Stella Ruvalcaba on Phillip Lopate's "Portrait of My Body"

Reading Phillip Lopates “Portrait of My Body” made me realize how at times we become too harsh with ourselves in terms of appearance. Lopates begins his interpretation of his body and begins with his posture, which I thought was very odd. I had to reread the line various times, “I am a man who tilts,” it’s simplicity caught my attention immediately. He’s very critical of himself almost over analytical. But I respect his honesty and the fact that he decided to share so much about himself. I feel that in order to begin writing about our own sensitive information or quirk we must be willing to reach out to an audience with our imperfections and create a connection. This piece made me realize that in order to be a writer we must be dedicated to art and expose ourselves, imperfections, desires and oddities. You’re no longer writing for yourself create a web of connections with others.

             I didn’t expect the piece to swerve into a more personal direction but I did expect a twist of some sort. I just didn’t think it would involve his penis. I didn’t know 2 pee holes were even possible. I also appreciate writers that set themselves apart by creating unique pieces, like Lopate with “Portrait of My Body”. I had never read a piece that involved an issue so personal and sensitive as the one mentioned in Lopate’s. I appreciate the fact that he’s so honest with the reader, picking out physical aspects of himself that make him uncomfortable. For example, when he mentions his sister telling him he’s gotten “flabby”. Talk about brutally honest. This even made me feel uncomfortable.

            Just as he writes of his imperfections, Lopate also mentions his appreciation for exquisite backs and other characteristics of himself. He compares this with his own back affected by his time spent writing. I noticed there’s an implication that he’s going through a mid-life crisis. He doesn’t feel his age but younger. His mind not catching up with his body. At the same time he seems to describe it, comparing himself then and now. But ends with a final note on his appreciation for his fingers and noting a peculiarity with his right middle finger, broken after a ball game. Throughout the piece he’s sarcastic and too critical of himself and ending with this made me realize the piece has a tone of admiration and underlying pride for himself as a writer.  

            So far, and including this piece, creative non-fiction has showed me that it’s ever expanding in topics and peculiarity. Coming from a poetry concentration, non-fiction has helped me use more description that poetry seems to condense or omit. It’s refreshing to read a detailed piece that guides the reader through peculiarities that makes us all feel unique in a positive way, not shameful or alone. After reading Lopate’s piece I’m realizing there’s no limit to what you can write about. Whatever it is, can be expressed truthfully as “Portrait of My Body” has.