ARI LISNER

Self-Portrait at 28
After David Berman

I know it’s a stolen title
but I’m giving it to myself as a gift

Today’s the day I put art back in its place
Things up until now have had puppy proportions
and the claims I’ve made have been put on a brief hold

You got nursed back holier than thou with sleepy South Jersey eyes
It’s unbelievable. I look a lot like you now. Driving loops to everyone’s eyerolls
Today’s the day I put art back in its place

My new boots clacked when I walked back in at home. It was too late and the glow in the
window was this crazy red catching the glass
I trusted your sick sense that night. You brought that little purse back around.

Not married to outcomes
But I oathed that ending
Cottonmouth, goodbye, driveaway to Lou Reed

I felt rich upon the realization

My middle school’s character pledge:
I try my best
Have courage
Include others
Be respectful and responsible
and celebrate the ways I can improve
the world around me
Thank you

Ari Lisner is a practicing writer and aspiring filmmaker whose writing captures queer intimacy against the backdrop of New York City. He has a chapbook called One Shtick Pony. Find Ari on Instagram at @arisbarmitzvah. Let’s go Mets.