Virginia Incident

This week is the 26th year that has passed since a not so happy experience in my life. It was a Friday evening, returning home with co-workers from a bar, The Thirsty Camel. Northbound on 95 in Richmond,Va., interstate covered with heavy smoke, Shock-o-Slip was a fire. Our windows open, we quickly closed them, yet the smell and soot affected us all.

Not long thereafter we arrived home at Woodman West Apartments, A HUD subsidized complex. Had a good buzz on, my hunger was met by a wholesome pasta dinner. Suddenly, I was made aware of a nearby apartment fire. Ran there, guided 5 people out and carried a paraplegic friend down a stairs to safety. Then, I went home only to collapse nearby. Smoke got the best of me. I was taken to the hospital, blood gas test, steroids to help clear lungs, night spent there. I was given vaporizer to help clear lungs.

Monday, followed up with a doctor visit. He stated that it would take a good week for my lungs to clear out the soot. Regrettably, the pressures of poverty, substance abuse, alcohol and other factors clouded my judgment.

That afternoon Police Officers were at my door to serve a Warrant. I refused to open the door. Being a misdemeanor offense they were powerless and not able to force entry to affect the arrest. I'm ashamed to admit that the Warrant was of a domestic dispute origin. Not much time passed before many Police, Fire and media about. Un -be-known to me an individual had alleged that I was in possession of an arsenal with radical intent. !!! NOT!!! No telephone to speak with authorities, spoke through the closed door. Being depressed by current events, I foolishly refused to come out.

The Officer in charge agreed to locate my wife, four children, sister and attorney. My requests were left unmet. Henrico County SWAT, was there on standby, along with fire personnel. And all this out of my view. Fear of a mistake by authorities, I decided to lay low. Sun up, I came out freely.

Court that morning, the Judge ordered that there was a need to establish my competency to stand trial. Remitted to State Hospital. I landed in the Cuckoo's nest.Docs wanted to medicate, however I refused, stating there was no need, and that any med would cloud my true self. Three weeks pass, sent back to County Jail.

Those three weeks are a whole other story. I had a lot of time to think things out. Visited by Ellie and kids, both at Central State and County Jail. Quite a bit of writing and poetry. The day after the Thanksgiving Holiday, at Court, charges were dropped. After 43 days of incarceration I was permitted to return home to my family. All very thankful!............................CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE IS A TOUGH ROAD; I've traveled our country, family in tow, with my share of personal baggage, outraged to witness the hungry-homeless-medically needed, have lived in many different locals, did speak and write, been selectively scorned and jailed frivolously with civil and constitutional violations by existing fascist municipalities, confronting these inequities for 43 years, and will continue to do so............... What lies on the otherside , not pleasant, symbolic value with a needless price. Resourceful though and planning will, in time, be successful, without violence on both sides

FAMILY SONG

Close your eyes and realize that I love you
Close your eyes and realize that I need you
Close your eyes and realize that I care
To be forever my life

Just as the morning sun creates the dawn
Giving lifes light to all God's children
Together we shall do God's work

Through your eyes you'll perceive our endeavors
Striving to improve our behavior
Doing God's will
Forever... yes forever

Close your eyes and realize that I love you
Close your eyes and realize that I need you
Close your eyes and realize that I care
To be forever my life

MAILGRAM TO THE PEOPLE OF THE USSR 9-3-83

1. Violation of air space is serious and cause for alarm
2. A lost traveler of non-military origin deserves special consideration
3. The alleged attack and destruction of Kal Flight 007 resulting in the death of 269 people is unexcusable.

Time and investigation will clarify all conflicting speculation as to why this tragedy occurred. Altruistic values must be dominant for our Earth's people to survive. All social, political and economic systems must review, without delay, this incident and all injustices around the world. the progress and achievements of the human race had been seriously jeopardized and disgraced, let us straighten up and fly right.

