So how did you celebrate my birthday last Wednesday? I
try not to get in the way of these things. Different people in different
cultures have their own ways to recognize such events & I hate to
interfere with ceremonies that are very often rooted in complex
religious practices. Simple villagers in many parts of the world find
just praying quietly with their families around my picture surrounded by
candles is enough. In other places, celebrations of the event are
planned throughout the year and week-long hedonistic orgies are not
uncommon. I will say that I am opposed to ANY ceremony that involves
human or animal sacrifice of any kind. Still, if that's the way you
absolutely have to go, I do have a list … Awww, never mind.
Locally
My OR (opposition research) people were out on the
streets trying to figure out who can get elected mayor. This all
happened while they were running back and forth from the corner store,
making wine runs. Don't worry David (Binder), this is a temporary
outfit. Strictly non-union.
We're still tabulating the results. Still waiting for
Tammy Haygood to get us some cell phones. Hell, at least a couple of
those cars.
Next year we're using IRV.
Smoking pot
I spent my birthday smoking pot and yelling at Matt
Gonzalez. It didn't come to blows, although not because I didn't want it
to. Ammiano was right, this guy is hard headed! (What did he call him?
“Asshole"?) I was trying to get the bastard to admit that he was our
only hope for saving space in the town for the people I saw all around
the room … dancers, artists, sculptors, whatever.
Sometimes people don't realize their own power (by
running for mayor!!). The guy is talking about getting behind Ammiano &
crap like that when we all know realistically that Tom can't win but we
feel obligated.
I tried everything. I threatened him. Said I'd come up
with a knife and take off a piece of his ear!
The guy is cool. Didn't flinch! He said it would be a
big mistake if I did that to him. Said his favorite guy at City Hall is
Harvey Rose. But don't tell anyone. Could go to his head.
He's still pissed off I haven't paid him off for the
Terrapins victory. Keeps bringing it up. Give me a f***ing break! Who
the hell would of picked the Maryland guys? Like trying to guess the
next mayor. Good Luck. Fear the turtle!!! I guess.
Sezz he's cutting me off. No more invites to the wild
office parties if I don't pay up (all of five bucks).
Says he's going to run for the mayor of Baltimore before
he runs for mayor of San Francisco. Says he's not supporting anyone for
mayor unless they promise to let him pick one poet laureate of San
Francisco. That's all he really wants.
Hell, I think he should get to pick the head of the
Housing Authority too.
All that counts is where you sleep
I am a very capable guy. I could dig a damned hole in
the ground & live there successfully.
I am a provider though. I generally carry more water
from the river than I can use. I do more than my share. Even in a losing
cause.
We’re losing San Francisco. We're bleeding artists and
people of color & low income. Big time. We need places in town to sleep,
to live.
If you destroy all of the nests for all of the poor, you
don't just toss out junkies & drunks. You get rid of dancers and writers
and me. People like me write the poetry and the columns & sing the songs
& play the sax in the background when you get laid.
I am a Hippie (what about you?)
It is a windy night overlooking Leavenworth. The music
sings of faraway lands & the women look way too good. I am old but I
think of the future.
I am a writer. It is my best tool. You should use your
best tool in the service of your god.
I am a hippie. My gods are art & love.
My mind drifts back across my birthday. I ran to the
Marina. Three miles in 29 minutes. A month ago I couldn't run a block.
Gotta get in shape. It's a piece of the puzzle.
In 32 days I need to be able to run seven and a half
miles. It will be a push. The Bay to Breakers calls. Maybe the last one.
If the Examiner folds, will someone else keep up the race?
I want to do the San Francisco Marathon right before the
election in November. It all fits together.
I'm a year older. Pushing. You always wonder if you can
come back again. Lose the weight. Get the sun. Will you still look good?
This is San Francisco where we do everything on stage. I
don't know. Neither do you. Don't you love surprises?
huh?
sobone@juno.com
