Aviya Kushner reads “The First Time”

The transcript is a reading of a poem titled 'The First Time' from the chapbook 'Eve and All the Wrong Men'. The poem is inspired by the author's lifelong obsession with visual art, particularly the painting Venus of Urbino. It reflects on the author's personal growth and change over the years, contrasted with the unchanging nature of the painting. The author first encountered the painting in college and describes the experience and the painting's features in detail.

What inspired the author to write the poem 'The First Time'?

Describe the author's relationship with the painting 'Venus of Urbino'.

How did the author's perception of 'Venus of Urbino' change over the years?

What emotions does the author express about their first encounter with 'Venus of Urbino'?

In what ways does the author compare their own life to the painting 'Venus of Urbino'?