June 1969. Nancy and I are 16 with fake IDs at Passim in Cambridge. We snag a table up front thanks to Nancy’s flirting ability. A wiry man with a cap pulled low and sunglasses sits, eyes fixed on the stage. Joan Baez walks on, singing I Shall Be Released. I comment to Nancy that this is one of my favorite Dylan songs. Applause. Joan waves to the wiry guy. He takes off his cap and his glasses. “It’s one of my favorite songs too,” he smiles. My words evaporate. Dylan takes the stage. He joins Baez for a duet.
Romance and travel writer Bobbi Lerman runs prompt and workshop group Scribbler's Ink. Her latest piece, A Traveler’s Heart, appeared in Bella Grace in December. Twitter: @robertawrite