East Side – West Side, Tea with Blizzard Winds
From my home to Providence train station I did travel;
On Amtrak enroute to NYC my busy thoughts did unravel.
In a friend’s loft the next morn I did awake,
Full of excited anticipation for Tea with Demons’ sake.
The day began all a’ bluster;
This storm destined to be no mere duster.
Nonetheless, Jean-Claude, your intention was clear,
To hold the workshop which to your heart was so dear.
Let the snow fall, let the winds blow.
Theatre for the New City will be open, you know.
East across the Big Apple on foot I did trek,
My spirits aglow, my watch I did check.
To make sure on time I would be,
I arrived sodden with snow, early, you see.
Greeted with cheer at the theatre, oh so fine
Snuffed and sussed out by Ariel, its resident feline.
Happily upon the comfy sofa I patiently waited,
Never suspecting to what the day was fated.
Upon checking my email, I found, alack and alas,
To my dismay there was to be no class.
Foiled by the weather, so tempestuous of will
Trains and transportation had come to a virtual standstill.
No worries, dear friend, you, Jean–Claude offered to me;
I will graciously host you at my home, for tea!
Ready was I to set forth and go;
Hindered not a whit by the ever accumulating snow.
The walk I undertook felt like a quest
My feet finding, yet again, no rest.
Sloshing and high stepping in the cold wintry mix
The wind whisked and escorted me to my ‘Jean-Claude fix’.
For, esteemed teacher of mine you most certainly are
Through twentyish years peppered with instruction at peaceful home, Shantigar.
Greeted with open arms and a grin so wide
By you, Jean-Claude; my delight I could not hide.
Served a hot and welcome bowl of tea with a lid
I sat upon a sofa across from you, I did.
You gifted me with your sparkling new book,
Requesting I get back to you after giving a good look.
As friends we settled in to parlay and recount
We discussed and reminisced, we flowed as a fount.
We stood at your windows and gazed to the west;
The snow falling steadily, we safely tucked in your nest.
Time to depart did roll around all too soon,
Your graciousness and humor a definite boon.
A week hence as I sit at my table,
Having digested our meeting and your book I am able
To fondly recall and live in the trust,
It was all meant to be, the workshop a bust.
That wintry day in New York snow records did make
Right alongside that our enchanted tea in its wake.
Having ingested Tea with Demons I remark with delight,
Your passion and life lessons gift us with long sight.
Full of games of transformation and intimate sage advice,
From Rinpoche to Nurse Jackie, of life you give a rich slice.
Invigorated, I thank you, move forth, let my creative juices flow;
May your inspired endeavors fill you and help us all to grow.
For Jean-Claude van Itallie, my teacher, my friend, my creative inspiration,
I set a place for you as esteemed dinner guest at my table.
Jean-Claude Hurrah!
Katharine Gilpin – January 29, 2016
JAN