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Why has Patti been so quiet?

By Patricia Smith

Almost every day at Calabash, I’d grab my laptop and head down to a lounge chair at the edge of the sea (sorry) to commune with Harriet. Then, fortunately and unfortunately, I would happen upon the copious, deftly crafted musings of Kwame Dawes. Each day he wrote with such unbridled exhilaration. He wrote about the festival with the love of a father.
By the time I’d finished reading his posts, I didn’t feel there was anything to add. It was all there–the celebration, the community, the camaraderie, the rain. And I’m afraid my planned entries were going to be a little (OK, a lot) less insightful:
I saw a really big crocodile!
I totally like saltfish!
My granddaughter Mikaila beat a really smart man (initials Terrance Hayes) at Scrabble!
I thought it was B.J. Honeycutt and it was!
I’ve never had an audience like this!
I drank (mineral water) at a bar built right in the middle of the sea!
I’ve heard Michael Ondaatje giggle!
I’m in Jamaica!
OK, so I’m not as tender and exhaustive as our prolific Mr. D. Maybe it’s just enough to say…
…my life has been changed.

2007-05-29

Comments (4)

  • On May 29, 2007 at 4:15 pm kwame wrote:

    Very funny, Patricia. Very funny….
    Report this comment

  • On May 30, 2007 at 1:15 am J. Bryan Shoup wrote:

    Sounds like you’re suffering for your art.
    All kidding aside, I think it’s great that your granddaughter was able to be a part of the festivities in any form or fashion. Might plan the seed for a new poet in the family line in years to come.
    Report this comment

  • On May 30, 2007 at 1:01 pm Manda wrote:

    “mineral water”…? In Jamaica?
    life HAS been changed! :-)
    Love you,
    Manda
    Report this comment

  • On May 31, 2007 at 10:51 am patricia wrote:

    Oh, Manda,
    I was being funny. I don’t think I had water the whole time.
    I did have rum, though. It seemed to be everywhere…
    Report this comment


Posted in Group Blog, Live Readings on Tuesday, May 29th, 2007 by Patricia Smith.

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