RFD Issue 27 Summer 1981

lwnt7.No. 3 *27 The House of -fbe %

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H E L P !!

I NEED SOMEBODy!

As we go to press with this issue, Running Water and RFD are facing a great deal of change.

In the almost two years of our small col­ lective, we have taken on and experienced a lot and learned much more about ourselves and what our individual visions are. The pre­ sent situation is this: one member is leaving the collective and two others are going away for two months to check out other alterna­ tives and gain some perspective on their relationship to RW, RFD and Gatherings. This leaves me here basically alone to tend the place and continue RFD. There will be no fall Gathering this year. The possibilities seem to be many: I might buy out the other two to form another collective here; they may buy me out and continue as a home­ stead; I may leave with RFD to another collective; we may all rejoin, etc.

It is very complex, but one thing is clear - we cannot continue as in the past. Much of what will be decided in the next two months will depend on what we hear in the way of interest and support from YCXJ. Especially for me to decide to form another community to home­ stead, publish RFD and support the Network, I have to know if there is anyone interested in and willing to join such a community.

At the Gathering here this June this was discussed and over 50 made pledges of $5 or $10 per month or occasional work to support a group of people to live here and accomplish these activities. For me to buy out the other three would cost about $15,000. Personally, I am willing and desirous to continue to live here in a community co­ ordinating RFD and furthering the Network on sane scale. But, none of that is possible for me alone. There seems to be a growing com­ mitment from the network for such sanctuaries as RW, Short Mt., etc. probably because the need is growing. While often different, most share a common theme of mutual support, cooperation and family. The future is clouded with uncertainities and hardships which makes our family support vital and necessary.

I personally feel very positive about all of these changes.

I want the best for my beloved brothers in the collective.

If our paths must separate for our own space and development, I can deal with it knowing that I can contribute by giving that space.

It would be my gift for our relationship to continue.

I feel an even stronger than ever connection with the Network as my family, and my commitment to RFD has remained strong.

It is a vision I cherish.

The financial problems of RFD are still a reality to deal with. The spring issue was expensive and too large. We overspent by about $2000 and the Fruits of Cernunos has come to RFD *s rescue with a loan so we can get to press with this issue. This is a very sup­ portive part of the Network in action and Blessed be*. The response to the appeal in the last issue for department editors has been really tremendous. However, we have to scale down the journal to no more than 64 pages for budget reasons and we may revert to having the 'feature' collective produce the entire issue as was done in the past. Many seeds have been sown to help RFD's cash flow: advertis­ ing in other gay journals as well as seeing ads in RFD and distri­ butorships by subscribers, etc. Much of this effort has yet to bear fruit. RFD still has only 650 subscribers.

(This is a 50% increase over last yearl ) Obtaining more subscribers is a most pressing need.

We should have three times that many.

(How about sending a gift subcription?) A community coordinating RFD at RW (or elsewhere?) is absolutely needed, but we will not be able to confirm commitments regarding that kind of arrangement until after Sept, when the 3 of us meet again to check out our own feelings and directions. This summer will be a time for waiting and patience in hope and assurance.

I trust the flow and know in my heart that RW will remain in the net­ work one way or another, and that RFD will continue to function one way or another.

So, let me hear from you if you are interested in joining such a community; can invest in such an adventure; can come to help some ti*e this summer; or can help in some other way. Our friends in Atlanta will be handling the pledges for subsistance support.

If jrom can offer that kind of support, contact: Frank Abbott, 1422 Iverson St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30307. Giving gift subscriptions to W D will help a great deal as well.

-Ron

FUTURE FEATURES: Fall '81 Issue #28 A Look At Gay Alcoholism A blend of personal stories and fact, is being put together by a group in Massachusetts. Arti­ cles stories, and information on supportive organizations, and resources are welcome.

Submission due date is July L5, 1981.

Winter '81 Issue #29 Humor This feature is being compiled in Tennessee and humorous con­ tributions would be most wel­ come. Submission due date is Oct. 15, 1981.

Spring '82 Issue #30 Wild Foods, Herbal, Recipes This feature is being compiled in Arkansas by familiar fairy foragers. Submission due date is Jan. 15, 1982.

Please mail all contributions to RFD Feature, R t . 1 Box 127E, Bakersville, NC 28705. It helps to indicate which feature the submission is intended for.

Also, you can't be too early.

If you have a group interested in doing a feature for RFD in the future, please write us and we will send you informa­ tion on how to participate in this creative process.

RFD is published quarterly in March, June, September and December at Rt 1 Box 127 -E Bakersville NC 28705.

ISSN #0149-709X US PS #073101 Non-profit tax exempt status under #34-71’99134 as a func­ tion of Gay community Social Services, TO Box 2228, Seattle WA 98922.

RFD functions as a reader writ­ ten journal. Editorship re­ sponsibility is shared among several individuals in various locations coordinated by the collective. The business and general production is centered at Running water Farm Rt 1 Box 127-E B akersville NC 28705. ___ __

A COUNTRY JOURNAL FOR GAY MFN EVERYWHERE

#27 *>SUMMER® 1981

CfOlNTT/RHIBfUTTfO IR s Franklin Abbott..... 17-19, 49 Alladres................... 17 Aurora Corona..19, 21, 25, 36 Joe Balestriri............. 13 Kirk Bell.................. 34 Benjamin Beren.... 18, 19, 34 Jon Christensen............ 29 Crazy Owl.................. 22 Louis Crew.......

26, 34 Brian Duley................ 35 David Frey.................. 8 Steve Ginsburg............. 50 Crit Goi n ................... 7 wf. Heineman............... 20 Will Inraan................. 18 John of Hermit Hollow...... 54 Jon Jost.............. 34 , 38 Randy Krahn............... 4 5 Gabriel Laropert....28, 32, 35 Lasis..............

14 Michael Mason .. . back cover ..... 17, 23, 36, 37, 40 Bill Matthias.............. 29 Steve Pallagi.............. 32 Poe........................ 35 I M Poustinik..............41 Richard Reed........... 32, 35 Randy Rossi................ 38 Shogun..................... 29 Randy S ly.................. 28 John Soldo.......

34 Blaise Spinelli............ 48 Jerry Stamps........... 46, 51 Fred Strugat z .............. 38 David Sunseri.......... 27, 33 Don Sunseri............. ...32 Dave Vegliano.............. 45 Roger Weaver......... ..17, 33 Andy Wicker........

28 Mikel Wilson............... 40

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Peter Kendrick Jim Long Scott Roberts Jack Whitlow (Cover art)

*3/R<&fDlU<C.Tri<D/N Running Water: Edwin Bridges Peter Kendrick Ron Lambe Asheville: Michael Mason Mel Riley Corinne Wilson

T /A 16 IL IE © IF C C IN T It IN T S ADVERTISING.................................................. 54-56 ANNOUNCEMENTS.................................................. 4-6 Celebrations and Gather ings.................................... 6 Groups and Organizations...................................... .

Media Announcements..........................

4 Workshops and Conferences...................................... 4 ARTICLES..................................................... 14-16 On the Question of Names by Lasis.............................14 BROTHERS BEHIND BARS....................

8-13 You Are a Criminal Too by David Frey...........

8 CONTACT LETTERS.............................................. 52-53 CREATIVE WRITING....................................

