That day I met Sam Shepard

Four young Americans were stoned

from smoking a joint just before I

arrived at the end of the room about a

                 coffee table

Barbara Riddle husband Sam and wife

I should have pulled up a chair to

sit with them but by the wall

in a chair at a distance not close

as if I was an observer not a guest

                  after I left

I knew they all felt more comfortable

as I who had been invited

I could have sat on the floor

beneath them but they did not make room

peachie le nic lived in that same flat later

             with wife Claire

he gave Sam the key to let Heather in

to the top floor flat where we met

copyright © Dick Russell

                2017