If you’ve been reading along, then you know I like going to the Azores Forever Cafe for breakfast, lunch, or just beers in the afternoon. It’s a great mix of people and a good place to do some socializing.
Among the usual crowd, there are college kids that come in from time to time. I’ve had some great conversations with them. On this occasion, Chris invited me to a “reading”… I asked what kind of reading. He said that Lidia had a book published with poems they had written. So, they were going to promote the book. Each of them would be reading a poem or two from the book.
My expression certainly changed, I’m not sure how, but Chris started laughing and asked, “What did you think? We were going read your palm?”
I accepted the invitation.
So on the evening of August 3rd, I walked up to the cafe hosting their reading. I was greeted by Lidia, Chris, and Inez (a waitress from Azores Forever, and their friend).
Chris is one of those people who includes everyone… If his friends are speaking Portuguese, he speaks in Portuguese, then turns to me and tells me what they are talking about. You never feel like an outsider when Chris is there.
Before the reading, he told me there was a surprise in his reading.
When it was his turn to read, he explained (in Portuguese and English) that besides writing poems in Portuguese, he also wrote some poems in English. He said he is inspired while listening to music. So, at the bottom of the page, there will be a suggestion of what music to listen to while reading his poems.
Then he introduced the poem and said because his friend who only speaks English came here from his boat, he would read his poem in English.
Chris Reading One of His Poems
Lidia and I have had some deep conversations at the cafe. In that way, she reminds me of my son. Matt and I can have some deep conversations when we get together; especially when he was younger.
Before the reading, Lidia was obviously in a little distress. I asked Inez if she was alright. Inez told me she was really nervous and didn’t know what poem to read. So, I went over and talked with her. She said she was alright, she was just deciding what poem to read. I told her if it was me… I would choose a shorter poem, but one that I had an emotional connection to. Then focus on that connection while reading… knowing it will be over quickly. She smiled.
Lidia Reading One of Her Poems
I didn’t know the third contributor to the book. So, there is not much I can about her.
It was a very nice evening. We all went out for dinner when the event was over.
The next day, the owner of Azores Forever told me the kids were really impressed and grateful that I showed up for their event.