Self-Portrait as Jerry Quarry

by Vito Aiuto

Vito Aiuto’s poems are funny, heartbreaking, and serious as Hell. They borrow from the blue-collar ethos of Philip Levine, the lexical playfulness of Frank O’Hara, the anxious self-deprecating wit of Mark Halliday, and the theological insight of J.I. Packer, but the voice we hear is nothing if not singular. In the course of these terse yet panoramic fables, John Calvin shares the spotlight with journeyman pugilists, doubt and faith, a wife, a lost father, consumerism, God, a guy named Mess . . . Moreover, Aiuto thrills and frightens us. Part confession and part stand-up routine, Self-Portrait as Jerry Quarry refuses to shy away from sin or the awkward business of atonement.

Genres: Poetry

64 pages, Paperback

First published September 17, 2002

Reviews

[Andy Littleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the grit, honesty, blue collar flavor, and theological insight combined and made poetic. Vito's a Presbyterian pastor and musician (Welcome Wagon) to boot. Enjoy!

[Joshua · Rating 4 out of 5]

His associations—the act of repentance is like being thrown from a crashing car, a panting dog drops a coin from its wet tongue and dies, "The lake shaking itself free from the dog's coat / and hurrying back to the earth, eager not / to raise an eyebrow"—can be revelatory.