By Lady Gray, June 16, 2016 — Even though my work is accepted and recognized in many different places, I was never sure when one achieved celebrity status. So I did not give it another thought until one night at Denny’s.
My mom and I were coming from a special program at the New Millennium Baptist Church where they had invited me to recite and read some of my poetry or as I like to say “Do a Poetry Presentation.” When I do, I usually recite or read a few poems woven around a message that I always hope is inspirational. This was a good event. The audience was receptive and I even sold a few books and handed out some business cards.
As we were driving down City Line Avenue, my mom suggested that we stop to eat. We were nearing Denny’s, so we pulled into their parking lot. It was a nice summer evening, not too hot, the restaurant was cool and not crowded. Great, I thought, a good time to relax for a moment.
Once the waitress had taken our orders, my mom immediately started telling the waitress where we had been and why. She told the waitress that her daughter (me) was a known poet in Philadelphia and had just done a fine presentation at one of the local churches. I could not help smiling because many times when I introduce my mom, I tell people how talented she is and that she is my biggest fan.
The waitress walked away long enough to place our food orders and then she returned to ask questions. She asked for titles of some of my work. Before I could respond, my mom rattled off several titles of my books and then she added, “…But her signature poem is ‘Lord, Why Did You Make Me Black.’” “Wait, Really?” The waitress almost shouted, “Really? Okay. Don’t go anywhere. Please, don’t go anywhere.” She held up her hands as if to make sure we weren’t moving. Which was almost funny because we had not eaten yet. Then, she hurried off. In the meantime, my mom goes out to the car to get two large posters with the aforementioned poem printed on them. I smiled. I often wondered why I had not hired her as my PR person.
When the waitress came back, she told us that she had called her daughter. Her niece was visiting so she suggested that she come too. Her husband was home so he agreed to bring them to the restaurant. Then the waitress explained that her daughter had to recite a poem at her school last week and she had chosen mine when she found it online. I was touched and so was my mom. She told the waitress that she had two posters and that I could autograph them for her daughter and her niece. Wow! My mom just happened to pull two posters?? I think not since we don’t believe in coincidence something bigger was at work here.
I took the opportunity to go to the restroom before our meals came. I was still in the stall when I heard murmuring and giggling in the restroom. I heard, “Do you think she’s still there?” “Say something.” “No, YOU say something.” “What if she gets mad?” “I think we should go.” “No, just say something.” Suddenly, one of the girls said, “Hello, Miss Ebo?” (Gray is my married name). I thought it might be the waitress and something was wrong, so I answered, “Yes?” “Oh, okay,” the girls answered, “We just wanted to make sure you were still here.” I thought to myself, “I’m in the bathroom. Where am I gonna go?” I assured the girls I would be right out and it was okay for them to wait at my table, I would talk to them there. They left excited.
Oprah Winfrey once said, “You know you’re famous when people follow you in the bathroom.” Well Oprah, I thought, looks like I’m there.
