Ballard Street by Jerry Van Amerongen for December 27, 2022

mhm, as if…

This group is the entire clientele of throwback Tuesdays at Mable’s Beatnik Coffee House and Coin Laundry.

In Ballard anyone with long hair and a single earring is recognized as a poet. It was my turn last Wednesday. I still haven’t found my other earring, but enjoyed autographing several books. None of which I read.

Goatees are always required to be a recognized poet.

It’s keen to be seen. It’s nice to be shown that you’re not alone.

Though you don’t need rhyme all the time, a beat can be neat.

It’s sad when you’re a poet but you don’t know it.

The Ballard Street balladeer. (just add a banjo for backup)

He was first inspired by Maynard G. Krebs.

Despite the fact that he just concluded a prison term for drug distribution and money laundering, he remains one cool cat.

He looks so smart, strolling the neighborhood in his checkered shirt…

And no one yet quipped.. “a poet and he didn’t know it”. And, are we really sure this is a poet, and not a new resident of Ballard St being welcomed by the local whist club

There once was a poet named GWalter, and no, my speech didn’t falter.

He once rode with Dobie, (And listens to Moby!)

And his ego? It needs a big halter!

Good morning Balladeers, (((((Plods))))) and Miss Susan.

A friend of mine lived with a “nationally recognized poet”, who had formerly been on the L.A.P.D. bomb disposal squad. He did not look remotely “poetic”.

The groupies were soooo annoying.

Scooter happily questions poetic recognition!!!

Cool. snap, snap, snap. :)