Why I Want To Be a Black Hole
after Martha Silano

Because we cannot fathom the vastness concentrated within,
how much they handle, no time no matter.
Because, speaking of matter, and time,
no one knows how either works
in a black hole, so we accept their distortions.

Because we like how they make waves.

Because black holes are engulfed by the light they engulf;
they bend and grab and twist,
luring stars into their lullaby swirl.
Because NASA says they are “among the most mysterious
cosmic objects, much studied but not fully understood.”

Because black holes have no need to be understood.

Because black holes are undercover introverts, exposing
themselves by disturbing the neighbors.
Because black holes don’t have cancer or capitalism or guns,
but if they did they’d seal them properly
and save us from ourselves.

Because relativity offers a degree of freedom.

Because if I were a black hole, and space were falling inwards,
I’d embrace every paradox I embodied
and harness my own momentum
to matter.

*

Edith-Nicole Cameron (she/they) writes, teaches, and parents in Minneapolis. Their work is featured in journals including Literary Mama, elsewhere magazine, Brevity Blog, and River Teeth’s Beautiful Things. They are working on their first chapbook.