49 Gently, the Boy I Was and Am byFranklin Abbott............... 49 FAERIE NETWORK................................................... 7 A Message From Your Gypsy Shaman byCrit G o i n ................. 7 FEATURE............................... ...................... 17-39 Poetry by: Franklin Abbott - Alladres - Aurora Corona Kirk Bell - Benjamin Beren - Jon Christensen - Crazy Owl Louis Crew - Brian Duley - wf. Heineman - Will Inman Jon Jost - Gabriel Lampert - Michael Mason - Bill Matthias Steve Pallagi - Poe - Richard Reed - Mel Riley - Randy Rossi - Shogun - Randy Sly - John Soldo - Fred Strugatz David Sunseri - Don Sunseri - Roger weaver - Andy Wicker-17ff Excerpts from Walt Whitman........................

39 GARDENING.................................................... 48-50 French Intensive Gardening by Blaise Spinelli................48 Raspberries, Foxberries, Dewberries by Steve Ginsburg....... 50 HEALTH...................................................4 2-44, 51 The Apothecary by Jerry Stamps................................ 51 Putting Up Things For the Cold by Jerry Stamps......... .

42 H O C STEADING.....................................................54 Notes From Hermit Hollow by John............................. 54 KITCHEN QUEEN...................................................40 Little Revolution On the Range.........

40 LETTERS TO RFD................................................. 2-3 POLITICS.........................................................13 I'm Outraged by Joe Balestriri.........................

13 PROFILES..................................................... 45-47 Two Men, The Wilderness & Star Route Hammocks by Randy Krahn and Dave Vegliano.................................... 4 5 RFD INFORMATION............. ....................... inside covers SPIRITUALITY......................

41 A View From Here by I M Poustinik............................ 4 ]

Stephen DEPARTMENT EDITORS: Contact Letters... Travis Levi Creative Writing...Chip Moore Gatherings ........ Crit Goin Homesteading.... Jerry Noakes Kitchen Queen...... Mel Riley Poetry......... Michael Mason

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This is RFD's first-ever poetry issue. Though months in prepa­ ration, years could easily have been devoted. Since the subject has hardly been exhausted here, perhaps there'll be another po­ etry focus in time. The definition of "poetry” essentially re­ duces to "words". Accordingly, some of the "poets'" works featured herein are not poetry, but prose or tidbits from con­ versation. All in all, the words speak, in rhyme, to a feeling.

May the Muse keep on strumming'.

- Michael Mason 1

LETTERS

Somehow, someone amongst us had to stand up and say that you are full of shit when you are.

I don't necessarily want the distinction, but I am of sufficient conviction to claim it if I have to.

Dear Friends:

D< ar Friends at Running Water, I have just reread your flier on subscription renewal, as I have every month since I re­ ceived it last October.

Re­ newal of my subscription to your magazine has been pretty far down on ray list of priori­ ties. My letter head reading Toad Suck Farm, Inc. should be sufficient explanation as to why.

I felt at first that I had been personally maligned.

Now of course, I know that it is much broader than that.

It is a philosophical base from which the magazine operates that predisposes the editors to be critical and even fear­ ful of those of us who have ability, capability, and forti­ tude to make an honest go of it on the farm. You see, the pro­ blem is that you country gays have taken a rather broad phi­ losophical base that country living is good for people, especially in our overcrowded, polluted and violent society, then you narrowed that base by giving it a bad case of tunnel vision. By taking the attitude that the country life for a gay person is only rewarding when he reaches the country poor, stays poor, and suffers some sort of class struggle whereby he is pre-empted to fail on the land, you have narrowed your base to the point that you scarcely represent country gays.

Instead, you represent only a small number of the country gays.

It is little wonder that you barely pull in enough r e ­ venue to stay afloat.

At first I wasn’t going to re­ subscribe.

I had been hurt, just as it seems that you were trying somehow to hurt all ca ­ pable men, especially those arrogant enough to own up to their ability and be proud of it. Then I decided that by ­ damn there has to be someone subscribing to your magazine who can be a standard bearer for the caoitalists amongst us, for the successful amongst us, for the do-ers amongst us.

So enter my subscription for another year of your magazine.

You are doing a lot of good, and are capable of doing much more.

Your contact letters, your prison work, and many of your articles are praiseworthy.

If you could just broaden your philosophical base to include those of a prosperous conscious ness, then you shouldn't always be on the verge of collapse.

Yours truly, villiam M. Morton, Ph.D. Pres. Toad Suck Farm, Inc. Delray Beach, FL (Collective note: William’s letter refers to his article and the editorial rqsoonse by Landon which appeared in RFD #10. winter 1976). ’**•'

The staff of Magical Blend would like to extend the hand of friendship to your partici­ pants, and offer our apprecia­ tion for the worth of your pub­ lication. Magical Blend is a spiritual publication, pub­ lished quarterly, that offers an optimistic view on the p o ­ tential of humanity to ascend the highest peak of awareness.

As several of us are gay, we are highly interested in the remarkable capacities of gay brothers and sisters to serve in the peaceful transforma­ tion of this planet. The sen­ sitivities we have acquired as outcasts can be harnessed to heal ourselves and those with­ in our sphere of influence.

It also causes us to look more carefully at our relationships with the other life forms on the earth. In particular, the whales and dolphins have cap­ tured our attention, as they are highly evolved mammals who suffer much persecution and threats of extinction. With respect to our spiritual friends of the sea, we have devoted our latest issue to the cetaceans.

If you feel your readers would be served by knowing about us, we hope you'll pass on the word.

(Copies are $3.00 each, subscriptions are $10.)

Dear RFD, The words to the song I sent you were misprinted. Please print the corrected words in the coming RFD. Thanks!

La Mere Terre-The Earth Mother She will bring the buds in the spring, and laugh among the flowers, In summer's heat are Her kiss­ es sweet, She sings in leafy bowers, She cuts the cane and gathers the grain When fruits of fall surround Her , Her bones grow old in wintry cold, She wraps Her cloak around Her . . . but....

Floating Eagle Feather

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RFD is a refreshing alterna­ tive to the bulk of gay pu b­ lications.

It is heartening to see gay men aligning them­ selves with the creative force within them. We send our lov­ ing blessings for RFD1s con­ tinued unfoldment in peace and joy.

All the best, Van Ault Contibuting Editor Magical Blend PO Box 11303 San Francisco, CA 94101 (Collective note: We are im­ pressed with this truly beau­ tiful publication and feel it deserves support in readership . )

I’m really writing this letter in response to Alaric's letter in the Spring issue in which he demonstrated once again why he is called ''The Dark Lord" and really foamed at the mouth about an article by Edward Nor­ man entitled "Spiritualities for Gays" in Issue #25.

What a wonderful job you folks are doing 1 A lovingly-done forum for the creative life­ styles we're seeing being tried around the country. My own commitment to a creative life­ style has been with gay pagan­ ism, although with paganism I've grown to the point that I’ve come into contact with that part of myself that knows me to be androgynous and I've opened up new channels in m y ­ self allowing much closer re­ lationships with sisters with whom I share the perfect love and perfect trust necessary to operate a working circle.

It's a love that overrides sexual orientation, as I've also had physical sharings with straight brothers of the circle.

