Meg, Zach, and I went to a reading by my favorite poet, Nikki Giovanni, at the downtown library. She spoke for about an hour and then signed her books. She was interesting, funny, and smart. She talked about art, politics, race, history, family, and friendships. Intermittently she read about five poems, some new, some old. She was perfect and delightful.
Meg had to leave right after (before she left I asked, “don’t you want to see me make a fool out of myself in front of my poetic idol?”), so I decided to get in line by myself to meet her. I figured I might never have this opportunity again and it would be an ideal way to check something off my list.
As I got closer and closer I got so nervous. My heart started beating out of my chest and I felt like if I opened my mouth to talk to her I would cry. I don’t know why I reacted that way, maybe just because her poetry has meant so much to me. When it was my turn she commented on my very old edition of her book My House and signed it. I got a picture with her and before I left I said, “thank you for the inspiration” and it came out completely laughable. Oh well, I am glad I said it, because I meant it.
i shall save a special poem
for you to say
you always made me smile
and even though I cried sometimes
you said I will never let you
down
- “You Are There,” Nikki Giovanni
No comments:
Post a Comment