Journal, Day 19

Buffalo, NY / Anthony McCann

This is for Matthias and everyone who has slept or napped or both on the bus so far.

Goodnight Catherine.
Goodnight Jeff.
Godnight Melanie.
Goodnight Katy.
Goodnight Monica.
Goodnight Nicole.
Goodnight Maggie.
Goodnight Karena.
Goodnight Janet.
Goodnight Earl.
Goodnight Matthea.
Goodnight Kristin.
Goodnight Erin.
Goodnight Brett.
Goodnight Josh.
Goodnight Tyler.
Goodnight Tina.
Goodnight Anselm.
Goodnight Cathy.
Goodnight Blake.
Goodnight Dustin.
Goodnight Amaud.
Goodnight Lisa.
Goodnight Rick.
Goodnight Josh.
Goodnight Heidi.
Goodnight Bill.
Goodnight Travis.
Goodnight Matthew.
Goodnight Linas.
Goodnight Betsey.
Goodnight Joshua.
Goodnight Anthony.

*
And a coda.

In the airport for seven hours waiting for my plane to decide to leave—in Buffalo. I meet a dude who asks me to explain myself. I do and then he explains me to me.

He says, “I guess you didn't have any choice being a poet . . . I guess it’s predetermined. Like being gay or a liberal.”

This is exactly what he said. What would you have said in response?