I want to give the clap to Lord Alaric Na Tor of Kansas City for his fantastic article on the Great Rite. Alaric is probably the roost popular witch in Sabbatsmeet (Kansas CitySpringfield, MO-St. LouisDes Moines), and it's thoughts like that one that make him so.

Alaric is the driving force b e ­ hind and unifying the large pagan community in Kansas City.

I read that article, too. And I wasn't really thrilled with the sentiment, to be perfectly honest. However, it was in­ appropriate for Alaric to rail against RFD for printing it, since it was consistent with your "open forum" oolicy to do so .

Alaric, historically, is not big on tolerating statements he does not want to hear.

Per­ haps that's why some of his converts don't stay converted.

His standards are rigid, even more so for himself, although his dedication to craft and support of his circlefolk are unquestionably enthusiastic.

Alaric has fallen into the Christian's own trap here, which is to say that "our way is the only way", and I will take exception with him right down the line on it. In Pa­ ganism, we're building "a way", but ours is just that. We, or many of us, realize that the journey down the Golden Path can be made on many different paths. We're working on a path that is right for us, but evidently, and appropriately, it is not right for everyone.

In Des Moines’ MoonStar Grove, we've been doing some very nice work for the last few months.

We've had a healing seminar, listened to a master's thesis in anthropology that was done on our group, had seminars on circles, Tarot, pagan holidays, organic drugs, and herbalism.

We have an extended community membership of 26 witches and we're still growing, slowly, but growing.

Craft is a taxing, consuming a art archane and there are paths that are equally rewarding and, yes, less demanding. But we attempt to live by the Great Rede, which is "An it harm none, do what ye will. Love is the Law and Love is the Bond" and I somehow failed to see Alaric demonstrating that Rede when he said: "At times I feel that my 'gay brothers’, at least the non-Pagan ones, are good for just one thing."

Alaric, darling, there wasn't just tons of love in that statement, if you know what I mean.

I'm sorry that we didn't hear about the Rowan Tree's gather­ ing until a couple of weeks before it was happening. We had a Grove meeting scheduled for that night, and it's not easy to cancel one.

Indeed, the Gnostic Christians are probably several steps ahead of us on spirituality and healing, a path even more d e ­ manding than Craft and one which requires even more in­ tense love.

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I'd like to take a moment to quote from Archbishop Metro­ politan Mikhail F. Itkin's poem in Era Magazine March, 1974 issue: "I used to seek integration of homosexuals with heterosexuals.

Now, that is no longer the is­ sue: Now, I seek integration of homosexuals with Gay People: those Gay People who realize the balance, who achieve the unification of the "opposites", who realize the balance of male/female Principle each within her/himself, revive the command of the ancient Gay oracle of Delphi: "know thy­ self", who know our Self to be divine androgyne.

Yess: Now I seek integration of homosexuals with Gay People. This came to me while T was pondering the changes growing: changes in evolution/revolution/revolution which only androgynous consciousness (i.e., Gay) can br ing about."

If that is a "wrong path", well, it obviously isn't too distant from the one we're travelling, or trying to.

Like Alaric, I cherish ray path, and love those travelling it with roe. But I respect al­ ternate travellers.

Alaric had every right to correct some of the profoundly ignorant state­ ments Mr. Norman made about craft, but he also had every responsibility to respect your forum for presenting this al­ ternate view. Everyone who is moving towards spirituality is going in my direction.

Love is the Bond, anger is passe.

So mote it bel Also, in Issue #26, page 65, the song there is a neat song, but try it with a different wording: Instead of "Listen, Listen, Listen to my heart song," try "Lady, Lady, Listen to my heart song." I don't know if "correct" is the right word, but every pagan I know uses the second version, not the first.

Merry Meet & Merry Parti Lord Fere Cnawan MoonStar Grove of Des Moines, IA

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THE MOUNTAIN HOME CHRONICLES Announcing a new publi­ cation for gay men and womyn in the Northern Rocky Mountain states (WA, ID, MT, WY and CO) and the two Canadian Provinces of British Columbia and Alberta.

The new publication will provide news, gen­ eral information events, reader contributed works and personal ads.

For more information, send one 18q stamp to: M H C , T. Levi, Box 2641, Missoula, MT 59806.

Lavender Sat sang is a new quarterly newsletter on gay and lesbian spirituality.

The editors are Jiiranii Dent, lesbian, and Floating Eagle Feather, gay roan, who feel a need for a newsletter to show mutual support, ideas, news, graphics, poems, and inspira­ tion (in our own unique way of perceiving) on seeking and finding the divine essence within ourselves and all oth­ ers, lavender or not, human or not, visible or not.

"We want to help unite all gay and lesbian universalists. Whe­ ther you are able to contri­ bute in any way or not, we will send you the first issue of Lavender Sat sang - but we do want as much input as we can get for this first issue."

For more information write; Floating Eagle Feather PO Box 2192 Charleston, 9C 29403

Farming Uncle, a quarterly periodical for natural people and Mother Nature lovers ac ­ cepts free-of-charge personal ads, pen-pal ads, homestead/ farmstead ads and barter ads.

Ads are free to 30 words and additional words are 1 5q each.

No commercial ads, please*.

Bend ads and requests for subscriptions ($2/sample copy; $3/year) to: Farming Uncle, PO Box 91, Liberty, NY 12754.

CUT AR T , an exhibit of art dealing with homosexual and lesbian themes, is the June 6-27 exhibition at C.A.G.E., 706 Walnut St., 5th floor, Cincinnati, Ohio. Gallery hours are Wed. & Sat. 12-4pm, Thurs. & Fri. 5-8pm. Hudson, a Cincinnati artist, curated the exhibition.

Paintings, drawings, sculptures, photo­ graphs, prints and performance comprise the exhibition. The artists come from all over the country and world.

The Folk School in Brasstown, NC offers two-week and weekend seminars in homestead skills and appropriate technology throughout the year. There is also a more intensive workstudy program available.

For more information write: The John C. Campbell Folk School Brasstown, NC 28902

C.A.G.E., Cincinnati Artists' Group Effort, is a non-profit organization which presents an alternative to the already existing arts institutions and commercial galleries in the Greater Cincinnati Area.

Proposals for the use of the space may be submitted by anyone .

^CONFERENCES Lesbian and gay Seventh-day Adventists from the United States, Canada and Australia will attend their second an­ nual conference this summer in Northern California. The week long "Kampmeeting", sponsored

by Seventh-day Adventist Kin­ ship, International, Inc., will be held August 16-23 at a privately owned ranch in Guerneville, California.

Kinship, a gay Adventist organ­ ization which began in 1977, has recently filed for incor­ poration as a non-profit reli­ gious organization. Basically a support group, Kinship is also seeking acceptance of gay lifestyles within the funda­ mentalist denomination.

A number of workshops and se­ minars aimed at assisting gays in reconciling their sexuality and Christian beliefs are sche­ duled. A variety of recrea­ tional and social activities are also being planned, in­ cluding a banguet and talent show.

IOWA THEATER LAB Catskill, New York MEN'S WORKSHOPS 1981 The Iowa Theater Lab's work­ shops for men are held in a comfortable old country house surrounded by half a dozen acres of lawns, meadows and woodland. Our home is located in the foothills of the Cats kill mountains, four miles out­ side the village of Catskill and one hundred miles north of New York City.