MAILGRAM TO PRESIDENT REAGAN 5-31-86

I perceive a great opportunity at hand, to recognize the plight of the hungry, poor, and homeless. Yes, those individuals who lack the basic human right to a life with dignity. Our priorities require revaluation. We have the resources, intelligence and experience to rectify much needless suffering. Ms. Liberty's symbolism shall prevail. Let us not disgrace the ideals and values which have inspired the human race.
Mr. President, your leadership is imperative. Thank you for your time and thoughts on this most important endeavor.
Anxiously-awaiting-acknowledgment.

MAILGRAM TO PRESIDENT REAGAN 10-24-84

You obviously have influence on the quality of life, thus encountering much flak. I respectfully suggest a dramatically more relaxed, unstressful life style.
Sir, your country needs your counsel, not humiliations recorded for another's folly.
Our world, its' life sustaining environment, must remain priority one.
Return to reality, have dreams as a child, maturing, living, creating and completing a life cycle, for another comes after the one before.
The future is calling, let it be.

PRATTLE 10-24-94

9-1-94 Hada clothes drya go aflama

9-2-94 Me landlorn sez "Y ya dryn et night?"
N whence me aska coda force ta inspecta
Da fur to ta flight

9-6-94 Prevaricator n Theosopist, Haze n Lion, inspecta togeta,
Dey confer, seta confrere n conjoin ta continue bisnisa

9-14-94 Whence me go to da coda ofuss, ta geta coppea of da
inspecta reporta, da scribe tella me der aint wona.
Den me geta loose lipta; WHANGDEPOOTENAWAH

ME NO WANNA REQUIEM N B WORMS MEAT............................FACT: the cloths dryer used propane, its fuel line was glued to unit, not a compression fitting or flare fitting, the seal failed while operating and ignited the gas, the laundry room was ablaze, smoke filled the house, all evacuated, I put the fire out and the local FD secured the scene.

"STATEMENT" 10-9-82 RICHMOND, VA.

Cruis'in home down the main street
All tuned up- a cry for help
Brought us to our feet

An abrupt stop at our destination
Leaping from the truck
To resolve a confrontation

Young woman wounded... slashed above the knee
All those about excited... to a very high degree

Talk of gun shots, fighting & cutting
Gotta stop the bleeding... and prevent her from fading

Help arrives in the form of the law
Better get back or they'll even the score

Adrenalin pumping thru us all
Questions and orders a thumping... such a messy rapport

Abducted by a few... seeking the facts
Talked myself loose... getting them to relax

Victim being treated by medical team
All this confusion topped by the shrill of sirens

Being questioned in a squad car...I.D., address, to establish who you are

Collecting the facts, trying to relax
Victim starts screaming, she's being attacked

Excused myself from the interrogation
Ran forward-- mounted a car... to quell more frustration

Pulled to the ground, kicked, punched, stepped on and cuffed
My arms sure hurt clasped behind my back

Then hurried along to a waiting van... hurled in and door slammed

Kicking walls, jumping about... crying aloud "Let me out"

Door opens, my feet bound, then wrenched tight to my arms with some fastener

A gag suggested, but I decline... saying "I've had enough this time"

DISCOURSE 10-19-83

Speaking of interpersonal relations, we must consider many variables which determine how one perceives and communicates with others. An effective delivery of ideas and opinions, couples with periodic reinforcement of comprehension is essential. Much personal enrichment of confidence will result from such rapport.
Tragically, much bias and prejudice is prevalent today, due to an inability to understand or an outright desire to be disruptive. Whether this be consciously or sub-consciously motivated, it is imperative that we acknowledge this self evident truth.
The negative force which destroys or retards peace and progress reflects the attitude that manipulates, sways, conjures and blatantly influences adversely one party against another. The sole purpose of this antagonistic aggression is divide and thus conquer. The final result, a sense of accomplishment, is manifested in the perpetrator.
Many folks are quite impressionable, if counseled eloquently or in everyday language with certainty, projecting a high degree of self confidence, communicating understanding or compassion, they may be influenced.
Fear of losing something of personal value, such as, security, status, peers, or material possessions, may prompt an individual to twist the truth, thus achieving a desired result which is consoling to them. To abate a threat by unscrupulous means is a travesty of justice.

