... before everything becames 'Instant'!

Sauntering in Manhattan


On business there, I liked to saunter in New York City.
Along a Fifth Avenue sidewalk I sauntered on
the afternoon I was stopped by a beautiful lady stepping
lithely out of a cab, allowing me to stare into the face of
the star of screen and stage; Irene Dunne.

Please don’t ask, Who?, spoiling my story, since
the incident was back in the Fifties when
things were singular and specific about Irene Dunne,
who played those movie roles making you love her,
even when her leading man didn’t, until near the end.

She looked at me in wonderment, as
I greeted her with, “Hello, Miss Dunne. How are you?”
A huge smile got there for a few seconds
before the voice in her reply said,
“Hello there. I’m fine. Do I know you?”

And for once in my life, I play opposite
the great lady, delivering the best line of my life;
“Yes, you do, now!”
It brought appreciation and gentle laughter,
while her friend looked on with uncertainty.
I sauntered away with, “Today, I’m your greatest fan!”


F William Broome 2007