Each session is both a theater workshop and a retreat: a chance for a small group of men (never more than fifteen) to get together in a friendly and support ive atmosphere away from the pressures of their everyday working lives.

Past workshop participants have been both gay and straight men whose ages have ranged from their twenties into their sixties. Many have had no previous experience of theater.

For more information, write: S.D.A. Kinship, Inti., Inc. P0 Box 1233-V Los Angeles, CA 90028

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Address all correspondence to: Iowa Theater Lab Box 47, RD 1 Catskill, NY 12414

JJKU

John F. Kennedy University's Graduate School of Conscious­ ness Studies, located in the San Francisco Bay Area, offers accredited Master's degrees in Comparative Mysticism and Re­ ligion, Holistic Health Educa­ tion, Transpersonal Counseling, Parapsychology, Consciousness and the Arts, and Conscious­ ness Studies.

For further information write: Graduate School of Conscious­ ness Studies JFKU 12 Altarinda R d .

Orinda, CA 94 563 (415) 254-0200 ext. 47

GLAD G.L.A.D. is a non-profit, tax exempt legal defense organi­ zation. Expenses are met through tax-deductable dona­ tions from individuals and foundations. Fees are not accepted.

Its objective is to educate the gay community and the public at large about the civil rights of gay people and to vindicate those rights.

G.L.A.D.’s staff includes at­ torneys, law students and para-legal professionals who specialize in gay rights.

They are well-informed on gay civil rights and have exten­ sive experience in defending them.

It is governed by a Board of Directors, represent­ ing a broad spectrum of the community to guarantee constant input, and is one of several gay legal defense organiza­ tions in the U.S. coordinating its efforts with the national effort to achieve equal status* under the law for gay people.

Contributions are urgently needed to help fight increas­ ingly powerful right-wing op­ press ion.

For more information write: GLAD Park Square Advocates, Inc. 2 Park Square Boston, MA 02116

0 *5 4 N i c a r a g u a Gay People for the Nicaraguan Revolution is now affiliated with Casa Nicaragua, to allow for bet­ ter organization and coordination of the Nicaragua solidarity work in this country. The new title is the Gay and Women's Committee of Casa Nicaragua.

The group, now two years old, has done educational work in the gay and women's community about Nica­ ragua and the r.est of Central America.

It has also been a visible gay and feminist presence in anti-imperialist work in general and Central Ameri­ can work in particular. The grouo has raised and sent over $12,000 to Nicaragua in the name of les­ bians and gay men.

The Gay and Women's Committee of Casa Nicaragua is now planning to organize a national campaign in support of the Nicaraguan Women's Association, and to continue gay outreach. For more information: The Gay and Woman's Committee c 'o Casa Nicaragua 3015 24th St. , San Francisco, CA 94110

HJC The Homosexual Information Center (HIC) Library is one of the most comprehensive special interest libraries on homosexuality in the nation consisting of over 4,000 books, periodicals, tapes, pamphlets, legal briefs, clippings, and manuscripts.

The collection was begun in 1952.

The HIC was chartered in 196B. It is a non-profit, indepen­ dent, California corporation with federal tax exempt status and is operated entirely by a volunteer staff. The Center provides personal counseling and a referral service. Re­ search and lawsuits have also been projects.

The Center has been an inno­ vator in making homosexual materia] available to the gen­ eral public, and in the pre­ servation of the historical records of the homosexual move­ ment which document the sig­ nificant activities of the pioneer leaders and early-day organizations working in the field.

For additional information: Homosexual Information Center 6753 Hollywood Blvd. #203 Hollywood, CA 9002-3

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JGHA

The International Gay History Archive (IGHA) is now able to accept material1-: relating to gay culture and history and to allow researchers acresto those materials.

The IGHA is a collection of materials (books, periodicals, newsclipping-,, photos and oth­ er artwork, video and audio tapes, etc.), many unique or rare, relating to gay culture and history as it articulate* it sell globally. The focus is on the work of gay men, with a particular commitment to pre­ serve ephemera, leaflets, pam­ phlets, files of small pub­ lications, back files of or­ ganizations, personal recol­ lections, and other material that would be ignored or sup­ pressed by established librar­ ies and cultural institutions.

The IGHA will be housed at one location in it- own building, which includes ample room for research and for r>ubl ic and community activities, The projected opening date is Gay Pride We»ek, 1981.

For further information call (212) 47 3-5884 or write IGHA Box 2, Village1 Station New York, NY 10014

Celebrations

Gathering of the Faerie Tribe: 7-10 Sent ember 1981 Pecos, New Mexico It is time once again for the Faeries to come together in celebration of the Faerie spirit and our communion with the earth. We will be gather­ ing on a beautiful wooded mountain side in the Pecos Wilderness, 40 miles from Santa F e , New Mexico. This will be a time for sharing rituals, faerie magik, and delighting in the Mother with the spontaneous freedom that is do special to our being.

The estimated cost of the 4 days is $40/person and in­ cludes campsite, simple fare and unlimited space to fly and flutter...

Due to a limitation on availa­ ble "groun” space we are ask­ ing that you ore-register by August 1st. A $25 deposit is requested with your pre-regis­ tration at which time you will be provided the logistics and more detailed information about the gathering.

Please make checks payable to Spiritwood. No one will be denied participation because of in­ ability to pay, and by the same token we ask that those faeries who are able to con­ West German Fairy Gathering tribute more to do so.

July 15 - August 15, 1931 For more information, contact: Jugendzeltplatz, Bundenbach Soi r i twood Bundenbach is in the valley 500 Montezuma of Halmenbach, between the 8ant a Fe , NM 87501 towns of Simmern and Kirn.

(505) 983-1720 (after 6 ) The fee is about $5 daily, meals included. Roughly three dozen people are expected to place: Running water Farm come. All are welcome. date: Summer Solstice, 1930 For more information or if faces; Known and Loved you plan to come, write: ’•'erner GrMssle Bad ^t r . 19 7600 Offenburg, W. Germany phone 07 81/7 5884

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dear friend, Steve, from 7 years ago in Kansas City. The bells do ring in Kansas City, my dear. Now I suggest that you stop what you are doing and send a card to a friend far away.

Then come back and I'll tell you a story......

I think I left you as I was going to New York City the first of March. Well honey, those New York Faeries have moved Faerie Central to a new palace.

It is wonderful being with them again.

I took a 15 day Eagle Pass from NYC home, stop­ ping by Cowtown, Ohio with hospitality plus at Jack Shaw's house. Hot damn, what wonderful friends he has indeed. Then on to Lafayette, Indyanna to see my dear friend, Jim. What a deliteful evening by the moonlite.

I left the day before they closed 1-75 because of snow and ice. The nite I was in Chicago, it snowed 6 to 7 inches between there and Ohio.

It was a delite going to a 3rd World restaurant in Chicago, IIlynois, and you can't beat good old black beans and rice covered with homemade salsa.

Thank you for taking the time to create.

A star, a heart, a picture, a thread, a pubic hair, rose peddles, a poem, music - it all travels the love frequency.

Spring has been full of enthusiasm as many of us prepare, plan ahead and make ready for our sum­ mer garden of delites. When I got back home to Sacramento, I had a request from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality in San Francisco to make a permenant contribution to Iheir erotic art collection. Hot damn.

