I remember it like it was thirty years ago:
I was at UCLA for the summer
and Big Daddy was playing at
a music store
but one of my cohort needed a ride to the airport.
No problem. I could do it all.

Except the friend going to the airport was running late
– not a problem for her; the plane was also late.
But it played havoc with my schedule.
I dropped her right around
when was supposed to set off
but maybe if I rushed I could catch some of the set.

If only I knew LA
and its ability to snarl up traffic on a dime.
Also, I got lost
a couple of times.

I was able to see people
who looked like Big Daddy
congratulating each other after playing
but I heard no music played
– no live music, at least.

Maybe next show, I thought.
It’s their town,
there’s a whole summer.
I’ll get to see them again.
I never saw them again.

There’s something in all this,
a lesson about responsibility
and self-interest.
Maybe it’s important.
Probably its crap.