Still missing Portland, but greatly enjoyed my evening at The Livery in Benton Harbor, Michigan on Wednesday. I had an appreciative and attentive audience (even though it was small: quality, not quantity) and sold some books. I met some very talented and interesting poets I hope to see there next month. The Livery slams are the 1st Wednesday of each month, 8p-10p. More info available at: http://www.kzooslam.org/liveryslam.php
My next feature reading is at Fire (1249 Portage St., Kalamazoo) on Friday, June 22nd at 8:30. My book will be for sale for $14 and can be signed.
And as for Portland … it invaded my dreams last night. I was walking on Hawthorne. There were lots of people, more than there ever was on the streets at any given time. But those creatures again … wandering, following me … sea creatures walking on pavement, taunting and threatening me as they always do. I get sick of feeling bad about myself so much because of all of these extraneous elements. I know it was just a dream … a recurring one just in a different environment. I was trying to get somewhere in a hurry and they were distracting me from my purpose and holding me back. And Freud would have a field day with the cigar I was chewing on and the sword at my hip.
And the solitude I felt I needed is beginning to feel empty. I want the aftermath of people again. My books have suddenly become so quiet. But I have flamenco guitar to look forward to tomorrow. And the consequences of my constant crossroads … Hawthorne Street and my hollowing heart.