I got my oens out and drew a man masturbating with a rainbow cumroing out of his cock, weaving around the sky looking for its pot of gold, and find­ ing it as the rainbow enters the ass of another man.

To my surprise, there were several faeries greeting me in Minneapolis. Marcus and Snow Deer had come down from Clearwater Sanctuary, 275 miles northwest of Minneapolis.

Peter Soderberg came up from Rock Island. The Northern Lights Circle Coop (Kim, Kim & Paul) were still in town. They were moving to Madison, Wisconsin.

Early the morning of the Spring Equinox we left on the 5^> hour drive to Clearwater Sanctuary, past lakes frozen over and the little creek that develops into the Mississyppi River. The diamond willow stick I carry with me now came off this faerie land, carved with the hands of a master craftsman, encraved with much love.

Another project of mine this spring has been getting ready for my 25th high school reunion the Friday after our Solstice Gathering at Run­ ning Water. My high school colors were purple and white. The colors of TRUTH and PURITY. I have made a ceremonial robe to wear to the reunion that should make a noteworthy event.

Hot Damn.

I'll be leaving the next day for the big parade in New York City.

Before I close, I wish to thank all of you for helping roe and making ray life so full and rich.

Your love gives many of us much energy.

I love you all, miss you and hope you are supremely

It was fun playing Sex Magick with my dear fae­ rie friends again, full moon with a purple ring around it, sunsets and sunrises crisp and clean.

All of our dreams are so important.

Sharing them through RFD has helped us all. As my dreamlife continues, I was re-united with a BEARDED LADIES FOOD BOOK UPDATE

On page 53 in the Spring RFD (#26) in the arti­ cle "Blackberri", a sentence which talks about his new album begins with the word "Finally" which is the name of the album.

The Bearded Ladies Food Book is the complete kitchen queen.

It is proposed j Also, to contact Blackberri or Chris Tanner to be an "overview of faer-| (from RFD #26, page 54) for information, dona ie/health/natural food production and DreoaI tions, etc., please write: ration". The original proposal can be found Blackberri in REP #25, page 96. Facilitators for proBea B. Queen Records mot ion/advert ising and general research of 1005 Market S t . #207 resources, books, mail order businesses, etc.

San Francisco, CA 94103 are needed.

If you want a detailed proposal with more information on the facilitator noChris Tanner sitions, and/or would like to work on the 1677 Haight St. production of the book, send a card to: San Francisco, CA 94117 Krisga, Rt 1 Box 98-A, Liberty, TN 37095___ [

7

YouAre A Criminal too by

David Frey

You cannot expect government institutions to allow magazines depicting explicit illegal sex acts. Sodomy is illegal and includes any act of penetration in an orifice other than a fe­ male vagina. This is true in roost states.

Our efforts must be utilized to the maximum de­ gree. They must be concise and well defined.

Let's stay on the right path and keep Gay Rights a legislative issue.

A legally sanctioned Gay marriage should be a primary concern for all of us, regardless of individual philosophy. Once we obtain the right to marry our chosen mate, then we can de­ cide if marriage is right for our individual per sonalit ies.

States which allow conjugal visits between man and wife to take place in prison, will then be forced to allow the same right to homosexual marriage partners. we can confuse ourselves by taking side roads along our journey toward equal rights.

One point we must remember is that discrimination practices involving gay prisoners are not a re­ flection of the personalities of guards and staff.

Back to the issue of sodomy. All crimes relat­ ed to a forced sexual encounter should be classi­ fied as Sexual Abuse.

Personally, I'm terrified by the knowledge that police can bust down my door on the legal use of a warrant, observe my lover fucking roe, or vice versa, and arrest us for committing a class A felony.

The Gay Prisoner Activist is a role I see no future in, as much as I personally would enjoy being one. Our struggle for Gay Rights must be a united one, with as little fragmentation as possible. The victory can only be ours if we center on the judicial and legislative areas of government responsible for our lack of basic human rights.

Our government is afraid of us and allows us limited freedom because of this fear. Authori­ ties would love to ignore us because we are strong and our numbers are growing every day.

They would prefer to have the loopholes on their side when some of us make too much noise.

Keep Gay Rights of national importance and don't allow our goals to be ignored. D o n ’t let your­ self be lulled into a false sense of security by a government that leaves you alone as long as you don't make waves. Let's work to have gay and lesbian marriages supoorted by law.

Don't allow our government to make you a crimi­ nal by upholding laws which limit your sexual affairs in privacy.

As much as 1 hate to adroit it, the use of gay prison conditions, when lobbying for Gay Rights, would serve as a negative element in the over­ all debate.

It would be much wiser to gain these rights through the efforts of common ci­ tizens, and then take the steps needed to in­ sure these rights are introduced into all gov­ ernment institutions.

This quote from Le Beau Monde, a newsletter by Skip Ward, is in reference to the Southeastern Gay Conference in Baton Rouge, April 10-12.

"TO JOHN PAUL, DENNIS, AND RFD PEOPLE: The workshop on non-Christian alternatives to Gay Spirituality was needed.

Your spirituality is shared by rural and small town gay people more than a lot of us care to adroit.

Looking beyond the jewels in ears and the laven­ der shawl, I have always seen the real jewels in your minds and hearts. One person said afterward, 'Those Fairy people freak me out, but during the workshop I found them to be real brains * 8

brothers behind bars RFD needs to hear the truth from behind prison walls.

"Brothers Behind Bars" is a free forum for prisoners to express feelings, ideas, experiences, reactions and to contact others. , Letters will be edited for spelling, punctuation and clarity unless specified otherwise.

It is requested that contact letters not exceed 200 words as space is limited.

Dear RFD, I'n a Gay Sister, and would like to get letters from other Gays inside or out.

I’m aG.W.M., 28 yrs old, 5*9"tall, long brown hair, hazel eyes, and 160 lbs. All of my friends and family have turned away from me because of my being in prison.

Race or age make no difference to me, and I hone all will write for it is real lonely at mail call with no mail.

Please send stamp with each letter if possible. Would like a long lasting relation­ ship; will answer all letters.

In Gay Love & Pride, John (Tina) Lloyd #13671 P0 Box 14 Unit 11 Boise, ID 83707

TO MY BROTHERS BEHIND BARS

by Danny Gene Fritchie Freedom is a sense of being, brothers.

It is just another word to express your path of movement... your ability to create and to live in the lifestyle that you have chosen for yourself.

Be not deceived, my brothers behind bars. They have not taken from you your freedom (not unless you allow them to).

You still can have your pride.

You still can have your love...even if the only person that you can for now give your love to is you yourself... even still you can go on loving yourself... and you should, for without a sense of self-love...a sense of pride, what is a man (or woman) but an empty shell. And that is not a prison cell...that is hell.

Some may mock us...scoff us...abuse us...and put us down, but that does not make them right...nor does it make us wrong, and we can only survive for as long as we can stand our ground.

Be proud of who and what you are...no matter what others may think...or the situation you may be in. For you also are a hu­ man being, and as such, you have the right to the lifestyle of your own choosing.

