Portside

I’m No Martian

By William J. Harris

Shit, man, I’m no Martian

My mother was born in Brooklyn Heights

I just went to a couple of Martian meetings

Just went to a few Martian parties

Slept with a few Martian girls

But shit, man, I ain’t no Martian

William J. Harris is an emeritus professor of American Literature, African American Studies, creative writing and Jazz Studies. He has taught at a number of institutions, including University of Kansas, Penn State and Cornell University. He has three books of poetry: Hey Fella Would You Mind Holding This Piano For A Moment; In My Own Dark Way; and Crooners. The February 2023 issue of Poetry Magazine features a special 44 page folio devoted to his work. Harris lives and writes in Brooklyn, New York.