Excellent International Poets Society Convention~Washington, D.C. Shortbread and Champagne : Shortbread and Champagne by gansach

Background Whether you are single by circumstance or by choice, it can be difficult being one in a world of couples. These poems explore some of the facets of "being alone".   Solitary in the crowd, drifting with uncertain purpose amongst congregations of chattering, purposeful poets, I pass with anticipation that ebbs and flows as moon-washed tide~ searching for a face in common, another lost soul who will shine with delight at my approach, gather me in as a scattered chick beneath the mother hen’s consoling wing, spatter me with chat.  Painfully hoping~ yet not daring to think so~ should all lucky omens be jinxed; desiring a reason to splurge compressed cash upon baby bottles of champagne, plaid packets of precious shortbread. Please let me have a reason to break them out~ celebrate my face becoming familiar, my words becoming wonders, my desert island becoming Grand Central Station with well-wishers, admirers. The hush in a darkened ballroom where nervous fingers clasp, crossing in fervent prayer. Don’t show how much I want it or they will see disappointment all the more; cramped facial muscles continue to smile as each name called into the excited atmosphere is not upon my place card. Graciously glissading from the room, stoic, stalwart, pulling hand over hand the invisible lifeline, the umbilical to the safety of the foreign, yet familiar, hotel room where, alone and able to melt into the puddle of myself, I crack open the shortbread and champagne and pretend I’ve won.   Author Notes This poem was written after my first solo trip to the International Poets Society Invitational Convention and Symposium in Washington, D.C. which, besides meetings, writing sessions, activities, and speakers, the participants also entered a poem for the competition. Poets, which numbered around 1500, were divided into reading rooms of about 20-30 participants where they read their poems and everyone voted for the best one. The winners from each room competed again in succeeding rounds until there were 10 finalists. These 10 names were announced at the Poets Dinner held in the ballroom, each winning $100 and a book contract. The finalists then presented their poems before the entire convention (about 3000 people) and 10 writer/editor judges where the winner received $5000. I was very nervous and unsure of myself at my first convention, my first trip alone. My co-workers had chipped in to pay for my plane ticket and a nice evening dress to wear at the dinner and I so wanted to be successful so their faith in me was justified. I didn't win that year or make it into the top 10, but it was a wonderful learning experience and I did attend further conventions, making friends of several fellow-poets.

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