After mentioning Philip Larkin a few weeks ago, I figured I may as well showcase another collection of poetry that I have an interest in (and haven’t yet read).
Night Sky with Exit Wounds is not only a rather mellow and pained sounding title, but the name of Ocean Vuong’s 2016 collection of poetry that fixates on themes of love, loss, conflict, memories and the past, as well as desire. Effectively, it hones in on the most painful and passionate sides of our human nature.
Most poets are sensitive, philosophical, and sometimes morbid, individuals—but the themes in Vuong’s collection strike me as a particularly potent example of pain, emotional understanding, and a grasp of painful—but moving—topics that we all tend to face at some point in life.
Besides that, the title and cover are beautiful and calming. It’s a work that just seems to radiate with sombre elegance. I look forward to reading it, whenever that may be.
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