April 2018
Bill Rector
billrector02@gmail.com 
I am a gastroenterologist, living with my wife in Denver. Most of my poetry is not medical. My work has appeared most recently in Field, Rattle, and Hotel Amerika.   

​influence


I was late
reaching the dais.
The ballroom quickly emptied
down to rows of straight-backed chairs
and the chandeliers in the carpet’s pattern.

I could have pursued your voice,
joined the throng of your admirers,
and threaded the gray in their beards.
I might have sent your famous name
tumbling backward down the curving
stairwell of the grand atrium
of the final hotel.

                          Caught you
in the revolving door.

Pretended
to ask for directions
to the corner of Laurel and Main.

Walked
into your house and
slumped in your favorite chair.

Held your head with my hand
in the room where you are no one.

Written this poem at the same time as you.

It has been published in 2River.
​
© 2018 Bill Rector
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