Outer Space/The Universe

Much of the first section of the book utilizes outer space and the universe at large as a setting. For example, the long form poem “My God, It’s Full of Stars” explores outer space and imagines the different forms it might take. In other poems, such as “The Universe is a House Party,” space is given agency and in some ways becomes personified. Generally speaking, outer space and the universe as a setting is used as an amorphous concept that the speaker is able to project their imagination onto. It also functions as a means of dwarfing or at times trivializing the events and experiences that take place on earth.

Planet Earth

Earth is used as a general setting in several poems as a contrast to the vast setting of outer space featured in other poems. Ironically, the poem “Life on Mars” features the...