Let not others put you down. Just because they feel bad about you does not mean that you should feel bad about yourself. That is what they want you to do, for they would (in their own minds) wish to make themselves to be better than you. And who is there that can say: "I am better than others"? We are, all of us cre­ ated equal by the Creator...and we are all of us different from everybody else; no two of us being the same. So then who are they to compare themselves to us...or we to compare ourselves to them?

We are not in this world are not in this world to

to live up to their expectations. live up to ours.

They

We each have our own 1ife-path...and it is up to us to find it and to walk that path.

Prisoner, hopefully will be free in just about 7 more months.

I need new friends, and a new start in my life.

I've lost most everyone, and it doesn't make much differen­ ce where I start over at this time.

I like body building, stamo collecting, sports, etc.

I'm a W/M 27 yrs.

'-ill send picture to the first to send me a picture.

Please write: Gary Moore #150-912 Box 45699 Lucasville, OH 45699

We may not always have someone to walk that path with us...but if we have our strength, and if we have our pride...and the wisdom to use each of those gifts intellegently...then we will survive.

My brothers and sisters behind bars...let not these bars of steel make you feel like something less than a human being.

Maybe what we believe in is against the rules. are is against the judgement of others.

And maybe what we

But feel good about yourself. Hold your head high. And be not ashamed of who or what you are; for in loving yourself, the love that you seek from others will come your way.

And love is the greatest expression of freedom that there is.

Love, Peace, and Happiness to all my brothers and sisters.

9

brothers behind bars

Greet ings: My name is Phil Graham and I am a 22 year old white male from Norman, Oklahoma.

I am locked up at the Joseph Harp Correctional Center in Lexington, OK. But I hope to get out soon.

I don't really have anyone to take care of me now or when I get out. That is the reason for this letter.

I really need an understanding older man to helo lead me in the right direction when I get out .

L (*on ‘1 have anyplace to go whyn get out and real ly need someone '.

I am open to anything if I can just find someone to care.

Thank you RFD for your time and space.

Lots of Love, Phil Graham »94 372 Box 54 8 J .H.C .C .

Lexington, OK 7 3051

Hi RFD: I am a long-time reader of your unique publication, and

I await each new journal with anticipation. My patience is always well-rewarded!I It seems over the years of my in­ carceration, that I've watched RFD grow, and grow into a wellconstructed, entertaining, pro­ vocative (yes, even provoca­ tive) periodical, without the plastic gloss of Hollywood or New York...and that my friends is refreshing, and wholly be­ fitting the image that Gays everywhere are sorely in need of. No Orange Juice commer­ cials for us, thank the fates*.

Aside from being a long-time subscriber, I am also an in­ mate at the medieval Oregon State Penitentiary, where Anita, among many other possible even less savory facts, is the order of the day.

I've been here since 1979, and the days seem to get longer, the tempers shorter, the vio­ lence more intense, and the understanding... among everyone here... less in evidence. There is no solidarity here, even among sisters, and it *s a sad thing to behold...and much sad­ der to live. Since January, I've been jockeyed about by the All-Powerful Parole Board, but my sights are set on leaving here sometime this year.

I hope that some of your readers will write me, as my innerloneliness grows deeper with each successive hour.

I'm as serious as I can possibly be.

I'm 30 years old, 5'10V*, 145 lbs., long dark-brown hair and eyes, and intensely gregarious.

I love good literature, good music, from Slinda, Bette and Barbara to the 1812 Overture.

I'm a true gourmet and an her­ bal enthusiast (if you get my drift).

I'm in my fifth year of college now, but I had to change my major, mid-stream so to speak because as you must know--felons are not aporeciated in the schools of America, especially "Funny" Felons.

So, I must make do with what I have--but that's cool, don't we all?

I want you to know that RFD has helped me out immensely in my time of social exile, b e ­ cause I relate so well to your articles; because I love Mi­ chael Mason's ooetry; because it's nice to pick up your journal, kick back and be with fr iends; and mostly because you care. I have no family in this world; it’s just me. But

10

with your journal I feel as if I am indeed a part of a much larger family. A family that cares. As John Lennon and his foxy side-kick wrote so many years ago "All we need is love'."

Thanks for sending some my way'.

I hope this letter arrives in time for your next printing, but in all truthfulness, the mails being as they are, the Tooth Fairy would probably de­ liver much quicker. Well, here's hoping. All my sisters in O.S.P. send our love.

Sincerely, Steve Pittman Box 33749 2605 State St. Salem, OR 97310

American Indian male 36 years old, long blond hair, blue eyes, 5"11" tall, 152 lbs., incarcerated for 7 years and lonely for love from my bro­ thers.

I'm bisexual and a dis­ crete (indoors only) transves­ tite, and have a fetish for ladies silken undergarments.

Looking for a lasting rela­ tionship with the right man who wouldn't mind sharing my love with my lady who also is Bi and digs other ladies.

Looks or age is no problem.

I would prefer to hear from f e ­ minine bisexual TV's like my­ self...but also dig masculine older men. Reciprocation ap­ preciated but not expected... just please be clean, honest and open-minded.

I like to be treated like a lady.

I'm not a con-artist or a rip-off, and I'm honest...please be the same.

Please write to; Ms. Deborah Fritchie B -60759 P0 Box A-E 7218 San Luis Obispo, CA 934 09

brothers behind

bars

Dear RFD,

I hope this finds you all in the best of health and cheer­ ful spirits.

My name is Mark Allen Schaffhauser. I am a prisoner con­ fined at Central Prison in Raleigh.

I am currently ser­ ving an 8 year sentence.

I am 24 years old, gay white male, 6' tall, 165 lbs, blondish brown hair and blue eyes.

I am writing in hope of getting my name and description printed so I can meet some gay friends or a possible lover. Someone that would like to visit me, here at Central.

I am very sincere, and I will answer all who write.

I am a Leo, and my heart is waiting for the right person.

I will be released in two and a half years, maybe sooner. Hopefully I will meet someone who cares, before I am released.

I have a lot of love and sincerity for the right guy.

I am interested in a lov­ er between the ages of 20-45.

I’ve been in prison almost 7 years and believe me it's been pure hell. We gays here, really have it hard. Abuse and discrimination is all the sys­ tem has for gays.

I sincerely hope you can help me. Life is really lonely, but it can be very beautiful if you have someone to share it with.

Thank you all very much for taking the time to read my letter. Peace and love to all at RFD. Sincerely & respectfully, Mark Schaffhauser #10756-06 835 W. Morgan St. Raleigh, NC 27603

Dear Sirs, I'm 26 yr. W/G/M, 6'3", 170 lbs, sandy brown hair, blond mustache, blue eyes, very smooth body, very good looking.

I ’m a ro­ mantic at heart. Looking for 18-30 yr. olds for correspon­ ding with who are gay. First time in prison.

John Irahof C-20666 Calif. Men's Colony Cell #1171 PO Box A San Luis Obispo, CA 93409

down . In little over 2 weeks I have taken a razor blade and cut myself (40-45 st iches ), arms, leg and wrist.

I won't stop until I can be with my mate. We are very much in love with one another, but this lockup is really starting to take its toll on us. We can't understand why nobody from the outside is wanting to help us.

