Question Period
A poem about the final ten minutes of a reading, when everyone becomes dangerous.
WHY IS THIS IN THE FILE?
Nobody took responsibility quickly enough.
after the reading
the moderator says
we have time
for a few questions
and three hands rise
one belongs to a man
who has not brought
a question
he has brought
seven minutes
about himself
the second hand
asks whether the poet
has considered
writing differently
the third belongs
to a student
who says
when did you know
the poem was done?
the poet looks
at the ceiling
then at the page
then at us
as if one of us
might know
the moderator says
one last question
four hands rise
the room
has learned nothing
and wants more
Ellis Crowe
Poet and field recorder of buses, readings, waiting rooms, bad microphones, and other public situations that outlive their dignity.
STATUS: UNRULY
“Normal” was considered and rejected.
KNOWN ASSOCIATES: readers, loiterers, people who should know better.
PUSH THE WEIRD BUTTON
A clerk has been notified. They are furious.