While U Wait Poetry

I had noticed the young man with his typewriter, sitting on a stool in a shop entrance on Ste-Catherine Street a few days ago. I had glimpsed the signs which offered “poetry while you wait” and asked for “donations here”, but by the time I decided that I should investigate further my feet had carried me a few blocks down the road.
So yesterday, walking a little more slowly, I passed the young man again and decided to check out his poetry stand.

“How much for a poem?”
“It’s donation based. Whatever you decide.”
I decided on ten bucks.
“Anything specific?”
“Something about astronomy.”
And immediately he started pounding the keys. After about five minutes he handed me my poem:

We chatted a bit. His name is Allan Andre, and he hails from New York City. A professional poet, he also writes songs and is a musician who occasionally goes busking. He’s spending his summer in Montreal with his poetry gig.
I was impressed with Allan’s work for two reasons. One, because he can actually produce serious art, on the spot, with people breathing down his neck. And two, because what he writes has real content. His “Astronomical” poem carries a profound message; it’s more than pretty words, it’s an opinion piece. I may even work it into my “We are Stardust” series.
So, if you see Allan hiding in the shade somewhere, hitting the keys of his ancient writing machine, make sure you stop and ask for a poem. You won’t be sorry.