He visited Wellesley in 2007. After a brilliant reading, he took some
questions. A voice from the back row asked, “What influence has food had on your work?” John giggled and looked delighted. He started in on an answer when the man clarified: he’d said Proust.
John’s spirit sunk a little, though he still managed to give a
brilliant answer. I always think of that moment when I imagine Ashbery’s
mind, so brightened by the opportunity to talk at length about the
meals he remembered.
John
