this poem makes me antsy to get to the front of the line.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The poem is very powerful. Unfortunately, my library does not have Night Sky with Exit Wounds, but I just requested Vuong’s novel (several are ahead of me).Thanks for introducing me to this talented young author.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Barbara and JNaz, it’s good to have your company while waiting in this line to read On Earth We Are Briefly Gorgeous.
I’m happy to have shared this poem with all three of you–glad that Borkali is chewing on it, still.
LikeLiked by 1 person
a lit match.
now i’m thinking lit could be short for literature
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ooh, another layer? Gasoline and fire explode onto the page/explode the page–that tongue the poet’s tongue.
LikeLike
This was a gorgeous poem, Teri. Hope you’ve gotten around to reading On Earth! I just finished it and Ocean Vuong has become something of a permanent favourite.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Shreya, I am still in line for On Earth, now up to #11 of 42. Vuong is working his way into my reading heart.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ahhh so glad to hear that. Let me know how it goes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Summer 2021- Reading Bingo and commented:
Using my ‘Asian American Author’ square for Summer Bingo — thanks to Teri for bringing this book to my attention.
LikeLike