I'm reaching out to all my brothers and sisters to help me stand against the prison system, robots, etc. etc. To be truthful with you, I don't know if I will be alive when this letter reaches you. This may sound silly, but I will kill myself before I let any­ one else do i t . I would like to inform all those brothers and sisters out there that the North Carolina Prison System isn't nothing. veil I will close now and I wish you friends there a beautiful year. A question: is it legal for two gays to get married in NC? Better still, is it legal for two gays to get married in prison?

I need to know 'cause it's very important to roe. Take care and keep it together.

Greetings Friends at RFD, Sincerely yours, I wrote you a few weeks ago, hoping that you and all gay brothers and sisters out there will hear my cry.

Since my last letter, I have been trans­ ferred to Central Prison. The people at Blanch didn't want me on their compound, so they had to fabricate a story to make it look good. These ro­ bot pigs are keeping roe and my mate separated. The people at Blanch (a few inmates) are steping on you, and I don't like it one bit. They are also sharging me with assault with a deadly weapon, inciting a riot, insurrection, mutiny.

The people (guards) here and at Blanch are really down on gays. We can hardly breathe or eat anything. A gay tried to open his mouth and let the pub­ lic as well as his brothers and sisters know what is really going on behind the bars and steel doors. They treat us like animals, and if nobody (will) help us, then we will be animals, and it won't be nobody's fault but this prison system. ...I am under some drugs right now and it has got my nerves all tore up.

I'm on the verge of a nervous break­

11

Eddie Collins #11046-54 835 W. Morgan Raleigh, NC 27605

Lonely is the man who has to stand on his own. wait ing for the day the right someone will come his way and say, Hello: Philip Charles Kellatat #4 2460 2605 State St. Salem, OR 97310

brothers behind bars

Lonely prisoner would like to write to pen-pals with shared interests: homecomputers, hamradio, math and fibonacci num­ bers .

P. Kearney B-AB913 San Quentin, CA 94974

come vulnerable to physical and emotional pain and you may end up experiencing both. You then learn to be a loner, a person who still feels com­ passion for those who are suffering around him and tries to help with problems.

You find yourself writing letters to the courts, to attorneys and to families for those who can neither read nor write or for those who have trouble ex­ pressing themselves.

You also become a sounding board for those who need to talk out a problem, but you keep your distance because you know the pain of becoming close.

You become one who cares, but you are yet distant.

You long for the love of one person, but you know that as long as you are in such a microcosm finding it is al­ most an impossibility.

My name is Don Perkins, and 1 am now serving an active pri­ son sentence in the Wayne Cor­ rection Center.

Prison has been hell for me in that there is an emotional coldness far worse than the physical cold on the many win­ ter days that we had no heat at all in the building. This emotional coldness breeds lone­ liness even though you are surrounded by many people.

The loneliness one then ex­ periences is a throbbing pain that permeates your entire body, and you soon begin to long for a friend - a friend who cares enough to write, to send you a "thinking of you" card, a pen or paper or even a stamp or two saying, "write to me."

You go through days and days of boredom, tension, danger, frustration, pain, loneliness and despair. Finally, you think you have found a friend, but if it is a prison inmate who has lived his life "fleec­ ing" oeople (hustling or con­ ning), you lose.

If you have opened yourself, you have be­

You read the books you can find and search for others, but this is a "straight world" in which Hustler, Playboy, Oui and Penthouse are the books that are avail­ able.

You turn to physical exercise attempting to keep your body in shape for the future, and you try to stay busy. Yet, you are lonely.

You find the address of RFD, write to them and receive two volumes of the magazine.

In this last magazine, I saw something that infuriated me, so I decided to write to the editors and lodge my protest at that which I read.

is a way. If you want to write to a prison inmate, send him a stamp. Do not let yourself be conned into sending money for electric razors, college cours­ es, etc. Send him care, in­ terest and compassion. Never send anything you can't afford and be sure you really know the person to whom you write.

In July of this year I will be 35 years old.

I'm Caucasian, ex-biology, RE, science and math teacher, pump iron to stay in shape and read to keep from going stir crazy.

I also do a lot of writing for other inmates.

I have probably made some pri­ son inmates mad by this advice, and if I have, so be it. I am not interested in their anger.

I am interested in keeping outside gays from being conned I'm gay and don't want to be conned.

I enjoy your magazine and am considering writing an article for publication; how­ ever I'm not sure I have the ability.

My best, Don Perkins PO Box 1657 Goldsboro, NC

(Collective Eds note: The letter to which Mr. Perkins refers was in RFD #26 and in all fairness to that person who made the ap­ peal it should be noted that he made the request for an electric razor for medical reasons. However, we feel that Mr. Perkin's point is well taken in general).

I saw prison inmates begging for money - one for a hundred dollars, money that he planned(?) to use to purchase an electric razor. This letter made me realize that someone needed to offer advice to gay men who may one day decide to write to a prison inmate.

Please do not think all prison inmates are out to "con" you or to beg money. There are some of us who would enjoy re­ ceiving mail and making new friends with NO strings attach­ ed. Sure, it's hard finding money for stamps, pens, paper and envelopes (with the econo­ mizing the prison system is attempting, these items are no longer supplied on demand), but where there's a will, there

27530

eacem

brd&iet’S b e lli lid b a rs

I am serving time for a crime I did not commit.

I was un­ able to prove my innocence due to a 15 month delay in the p o ­ lice investigation. During that period I lost witnesses and other facts which would have been an asset in my case.

This is my first time to pri­ son .

I am presently studying, re­ searching and preparing legal actions to gaim my freedom.

I have been down since August 1979 (of) which I spent nine months on the mainline at San Quentin (graveyard of prisons in California).

In my attempt to be approved for camp I was transferred to Calif. Mens' Colony (country club of pri­ sons in California).

Beside working on my legal case, I am enrolled in the College Program which is in­ structed here by Cuesta City College. This is my second semester in the program. The courses I am taking are intro­ duction to philosophy, elemen­ tary algebra, organization & management plus a correspon­ dence course from Univ. of Calif., introduction to statis­ tics.

I am interest(ed) in fine arts, history, chess, camping, hi k ­ ing, sports, reading, working with people, etc.

I am Jewish, Black, very good looking, 31 years old, six feet, 185 lbs. developing masculine frame.

(But I am not into becoming super mas­ culine - just staying in fit), brown eyes, black hair - per­ sonality (very happy).

I am a gentle, lovely, friendly, and sincere person looking for good people to write to and hear from - I will answer all.

Israel Fredrick Clark C -07889 B-Quad Room #3379 California Mens Colony East PO Box A San Luis Obisoo, CA 93409

T m o u tr ag ed by

Joeftalestreri

I'm outraged! '4e have another Vietnam in the making'. All the President and company can talk of concerning El Salvador is Russian and Cuban in­ tervention and alleged communist takeovers. Haven' our leaders learned anything from past experiences? have. The government spouts the same old rhetoric and ig the Salvadoran junta's own torture and terrorism against Salvadoran people.

Salvadorans came to Oregon to explain their opposition to the junta. They are live human beings just like us. They want free­ dom from violence, self-determination, and they don't want for­ eign intervention in their country.

Things change fast, and it's hard to sort truth from half truth.

One thing we know is true, the President sent $25 million in military aid the week of March 1st; the next week Reagan wants to send $60 million dollars!

I have great concern for the people of El Salvador.

