The Circle

Fifteen people took turns

Reading what they’d written, or what they liked.

It was a fine late September afternoon,

And I was getting angry.

People arrived very late.

Some interrupted to enlighten us,

Forcing me to reread stanzas

After I’d explained why they existed.

At least the young guy read a little

And seemed genuinely interested in writing.

Terra is a terrific host,

Encouraging everyone to join in.

Why was I so pissed?

I need a Prosac.

Yeah, I didn’t like the two language piece.

It was long,…too very long & obscure.

All that time, 10 minutes out of the hour, was insufferable.

Where was I going that it mattered?

Was I going to read a piece that would overwhelm the others?

Was this a lesson I badly needed... maybe so.