ms. scott

dear jill,

technically, i'm opposed to saying that i "love" people that i don't know - especially celebrities. i think it kinda cheapens the word. but i'll make an exception this time - if it's possible to love someone's public persona, someone's spirit, someone's words, then i'll say that about you.

your reading today at alexander books was wonderful! just like when i saw you at the paramount theater in february, your joyous, calming, brilliant spirit filled the space. but unlike last time, i got to see you up close today! i took the morning off from work so that i could go to the store two hours early. while i was waiting in my front row seat and enjoying the camraderie of the other earlybirds, i read your entire book of poetry. yeah, it's raunchy alright! it's real alright! and although the messages are universal, your words get to the heart of blackness - well, the kind of blackness that means something nowdays. i loved sitting there reading and hearing you read and absorbing all of the lovingkindness you shared with us, graciously answering questions and allowing people to take photo after photo after annoying flash photo. and to top it off, you SANG(!) one of my favorite songs on the CD, "my petition." i was the puddle of brown sugar over to your left, melted on the floor.

but alas, i had to get to work, and didn't want to stay through the throngs of people to try to get your autograph and 30 seconds with you. what original thing could i say to you anyway? i just want us to hang out. someday, maybe we will. you remind me of my older sister and the creativity she has in her but forgets for long stretches that she has. or maybe she just doesn't believe in the healing power of it. at any rate, i bought her a copy of the book, too, so together we can enjoy your words. and love,

a left coast brotha