Legends from My Childhood

Fourth grade was peculiar. I’m not sure this really happened. And maybe it was just because I was living in Holland at the time and it was some kind of a Dutch thing. But anyways, in gym class that year instead of having a regular teacher like I had in third grade I had a … Read more

“They used to call me ‘Gentile Joe’” he said. ‘Cuz my name is ‘Joe Gentle.’ I loved the Jews. Oh sure. I loved the Jews and the Jews loved me.” Pulling out tinted photos of foxy showgirls from the ’30s. “The ladies, the ladies. Oh sure.” Stacked instruments music stands and guitar picks dirty music … Read more

At age 12 he was like me. Tall for his age. Uncooperative hair. I moved away and he sent letters: “I’m growing up! I’m kicking ass! I’m dating girls!” I didn’t believe it. Five years later, I was back in town for a visit. His mom was gone. Copies of High Times magazine spun out … Read more

She took too many pills or something and nearly died but the main thing I remember is sitting down at their kitchen table and her telling us how at that critical moment she saw the light and turned back. I thought: “She seems sad.” And: “I can’t believe a grownup is telling me this and … Read more

Don’t forget what’shisname — Steven? Really smart. Played guitar. Got into heavy metal. Sort of wavy black hair? He was a tough little dude. I think they came in second in that Battle of the Bands. All covers. Maybe Free Bird. OK, probably Free Bird. But Blue Öyster Cult too. He had a girl in … Read more