Our poetry group
allows a class of psych majors
to observe us
as we undertake writing exercises
and read first drafts to each other
for critical review.
One doctor sharpens
2B pencils
to be helpful
oblivious to the fact
all of us write in ink.
They stand witness
of the altered behavior
caused by their viewing.
We are accustomed
to writing poetry in crowded cafes.
Given a few minutes
we tune them out
and return to our normal behavior.
The session concludes
in a surprise birthday song
with cake & candles for Joanne.
The doctors reappear
from where ever it was
we vanished them to
and they partake
at Joanne’s insistence.
copyright © 2019 Kenneth P. Gurney
Umflop 