He manages to get a $750 start-up loan from a smug bank officer, who puts down his idea and suggests that a hot-dog stand would be a better choice. He buys on installment a used hot-dog stand from a cranky, stiff-necked owner, and proceeds to offer his “eggless egg” sandwiches and hummus pitas in an Austin, Texas park.
His first customers want hot dogs, but he attracts into his orbit two characters, a pot dealer, who partners as a deliveryman, and an aging hippy, who gushes over the food and is rewarded with free handouts. Also, he attracts a pretty woman with whom he fails awkwardly to develop a relationship. They all brainstorm and come up with the name, "The Happy Poet" for Bill's business.
Well, the premise sounded promising, but the low-key, mumblecore style couldn’t hold my interest. I fast-forwarded to the end and was surprised to see that Bill, the poet, had his own brick and mortar "The Happy Poet" restaurant, powered by solar energy; a fleet of delivery people, wearing green "The Happy Poet" T-shirts, on bicycles; an electric "The Happy Poet" car; a mobile food truck run by his pregnant wife (the aforementioned love interest); and a business partnership with the two characters, now friends. With his arm around his two partners, in his monotone, deadpan voice, he declares: “I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy.”
So what happened? I had to go back and see how all this transpired. After a number of ups and down, bumps and wrong turns, betrayals, money issues, missed opportunities with the love interest, and a brief detour into “hot-dog day,” he achieves his dream.
The hippy happened to have a cousin, Derek, a venture capitalist who has shown interest in Bill’s idea. But Bill is not very convincing as an entrepreneur. Derek confronts him, with, “I don’t think you believe in "The Happy Poet.”
Bill’s initial phlegmatic responses become a bit more passionate. With as much indignity and passion that he can muster, he bristles. “I believe in "The Happy Poet." I believe in "The Happy Poet" more than you could know, Derek. I’m "The Happy Poet," not you. I’m "The Happy Poet.” And with a few insults to Derek, he walks out.
We see Derek with a knowing smile. And we see Bill striding tall and confidently. What do you know? He mustered up some energy and passion, in that polite, inimical low-key style.
Next thing we see he has enough money to pay off his bank loan and the hot dog cart, which he returns. “I got lucky,” he says. He also has the confidence to leave an organic sandwich on the porch of his lady love. Thus the happy ending.
But was it luck? I see it as the Law of Attraction in action, powered by his generous nature, his authenticity, his talent with organic food, his perseverance, and the strong belief and passion for his vision. Basically he affirms, “I AM 'The Happy Poet.'” And that’s what he becomes. This unassuming, introverted guy can inspire all of us as we pursue our own dreams.
And so it is.
