Self-Portrait After the painting by Félix Vallotton by David Radavich The face is young: pale, turned over the shoulder toward our view, a slight mustache and small, tight mouth and eyes that bleed just a hint of red, as if about to cry or ask forgiveness. How does he see himself with the chopped, ash-brown hair and circular collar like a priest? He looks assured and shy at once, painting himself as if some day he might be significant. This is one who will become. There is sadness and a self-confidence for what the world will bring. The green background favors growth, and the face slightly downward rings an insistent bell.
Hear David Radavich recite the poem on the Viewless Wings Poetry Podcast:
Six Poets Recite (Durell Carter / Sarah Bitter / David Radavich / Mary Amato / Jai-Michelle Louissen / Nicole Farmer) – Viewless Wings Poetry Podcast
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David Radavich’s poetry collections include two epics, AMERICA BOUND and AMERICA ABROAD, as well as MIDDLE-EAST MEZZE and THE COUNTRIES WE LIVE IN. His plays have been performed across the U.S. and in Europe. His latest book is UNTER DER SONNE / UNDER THE SUN: German Poems from Deutscher Lyrik Verlag. www.davidradavich.org.
