front row
packed house
blizzard brewing
i sat enraptured
captured not by the poetry
but the presence of a legend
looking me square in the eyes
to make sense of the life encapsulated in her words
opinions and wise words of advice
analysis from a respected elder
an aunt that will always give it to you straight
with a wink and a laugh
and an understanding
often unspoken words
translating a look
and a feeling
to hundreds
while looking
at me
i saw nikki giovanni speak tonight. it was golden.
here she is being interviewed by holly bass on 1.11.11.
holly is the poet-in-residence at busboys and poets 5th & k. and she is awesome.
JBT 
That was a great night! Thanks for the shout-out, Jonathan!