Self-Portrait

by Brian Johnson

Self-Portrait, by Brian Johnson, is the third in Quale Press's edition key satch(el) quarterly series of chapbooks of prose poetry. The 20 prose poems of Self-Portrait comprise a tour of a psyche that is alternately hopeful, despairing, restless, nostalgic and grandiose. The portrait that emerges is a combination of autobiography and literary invention. Personal memories mingle with fables, prayers, pastoral lyrics and movie stills to reveal a self with many pasts and many guises. Ranging from childhood fantasies of terrestrial and sexual exploration to adult recognitions of failure, Self-Portrait bears witness to one person's search for clarity and fulfillment.

28 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000