Richard stood alone near Church and Main to avoid the hail and snow whipping down Main Street. He wasn’t with his buddy Mike. “Mike got real crazy hoofing starter fluid. Needed to leave him alone….”
Phil at the Fishing Pier
Weather chilly. Phil rode his bike down the hill. Comes here everyday. He awaits the Spring to cookout behind the water treatment building or at North Beach.
Muskrat slides on the ice, seeking cover, blending in to the winter cover colors.
Phil’s off on his bike to the library. Well maintained, the parts come from spares he gathers from well-off UVM students who also help him with bottles when he needs some tobacco money. Sturdy and reliable transportation, doctor told him, “bicycle riding is good for the heart.” He says, despite some pressing health problems, that he always has a good day. Talking with him made mine.
Larry’s Back on Church
Hadn’t seen him for a few months. He said he had been at the shelter, sober for at least 8 weeks. Had his first drinks of the season. “Have a few months to wait until I start collecting my retirement. I am taking early retirement at 62.” “What job did you retire from?” “I’ve had a lot of jobs.” “Whose paying your retirement?” “Social security.” “How much you getting?” “$700 something and 31 cents. Don’t forget about the cents.”
“Are you going back on your box?” “What box?” “The box you sit on and ask people for money.” “Of course. Its my job.”
Owsley “Bear” Stanley, Dead at 76
I never knew Owsley had a last name. Then again, I never knew who his parents were or that he didn’t eat anything but red meat. His Mother made him eat broc; so did my mother. He didn’t realize it, but he had a profound effect on me and a number of counter culturers from the baby boom. Blotto,errr, blotter, my man!
Donald and Jim Jump at Burlington Center
When you got nothing to do and you are a kid, you jump off railings into snowbanks, I guess.
Teena and Michael on Main
Teena and Michael sit on Main St. Can’t go to Turning Point, a drop in, because it only opens for meetings.
Judge Costello Courthouse Clock
How can you give people time or fine them for not being on time when the clock on the courthouse doesn’t work. Not only doesn’t it work, but the faces don’t have the same times.
Woman with the Wings Tatoo
Went to an all day arts program. Talking to a woman with a tatoo on her back about a portrait shootshoot. She became animated and knocked her wine off the table, hitting me, before it hit the floor. Clean up time. I left to wash my jeans before they stained.
Mike at Park
“Not with the same girl you saw me with at JUMP.”
Neisha Kaitlyn and Pandora
Texting, knitting, sitting and staring. Boys boxed. “It it fake or real,” I asked. “Fake,” said Kaitlyn.
