Anne Sexton (1928-1974) was an American poet known for her “confessional verse”—a very personal style of poetry. She is known to have suffered from several mental disorders, including depression. Her work reflects her struggle to maintain a positive outlook and connect with others around her.

The Fury Of Sunsets

Something
cold is in the air,
an aura of ice
and phlegm.
All day I’ve built
a lifetime and now
the sun sinks to
undo it.
The horizon bleeds
and sucks its thumb.
The little red thumb
goes out of sight.
And I wonder about
this lifetime with myself,
this dream I’m living.
I could eat the sky
like an apple
but I’d rather
ask the first star:
why am I here?
why do I live in this house?
who’s responsible?
eh?