My Moment Has Come

A famous poet comes to a big hotel, and I'm there. As she reads, I'm supremely confident about showcasing my talent for her in a little while. Finally, she indicates us, the audience, with a broad sweep of her arm: 'Now I'd like to see what you can do! ' Intoxicated with confidence, I move nearer to her, biding my time. Nothing comes to me to recite, but it will, it will. She goes on talking. Still nothing. Then a few lines sift into my head. I begin to recite aloud: 'Come to the edge, he said! ' I passionately intone. A young man sitting behind the poet knows this short piece by Apollinaire, with which my longer poem begins, and starts reciting it with me: 'They said, We are afraid! ' I tell the fellow to shush. But the famous poet's attention is elsewhere now. I'm drowned out in the general din and chatter. My face burning red, I leave and go home to mother.