At Acadia Cafe
About to see Quickies, which
Is a series of one-acts that involves
Some friends of mine.
Here in the cafe, waiting for the theatre to open, drinking a Surly Bender.

Ran into two people I know,
But they were busy,
Working on Shakespeare text.
One of them is a good friend,
The other didn’t remember that we knew each other.
I forget people too, quite often,
But I still take it personally when I’m not remembered.

Speaking of which, I think I’ve met the girl sitting alone at the table next to me, but I’m too stunted to ask and confirm.

Today, I attended a work-related lunch.
It was fancy, and there was free wine and talk of galvanized metal.

After work was the Holiday open house.
I sat alone at my desk with
Free food and a beer while
Others with families and trophy girlfriends feigned interest in one another.
More free food and drink.
Now I’m here at Acadia, having another.

Going to do a workshop at The Playwrights’ Center this Sunday and Monday.
I play the young(er) guy among septa- and octagenarians.
It’s me (a fraud) and a host of heavy-hitters,
The old guard of the Twin Cities theatre.
We could make a drinking game.
Whenever I put my foot in my mouth among those I respect,
Take a drink.
Whenever I feel the need to keep talking,
Filling the air with uhs, ums,
Misinformation, and half-baked thoughts,
Take a drink.
Whenever body language makes it clear that others in my profession don’t take me seriously,
Take a drink.
Whenever I make it clear that I don’t take myself seriously,
Take a drink.
I have been.