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