Sightings

Fritz Leiber

San Francisco 1989

A young writer at your door,

you made no excuses for

the empty bottles, the debris

of loneliness and bygone times,

for you saw she was at ease,

and you were so very pleased

to have her company.

Algis Budrys

Nashville 1991

An elevator hauled

by golden chains, too full

of fans, no space for honored guests.

Though you tried, you had no clout,

the buzzer stressed,

you were refused,

a fuzz-brained novice

pushed you out.

Hal Clement

New Orleans 1995

Your autographs went fast,

'til there was only one in line,

a book by Sturgeon in her hands.

"This isn't yours, but would you mind?"

You smiled at her, said,

"Sure, I knew Ted!" and signed it,

"Harry Stubbs."