Tan Lixin (b. 1993)
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)
