SELECTED POEMS

Lessons for a Birthday

i.

like a painting
the poems of the dead
are more precious

 

ii.

read about sex
in the children’s section
of the library

 

iii.

watched girls and boys
in a dream on stage
where we all live

 

iv.

here you coin a term
for your age
to set yourself apart

 

v.

but why should i respect you

 

vi.

my face is a torn rag
the sunset is blood red
now i am sorry

by Tan Lixin
from Keeping Skeletons (2013)

 

SELECTED POEMS: “Funeral Song” >