Don Eli had a gentle voice. When he read his poems sometimes we couldn’t hear him. Then Don disappeared from the scene. I bumped into him many months later standing on Haight Street talking to some passer-by. He had taken to the street, reciting poems by request for money. His voice had become strong and loud and his gestures expansive. I was amazed at his transformation. He had since been a fixture on Haight Street for many years.
Being a street poet Don had to overcome many obstacles. Solicitation had to be understated and fun so people wouldn’t get scared or intimidated. He learned to project his voice and be theatrical so his patrons got their money’s worth. But the biggest problem for Don was the street gangs. They didn’t like him and wanted him out. Don persisted, until recently, when during an evening a group of men gathered half a block away from him with looks to kill. Don had no intention to get beaten up so he fled and that was the end of his street gig.
Don is back at the Sacred Grounds. When he reads the room is too small for him.
Photo by Travis Snelling.
Thank you for including me on your website, Clara.
I am back on Haight Street! I have a new style now that should be safe for me. I used to stand next to the curb with my menu of poems and make eye-contact with the people, waiting to be asked to perform. I now realize that the drug dealers were not comfortable working with me watching everything, and I guess that is why several people were threatening to kill me. Now I work from inside a doorway where I cannot see much. I recite my poems without being asked. It seems to be working very well.
I publish all my best on my website: viviangardens.com