Artist Head, M D Mikus, Copyright 2007
Tonight I was moved by a passionate, heart-opening concert by John Flynn on Folkstage (WFMT). Often we don’t know the effect we have on others, how even a kind word or smile can make a difference. We do it naturally and rarely hear that it made someone’s day, lifted their spirits, or inspired them. Here is my John Flynn story.
I first met John Flynn after the Folk Festival extravaganza hosted by Rich Warren in 2007. I volunteered to work the CD tables, selling for one of the other artists. Afterwards, I talked with singer/songwriter, Greg Greenway (who I knew). I gave him my (then) new CD, Full Blooming: Selections from a Poetic Journal. John was standing right there, wearing a stylishly tilted fedora, and said playfully, where’s my copy? As it happened, I had brought another CD with me and I gave it to him. They both asked me to sign my CD for them, as I asked them to sign theirs for me.
That night I wrote this poem of unexpectedly feeling…belonging—instead of my usual tongue-tied, feeling-on-the-outside, blushing paralysis. Thank you! I still remember and it meant a lot to me.
As you said tonight, John—challenged us all—everyday to do what good we can do in this world. Especially right now. I am telling you, so that you know, you inspired me.
9/11/07
Belonging
For Greg Greenway and John Flynn
(For some reason, or no reason,
to be read in a slight drawl)
So natural like
I was one of the guys
for 10 easy bliss minutes
as if I had always been.
No over-thinking
no shy, red face
just joking as if
this is who I am
that sweet taste
still in mouth and memory
that sweet taste
of belonging.
Not to make too much of
what was just after all
two fine singers talking to me
after a really good show.
But I have to say this
at least just once:
thank you for your songs,
for your smiles in my direction,
thank you for accepting my offering
and treating me…well…
treating me well…as if
I was just one of the guys,
the roving troubadours
who have something to say
and the heart and passion
and drive to do it.
As if…
you saw who I am
right through my skin
deep down, those bleached bones.
So natural like
I was one of the guys
for those 10 easy bliss minutes
as if I had always been.
Margaret Dubay Mikus
© 2007
This is the first of two poems inspired by John Flynn.