PATH TO IMPROVEMENT 6-26-85

Yes, clear-eyed , open-minded perception of reality, profound realizations, revelations and idiosyncrasies can be harsh. However, it is not the end of the world. It would only improve oneself and result in an enhanced self-image and self-esteem. One who is happy with themselves can then relate better than others.

LETTER TO HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT 2-10-84

Poverty is a handicap. Hunger a reality.
America is reviewing its' priorities.
Economic entities, macro and micro are suffering.
Many systems are on the cusp of innovation, others evidently antiquated.
Our socially oriented programs must institute new concepts to aid this transition. Thus, preparedness.
During these stressful economic times, a concerted effort of new and renovated housing will be beneficial.
The plight of the inadequately sheltered, unemployed and the ailing economy can only prosper from this endeavor. The effect of economic recovery is second to its moral value.

LET THEM FALL

Tears just as rain drops must fall,
good released than not at all.
Let 'em fall, let 'em fall.

For they cleanse the living,
allowing new beginnings
for us all, for us all.
Tears just as rain drops must fall.

We must always be sincere
to ourselves and others, my dear.
It's so very clear, so very clear.

Remember our precious love,
guidance and help from above
loves' our way and always.

Let the tears and rain drops fall,
they are so good for us all.
Let 'em fall, let 'em fall.

QUOTE FROM JACK LONDON

I would rather be ashes than dust!
I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze,
than it should be stifled by dry-rot.
I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent
glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet.
The proper function of man is to live, not to exist.

I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them.

I shall use my time.

"ME"

Taking it easy, always amused
Although I'm sometimes confused

Being so crazy, cracking a smile
Figuring out things
As if I were a child

Looking for feelings, running through my head
Thinking about it, as if it were said

I'm always singing, a thought in my mind
I play so freely
Now I'm taking my time.

SOARING DISCS

High pressure weather system brightens our day
Clear blue skies for you and I
Maybe a cloud or two
Better contrast yet to relate to

Some play is a healthy way to pass the day
Snapping your wrist... releasing that disc
Frisbee soaring, climbing then gliding on its way
Where it arrives is guided by your hand and the breeze

You control its flight
Only you can make it right
A special touch... is all you need
To make that plastic disc heed

Stepping up the pace, making your partner run the race
Chasing the projectile over the knoll
Achieve an outstanding catch
And it will warm your soul

A challenge is always good
Success is even better
However, doing and trying
Is first in order.

A HEALTHY CHALLENGE

A HEALTHY CHALLENGE

As a songbirds melody
Permeates the silence
hungry bodies and souls
yearn for nourishment

To utter such beauty
Good health in a natural sense
Is a priority of goals
The ultimate of accomplishment.

FRESH START

FRESH START

Anew start will help you along
Giving you a challenge
To build you strong

Creating can be frustrating
Success will surely cure all ills

Monetary gain twists some folks grain
Be careful though
It may drive you insane

The main objective is to improve your plight
Leaving more time to enjoy what's right

We all have the sense to know the way
To live our life in peace everyday

Do as you will
Getting a thrill

Keeping in mind to treat others kind.

APRIL-AUGUST 1980

AVATAR EXPRESS

Hear the train a come'in, moving down the track
Hear the train a come'in, the Lord's come'in back

We all need some help, to clear our minds
People need one another, to practice to be kind

We're all hoping we'll learn his lesson this time
There's too much disinterest in the people's needs of our time

Gotta get together, isn't too much time
Here the ca11'in ... Come on get aboard

Jesus came to the earth to help you save your soul
Don't you think it's time to lighten your load

Better do it now, before you're too old,
Get Aboard ... Get Aboard.

