"Second Nature" by Paul Tran
Second Nature
I lived An invisible life. Like wisteria In winter, I grew, broke Through depths Nobody fathomed. I devoured wind, Wicked light God invented. I invented drama. Just because Was reason Enough. To hope Against hope I became Terrible, terrifying, terrific— By spring There was No stopping me. I suffered No fools, Except my nature. To display My genius, I carried on. I transitioned Every season. I was seasoned. How? Because I’m now Mystery and clarity: The candle Flame casting On the wall No shadow Yet making Everything around it A shadow. Originally published in The New Yorker; Appears in All the Flowers Kneeling (Penguin, 2022)
Paul Tran is the author of the debut poetry collection, All the Flowers Kneeling (Penguin, 2022).
Order All the Flowers Kneeling: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/676719/all-the-flowers-kneeling-by-paul-tran/