Sunday, January 08, 2006

On the Steps of the Conservatory

This is the opening from a Donald Barthelme short story:

-C'mon Hilda don't fret.
-Well Maggie it's a blow.
-Don't let it bother you, don't let it get you down.
-Once I thought they were going to admit me to the Conservatory but now I know they will never admit me to the Conservatory.
-Yes they are very particular about who they admit to the Conservatory. They will never admit you to the Conservatory.
-They will never admit me to the Conservatory, I know that now.
-You are not Conservatory material, I'm afraid. That's the plain truth of it.
-You're not important, they told me, just remember that, you're not important, what's so important about you? What?


Kind of reminds me of something. Something about, I don't know, being an artist?

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love Donald Barthelme. He is funny.

Anonymous said...

You know how much I love him...and this story!!!

Anonymous said...

I love that you love him. Not enough people know his wonderful stories. He is Godliness.

Anonymous said...

Oh My God!!! I know. Hokie Mokie is the king of jazz! I feel like I should devote more posts to quoting him. However you may be the only one who truly understands his brilliance!!!