On the flight from LA to Toronto I was bumped to Business Class, some airline SNAFU, and there I was next to Robert DeNiro slightly reclined for the long flight. I’m told I bear a striking resemblance, despite his being twelve years older. He is much different in real life, playing Wordle on his phone. I respected his need for anonymity while the attendant doted over him as if he was the only passenger on the plane. Mixed drinks, savory snacks, a real blanket…and since he had the window seat, all of this occurred over me. To his credit, he appeared patient, pleasant, appreciative until the attendant’s request for a selfie, which he allowed anyway. Do you know who I am? I finally blurted out to the visibly wounded attendant. She shook her head. I’m Billy DeNiro. This is my older brother, Bobby. I’m not a big shot movie star, but I paid a small fortune for this seat, and I’ve made millions in plastics. I invented the little fastener you use every day to seal your bread bag, not to mention a slew of other convenient devices. I’m told I’ve single-handedly ruined the planet, but who knew? Sir, she said, you were bumped up from Coach, then walked away triumphantly. DeNiro leaned in with that wry, but sympathetic grin, and asked – Billy, have you heard from mom?
Bill Garvey’s poetry has been published in several journals across North America. His poetry collection, The basement on Biella, will be published in fall of 2023 by DarkWinter Press. He grew up in Springfield, Massachusetts and currently lives in Canada with his wife, Jean. He enjoys riding the streetcars of Toronto.
