An Interview 14 Years Ago

Just got a card from a man I interviewed over 14 years ago, a total stranger. I struck up a conversation because I liked the small painting he was making as he sat in the coffee shop I often stopped at. I was surprised to find someone making art in this place frequented by the comfortable bourgeoisie. In 18 years of taking care of my caffeine needs there, I’d never seen anyone openly drawing or painting at one of the tables. So I walked over quietly and watched a little while. He was good. I complimented him and before long we were pretty deep in conversation. It was so interesting I asked if he’d be willing to be interviewed. The interview appeared in issue #4. Out of close to 400 features on conversations.org, it ranks #25 in number of reads. So today I got this card from Terrance Meyer and since he included a phone #, I called him. We can’t know what the ripples might be from our actions. That conversation was important enough that he has not forgotten it. He told me some touching stories. I’ve asked him to send them to me. The essence I’m feeling in writing this brief account only underlines how we can’t know the results of our actions, and may they be right actions.