— Clarice Lispector, from “The Stream of Life.”

candy heart that says "i don't want your love unless you know i am repulsive and love me even as you know it”

You are gone now, truly
and to look you up in the dictionary
is no longer possible or

enough. The new season’s arrow
cleaves the maudlin
right out of the air, stays

the wavering knife. Better off
without you, say the crickets, say
the Christmas tree lights

which each night make a party
out of the darkness, tell me
which green porch is home.

— Maggie Nelson, “Tell Me,” in Something Bright, Then Holes

what should i get at ihop

alright.

“Once you realize there is life after mistakes, you gain a self-confidence that never goes away.”

— Bob Schieffer

Gwen Benaway, from “ Boys” Holy Wind