When I Grow Up I Want to Be a List of Further Possibilities

LONGLISTED FOR THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FOR POETRY

WINNER OF THE THOM GUNN AWARD FOR GAY POETRY

WINNER OF THE GLCA NEW WRITERS AWARD

WINNER OF THE A. POULIN, JR. POETRY PRIZE

A LIBRARY JOURNAL BEST BOOK OF 2017 SELECTION: POETRY & LITERATURE

ON NPR BOOKS''S LIST OF "POETRY TO PAY ATTENTION TO: 2017''S BEST VERSE"

In this ferocious and tender debut, Chen Chen investigates inherited forms of love and family-the strained relationship between a mother and son, the cost of necessary goodbyes-all from Asian American, immigrant, and queer perspectives. Holding all accountable, this collection fully embraces the loss, grief, and abundant joy that come with charting one''s own path in identity, life, and love.

In the Hospital

My mother was in the hospital & everyone wanted to be my friend.
But I was busy making a list: good dog, bad citizen, short
skeleton, tall mocha. Typical Tuesday.
My mother