Clarion carries copies of “Mystique”, my book of poems. I’m always curious when I notice a copy is missing from the shelf. First thought: someone stole it (which has happened before). But when it is clear that there was a transaction, I always want to know about the customer.
Lu, the owner, told me one day: “This guy walked in looking for instruments but ended up buying your book.”
I pressed him. “Tell me more.”
“He kept saying ‘beautiful, beautiful’ and asked me who was the poet.”
“What did you say to him?”
Lu laughed. “How should I know how to describe a poet? I told him she’s downstairs teaching piano.”
“Who was this man, then?” I imagined the man leafing through the pages of my book. Which poems did he read? Which ones did he like?
“He said he’s Italian… how should I describe an Italian?” He scratched his head, “eh, a funny guy.”
