April 12, 2006
Dear Hole in the Wall Saloon,
Just to let you know that I won't be back until May. I was mugged last
Monday (Apr. 10), at an ATM, of $200. I forgive the person (who I met
at Hole in the Wall)...he was not at all violent. I was just a sloppy
inebriated, trusting fool. Though I can't imagine EVER telling someone
my ATM account's PIN code, even when drunk. So I suspect it was more
than alcohol in my glass that allowed him to not just ask for my code,
but go home with me and count out the roll of 20's right before my
eyes...while I seemed totally hypnotized and unaware of the crime
unfolding. I remember beginning to undress, and that's all she wrote.
I woke up in my underwear, and he was gone. I then realized what
happened, and canceled my ATM card for a new one. Now, I have just $175
for the rest of the month...I live on Social Security and nothing else.
Thankfully, the culprit did leave my wallet with all ID in the hallway
bathroom (I just live in a humble single unit here in The Castro). As
an advocate and activist for my gay brothers on the streets (since
1973), I simply accept that such incidents go with the territory. (I
also consider myself a prophet and visionary for our Queer Family, in
the Pagan/Shamanic tradition.) However, this was the first time I've
EVER been mugged with (or w/o) a probable date-rape drug.
Jerry (bartender) saw me play pool and leave with him some time after
midnight. His name is (supposedly) Michael: short in height (approx.
5'5"), Caucasian, handsome, short-cut wavy black hair with thick
eyebrows and moustache. We played a round of pool. Please be clear: I
forgive Michael...and hope that my fair-mindedness will put him through
some good changes. I'd STILL like to play pool with him, etc.
I also consider the folks at Hole in the Wall blameless for this stupid
incident. Nonetheless, I had just spent a lot of money Fri. and Sun.
nights to show a bunch of people a good time (including yourself,
Larkin). And it was GREAT! (Except that the $60 worth of marijuana I
purchased on the street for $40--and which I joyfully shared with
EVERYONE there--turned out to be some other cheap and ineffective herb.
Boy do I have the luck!)
But between that expense, and my ATM-theft, it is now impossible for me
to afford going ANYWHERE, except to a grocery store, that I may have
food for the rest of the month. (I'm trying to get some kind of
part-time under the counter job, that I may afford regularly, the
expense of going out to the SOMA bars each day/night. So maybe I'll get
lucky really fast.)
Also, I have learned one of life's great lessons many years ago, during my struggle to save the life of a Vietnam Veteran (Randolph Taylor),
who had shot himself in a botched suicide attempt: What appears to be
misfortune can turn into a great blessing, if one just takes a deep
breath and holds on tight. As Randolph used to say: "Keep the faith".
This note is to avert anyone wondering or worrying about me...or
thinking I'm pulling a "Let's see if Larkin calls me" game. I've been
having a wonderful time there, and will miss everyone's company for the
duration. I look at it this way: so many others there are going through
much more difficult crises than my non-violent mugging. And you,
Larkin, put a LOT of smiles on a lot of faces, and are a wonderful
protector of the innocent. Congratulations for being such an excellent
guy.
Your beloved amigo,
Zeke
--
Lavender-Velvet Revolution
http://www.gay-bible.org
UPDATE
The S.F. Bay Times finally printed the account of my mugging IN FULL
(no editing, no deletion)! This is truly a VICTORY. (I e-mailed it a
SECOND time, never dreaming they'd really publish it; but dammit I'm
OUTraged.) Read it here. (Scroll down a bit; it's the 2nd letter.)
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