Having Met Ginsberg by Will Mayo


    Yes, after all these years, I remember that time I met Allen Ginsberg, the famous Beat poet. I was in my final year at the University of Maryland and this was my first real introduction to the Beats and though I didn't have one of the gentleman's books I really wanted Ginsberg's autograph as a memento of my time there.

    So I got up the courage and asked the poet backstage for his autograph.

    "Don't you have a book or something for me to sign?"

    "No, just me," I replied in chagrin.

    "Well then turn around and I'll use your back to back things up," he said.

    So I turned around then he began.

    "Lower," he said. And then, "lower still." Finally, he commenced to sign.

    It's a pity the whole thing didn't stick. But as it is I didn't sit down for a week...

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