Poetry Month Prompt #29

April 29:   

Write a self-portrait poem, titled ‘Self-portrait with _______ and _______. Was it an escape? A rescue? Salvation? Keep it focused in you. 

Version 1.0.0

From the Muse Library. Self-Portrait in a Convex Mirror by John Ashberry. ‘Self Portrait in a Convex Mirror’was the first of John Ashbery’s books to be published in Britain by Carcanet, and this is its third printing. Since it originally appeared here in 1977, three further collections have followed: ‘As We Know’, ‘Shadow Train’ and ‘A Wave’. ‘Self Portrait in a Convex Mirror’was awarded the Pulitzer Prize, a National Book Award and the National Book Critics’ Circle Award. The long title poem, a meditation on Parmigianino’s famous self-portrait, has become Ashbery’s best-known poem. It is accompanied here by a number of shorter pieces – playful, witty, elusive.