In the early 1980’s I was stopped by a reporter on the street. He said he was from some TV station and wanted to ask me a question. I said OK and he proceeded. But when the camera man swung his huge lens in front of me I froze. Unable to speak into that big black cold and expressionless eye, I shook my head and walked away.
30 years later I was given the chance again. John Rhodes is one of the lone soldiers who documents the now poetry scene. Poverty and health problems do not deter him from realizing his artistic endeavor. He carries his equipment and go places by bus. When he started the monthly TV show in 2010 he asked me to co-host. Each of us have fifteen minutes to feature a poet. We tape the shows at BVAC (Bay Area Video Coalition)’s very nice studio. Back in his tiny room, John edits the segments and sends them out into cyber space.
The terror that haunted me so long ago subsided in time. Now I calm my guests and warn them about Big Eye. “He’s cold.” I said, “but make love to him.”
