The Reading

And sometimes I dream

of being asked to read my poetry

at a very fine college.

I am picked up at the airport

or the train station

because of my poetic

disposition or for fear of flying

by a young poet too

who is full of nothing

but little bits of beauty

I enjoy the car ride.

I look out and see the landscape

I even think of a few lines

and jot them down
they will make a fine poem someday

I am well received
by the muffled voices as I pass
I have a wonderful dinner

and I don't have to pay

for any of it.

I meet the other poets

who teach there

and find we have a common friend
I tell them they have
found a good way to make a living.

I feel my ego rise like the head

of a giraffe, but when I understand

this I become quiet.

I give a good reading
I even have some good liner notes
which surprises me

I teach a class filled with admonishment

I sign my book
and the several others
that I have published.

the people at the college

are happy and say

they will invite me back.