Speculation-
I know longer try to engage
only human,
still, it happens...
A writer myself,
I know the worn cliches
of quirky, brilliant eccentric,
fiery bohemian,
lovable, crotchety misfit,
- troubled artiste...
I've followed your work
for decades
knew you as none of these-
not really...
And through your skillful
words
I entered your world briefly,
there,
on the page
I learned of your
personal history,
your life's chronology
from prison to family man,
screenwriter, award- winning author...
Always, what impressed me
were your opinions- your worldview,
so like mine.
And finally, meeting,
one word stuck-
it was your advice for us writers,
" authenticity."
It describes you perfectly,
no posturing
just down-to-earth
accessible...
simply attired,
with an old truck,
- the back filled with boxes of
books-
you gave us for free.