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By Barbara Lipkien Gershenbaum
Some years ago, I was fortunate enough to get two tickets to a speakers' luncheon that featured Tracy Kidder, Donna Tartt, Tony Hillerman and Maya Angelou. The event was held at the famous Plaza Hotel in Manhattan. The private room we were in was decked out in impeccable white linen, snow white china, shining silver and glittering goblets, all bathed in the shimmering prismatic light reflected through the magnificent chandeliers overhead. The round tables were packed with excited readers, ebullient bibliophiles and, of course, faithful fans. My friend and I were fortunate to have been assigned to a table close enough for us to make eye contact with the celebrities. We were overjoyed.
If I may back up for a moment this story really starts on the steps leading into the Plaza. We were not exactly late, but we weren't the first to arrive either. And as we started to climb the steps toward the entrance I spotted a tall woman, in a long lovely coat, who was rushing her companion along. My heart stopped. My lips got dry. My mouth opened all by itself and I heard in a whispery voice unlike my Brooklyn singsong, "Maya? Maya is that you?" The woman turned, she was smiling her trademark smile and said, "Why yes dear and you are?"
Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! She spoke to me. She turned to me. She reached out for my hand and she said, "Hello." Her touch was warm and dry and electric. By now I was no longer standing on the pavement … I was floating somewhere above the clouds. I knew I would probably never have another chance to speak to one of my sheroes in an "almost private" meeting attended by just my friend and hers, the four of us "alone" among the throngs on a Manhattan street on our way into the Plaza Hotel.
I introduced my friend, and myself then she introduced her friend. She asked where we were from and I wanted to give her my phone number and address; I wanted to invite her to dinner; I wanted to suggest we head off somewhere to talk. But somehow I maintained my cool, sort of, and told her where we lived and that I was the facilitator of several book discussion groups that always did one or more of her books every season. "Wow," she replied, "that's great I really appreciate knowing that women (especially) are gathering to read and talk about my work." Then her friend gently touched her arm and said, "Maya I'm sorry but the clock."
Ms. Angelou said she was sorry but, (and this is exactly what she said:) "I better go tinkle because I am on the dais of a luncheon upstairs." I told her we would see her there and we hugged farewell. She actually put out her arms and hugged me! Then she turned with the grace of a queen and entered the hotel. I sat down on the steps and cried. Oh what a delight. Oh what a treat. Oh what a sensation. Oh what an exhilarating and enchanting encounter. I was psyched! I felt so many sensations all at once and I knew that a very special woman had touched my life. But the day wasn't over yet; as a matter of fact it was just beginning.
Back in the dining room we all ate, but I doubt anyone could tell you what was served. While the dregs of our coffee was staining our cups, Donna Tartt, Tracy Kidder, then Tony Hillerman stood one by one and spoke for about twenty minutes. Each was greeted with applause and great anticipation. But when Maya Angelou got up to speak she got a standing ovation and many in the room were moved to tears. And this was before she said a word.
I can't possibly recreate the atmosphere in that room when Maya spoke about herself and her work. Those who know her from her many television appearances will remember that her voice is like velvet and it settles over you like a the softest embrace from an angel. She was very generous with her time and when she recited her famous poem about being a woman, she brought the house down.
As a reader, a bibliophile, and a book collector I can tell you, that while all of the other writers on the bill were excellent, Miss Maya was a phenomenon. Everyone was friendly and took our questions seriously and chatted freely with any guests who approached them. But Maya Angelou is an icon. She is one of those indestructible women whose strength and smarts and talents have allowed her to bring her fans laughter, tears, inspiration, and entertainment as she, herself, has become a role model. My thanks to Maya Angelou for giving me so much from her work and her graciousness … to me she always remains a great lady of letters.
When the luncheon was over the writers sat behind a long table while the attendees chatted as we waited for our turn to have our books signed. When I reached the table in front of Maya she looked up and said, "Well hello again, I know your name, Barbara" and she went on to write a beautiful inscription to me. Some days are just better than others because they bring someone into our life that by a touch changes us in some subtle way. Thank you, Maya Angelou!
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