ACID RAIN

ACID RAIN

Fall'in on the Island, fall'in from the sky

Found in our soil and water, Gotta stop the Acid Rain

Born of the industrial air, pollution everywhere
People starting to care, Gonna stop the Acid Rain

Kill'in fish and game, vegetation the same
Conscientious application, to stop the Acid Rain

Auto emissions they're a shame, we know who's to blame
Gotta mobilize now, to check the Acid Rain

Fall'in on the Island, fall ll'in from the sky
Found in our soil and waters, Gotta stop the Acid Rain.

RENT

RENT

Tenant landlord disputes always coming my way
Truth is, I don't like paying rent ••• What more need I say

They're only out for the buck, and I'm not having much luck
Challenging the landlord

Dwelling in disrepair, lessors don't care
Sometimes there's infestations, a case of disassociation

Tenants unite, we got to fight
Let's challenge the landlord.

NORMALCY

NORMALCY

Todays normalcy, is just an idiosyncrasy
A gross malady, for you and me to see
Oh, why can't you see, the way things ought to be

It's a matter of attitude, using much fortitude
No need to be rude, or get misconstrued
Just pure servitude, yes pure servitude

Todays normalcy is an inconsistency, of interpreted reality
Your perception, just a deception
A distortion, resulting in extortion
Of your mind ••• of your mind

It's a matter of attitude, using much fortitude
No need to be rude, or get misconstrued
Just pure servitude, yes pure servitude

OLIGARCHY SETAUKETS' INQUIRY

OLIGARCHY SETAUKETS' INQUIRY

Came to Arrowhead to clear my head,
got off to a bad start, now I'm getting smart

Setauket is a historic town,
where our nations liberators hung around,

They desired to secede,
for there was too much greed

Oligarchy destiny weavers, not truly seers,
Corporate leaders, fact misreaders,
Political leaders, reality evaders.

We know you're in power, why not lead us to unity, Oligarchy.

Bilking our essence, time for repentance,
Stop your selfishness, Oligarchy, Better hear me.

OLIGARCHY

OLIGARCHY

Romanticism, Chauvinism, Capitalism, Socialism, Communism,
all controversial isms.

Tri-Lateral Commissions Realism.

Establishing doctrines, undertaking adventures,
seeking solutions, remedies for conjecture.

RELEVANT

RELEVANT

Communication alliance
populace compliance

Establish truthful rapport
to avert war

No complacency
due to the urgency

Voters register
abate disaster

Pledge support
truth is our last resort

GLITTER

GLITTER

Deep in the bowels of the earth, man searches for metals of worth
Gold and silver top their lists, men toil strengthening their wrists

There are many perils to be found, in the shafts below the ground
Natures water table, test those that are able

Tremors by surprise, make us realize
Precious metals are a rarity, due to their scarcity

Aesthetically and scientifically they have their place
With forethought a new pace for the Human Race

Gotta change the economic base, for the sake of our race
Perhaps a liter of clean air, perhaps a liter of clean water
Don't you think we oughta, have some clean air and water

Deep in the bowels of the earth, you will find metals of worth

QUAKE

QUAKE

Rising water table, growing geological stress
Livestock uneasy in the stable, scientists try to impress

Another evolutionary stage, sociological changes abound
People feeling the earth's rage, shifts and jolts of the ground.

Mount St. Helens explodes to the atmosphere, losing 1400 foot of climb
Many a folk in fear, me making this disaster rhyme

Volcanic ash covers the Northwest, people anguish from the strife
Busy doing their very best, to adjust their life

This has happened before, movements of the earth
Us keeping the score, of the internal hearth.

POWER TO THE PEOPLE

POWER TO THE PEOPLE

Due to the economy, our nation's now in disharmony
don't want to be curt, but it took our pockets to hurt

People are gett'in mad, cause their feel'in sad
the Great Society, shamed by it's notoriety

Citizens don't fret, we haven't lost yet
it's gonna be tough, but we know our stuff

Let's stop the hate, and set this country straight
our leaders will adhere, if we sing this cheer

Power to the People. Goals based on fact, experience
and need, to stop the greed. Elect true leaders. People
support is our last resort. Power to the People.