They Lost My Books In Denver

... and they're still lost. 22 hardback copies of DRIVE I was intending to schlep and sell to help pay for the trip -- as I wasn't getting paid for the reading with Maurice Kenny. But I had the most incredible time. A lovely re-entering into the spiral on this 30-year anniversary of MANGO Publications. I reconnected with such dear friends: Maurice, Naomi Quiñonez, Alfred Arteaga. Alfred tapped my shoulder in the United baggage claim line at SF airport about 11 pm, and said: "You probably don't remember me." Always a joker. At least he didn't say what he said to Naomi: "You expected me to be dead, huh?" It was incredible to run into him that way (United lost his daughter's bag, too) and he was able to go to the reading with Maurice at Intersection, and later, we went to the Chicano Expressions show at the DeYoung. I had already gone with Susan & family, and it was great to go through it again with Alfred. I'm planning on reviewing the show or writing something extended on it. More on all that soon. I was expecting to sell my books, but I didn't even have one to show or give out to my family at the wedding, or take along to bookstores. I gave my reading copy to Maurice -- how could I not? The reading was exceptional. Maurice was great, and most important, as good as I remember. Jewell, too, was exceptional. I really enjoy reading with her. And when I asked my son what he thought of the poetry he said that she was his favorite: "That 'Rabbit Fence Run' lady was really good." I also really enjoyed the younger native poets. But, yes, more soon. I just came home broke and to a nice little royalty check from Pitt. YEAH! I gotta go to the bank now. The book is in the mail. . .