Sunday, August 2, 2009

I tried really hard

I’ve never met L. L. Barkat, and I tried really hard
We were both at “Jubilee”, Pittsburgh in February
Sam told me about her, said I should meet her

As we talked he spotted her, and pointed her out
Across the room, by Byron’s books
In an animated conversation with Lauren Winner
Who I have met, a time or two
At conferences and classes
But she wouldn’t remember me, or have reason to
I watched them, two “real” writers
With books and all, probably agents
Huddled, protecting each other,
Peers in a sea of hopefuls

I walked closer, thinking of how to
Introduce myself without sounding like
A smooth faced schoolboy grasping at
Pick-up lines
I waited for an opportunity
For their conversation to end
A time to introduce myself

I would not interrupt, I’m not that type
I feigned looking at books
While circling the table and waited some more
It seemed they talked a long, long time
Yet, I was determined and waited some more

I may have begun to look at Byron’s books
Maybe even thought of buying something
But then I’d have had to carry it home
Or maybe I met someone that I actually knew
Or got caught in the crowd push
As another session started

Soon the conference was over
I’d flown home
And I’d never met L. L. Barkat

4 comments:

  1. If you've read her, then you've met her, in a way. In fact, she introduced me to you, in a way.

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  2. Oh heck Jim! I would have loved to meet you. It feels so odd to read this description....

    Okay, so if I come to Jubilee next year, let's make it a point to meet.

    And on another note, cool poem. :)

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  3. What a great description of Jubilee! I can't wait to go back. And next time, I promise to introduce you to both L.L. and Lauren and anyone else whether I know them or not.

    Though, I think you won't need me to introduce you to L.L.

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  4. Notice, friends, that Jim had no "fame nerves" when talking with me. Marcus, will you point me out to him from afar? I'll be near the books with a pen in my pocket for the staged autograph.

    Joking aside, I liked this poem, Jim. And who am I kidding? LL's famous to me, too.

    Hope to see you again in Pittsburgh!

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