I'm also not entirely without selfish reasons for writing this.

I want it known that I don’t support dictators or the exploitation of another country for my country's economic security.

The hatred of Americans by other people around the world grows greater all the time. One reason is that we say Democracy is best and then our government helps to topple democratic governments (i.e. Iran in the 50's and Chile in the 70's) and supports dictatorships instead.

I don't want American money spent in a foreign land for the pur­ pose of killing its inhabitants. Don't cut our services; cut "services" to foreign dictators! And, I don't want to end up in Central America or anywhere else with a gun in my hand.

If you share my concern about our government's policies and letters to your Congressional Public outrage finally got us out of Central America.

the Salvadorans or my anger about how they affect all of us, send Representatives and the President. out of Indo-China; it wll1 get us

Write to: President Reagan The Whitehouse 1600 Pensylvania Ave. NW Washington, DC 20500

Your Representative House Office Bldg.

Washington, DC 20515

Your Senator Senate Office Bldg.

Washington, DC 20210

Senator Percy (Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee)

You might make the following points in your letters: * Concern with our government's sending of military advisors and millions of dollars worth of weapons to the junta ruling El Salvador. * Outrage that at a time when President Reagan wants huge cuts in job programs, food stamps, environmental protection, etc., he increases the military's budget and sends millions of dollars in weaponry to another country for the purpose of interfering in its affairs. * Support House Bill HR 1059 sponsered by Cong. Studds, 'Weaver and others stopping any funds from being sent to El Salvador.

Then, send this information to at least two friends if not ten or twent y.

For more information, write: Eugene Council for Human Rights in Latin America 547^ E 13th St., Eugene, OR 97401

13

____________

In the Spring issue of RFD (#26) readers raised questions about the use of words like faggot, sissy, and fairy as self-definitions of Gay men.

Perhaps the following thoughts may clarify the reasoning behind why many Gay men wear these words with pride and use them with love.

A Short Ltytnolojy and Brief Hlstorzj of the Uford Jaefiot

Louisiana Sissies In Smuggle

consolidated its hold on the economic and poli­ tical power of the region. It was not until then that Christianity began seriously trying to convert the countryside.

Those of us who are white draw our cultural heritage from Europe. The prevailing religious beliefs there, before the Christian Holocaust, followed patterns of nature worship. Women held places of honor in these religions, and all life was considered sacred.

In northern France and southern England the oak and the beech trees were especially dedicated to an Earth Goddess figure who went by many names.

The Latin word for "country person" is pagani, hence the word pagan. A heathen was one who lived "on the heath"--that is, away from the urban centers where Christianity was strongest.

It was on the moors and heaths of England, and in the bogs of northern Ireland, where the nature-worshiping, Woman-honoring peoples held out the longest. The Christian Church made a concerted effort to stamp out the Old Religion, what is today called witchcraft. Wicca, from which comes the word witch, is Anglo-Saxon and means "to bend, shape." The Wiccans were the wisest among the people, those who had the clear est understanding of the many layers of Reality.

The beech in particular was often the center of sacred rituals.

It was under a beech tree in Doraremy that Joah of Arc, who was burned at the stake for cross-dressing, first heard the voices that guided her visions. The Latin name for the beech is fagus, which many etymologists believe is the origin of the word faggot.

The practitioners of this ,Tknowledge of the Wise" were those people who had devoted their lives to the plants of the earth and knew which ones could heal and which could kill.

(This period also marks the rise of the great European universities and the begining dominance of medi­ cine by male "doctors.") The people who had these medical skills were Women and men who often lived alone, but sometimes in same-sex pairs, outside the framework of the traditional heterosexual family. They were Women who did not depend on men to survive. And they were men who did not breed in order to support the state's armies.

In ancient Rome bundles of twigs from hardwood trees like the oak and beech were tied together and carried as firewood to heat and feed the Roman armies. Bundles of long-burning twigs were easier to transport than logs, thus in­ creasing the mobility and speed of the troops.

In time these bundles came to symbolize to the Romans the source of their strength, and the fasces --a bundle of sticks tied around an axe — came to be the symbol of the Roman army. The word fasces, incidentally, is the origin of the word fascist.

The wrath of Christianity descended primarily on these independent Women. When Gay men were caught they were thrown into dungeons until there were enough of them to tie together, back-to-back, like a bundle of twigs, to burn at the feet of these Women. Conservative histo­ rians estimate that from the eleventh to the seventeenth centuries, over nine million Women and Gay men were burned at the stake in Europe and America.

When Rome first came into con­ tact with these nat ure-worship­ ping, Woman-ho­ noring peoples, they encountered Gay men who col­ lected bundles of beech twigs to light bon­ fires in celebra­ tion of their seasonal sexual rituals.

(Today these seasons are called Solstices and Equi­ noxes-) Thus very early in our history was the word that passed into English as faggot associated with Gay men.

Is it any wonder that the word faggot strikes fear and terror into the hearts of many Gay men?

Burning at the stake is no longer fashionable.

But loss of our jobs, eviction from our homes, expulsion from our families, and discrimination in the social, judicial, and criminal systems of the world continue with unabashed popularity.

Using the word faggot as a self-definition is one way to reclaim with pride and dignity a word that has been corrupted by a thousand years of Christian heterosexist usage and re­ store it to a place of honor and power in our lives.

But it took another thousand years--a thousand years of Christian heteiosexisra--before the word faggot came to be used with the scorn and hatred that Gay men today so fear. By the elev­ enth century in northern Europe, the Church had 14

A Sissy Unman"ifesto

ing our otherness, we retreat into oppositedressing as an outlet for repressed sexuality.

It is one of the earliest stages in the comingout of nearly every Sissy--identification with the traditional trapoings of '•'omen.

The word sissy is used early in a young male child's life to intimidate him toward be ­ havior patterns which heter — osexist society says are "appropriate" for a man and away from those patterns "appropriate" for a Woman.

Anytime a boy shows emotions, of tenderness or delicacy, he is vulnerable to the accusation of Sissy.

Drag queens have always borne the brunt of Gay men's oppression.

And yet it was drag queens, Dykes, and Third World Sissies who fought back at Stonewall and today are those of us who are the most cop-hassled, arrested, beaten up, robbed, and murdered

Reclaiming Sissyness has nothing to do with sexual preference or orientation. The scare tactics in the word sissy are used long before any development of conscious sexuality. All males have been (mis)shaped by this same social­ izing tactic. All males have lost a part of our Selves in order to survive.

Some of us have lost more than others. We have all lost. We are all born with the ability to develop a healthy range of emotions, nurturance, and c o ­ operation. Reclaiming one's Sissyness is to rebel against the social conditioning that says men should be competitive, individualistic, and emotionally immature.

Transvestism has a long history. Male devotees of the Goddess donned Women's clothes during the Great Mother festivals. Male temple attendants wore female dress all the time, as did the Gay male shamans of the Sioux and Mandan peoples.

For many Gay men, drag is the only way we can get in touch with our Si«.syness. For too many of us, that means getting in touch with the womanhatred programmed into every male child.

The female image projected--exaggerated breasts and hips, elaborate hairstyles^, grotesque makeup--is one of self-hatred, fear of that part of us which society condemns: being "womanish," a sissy.

It is a way of hiding from ourselves the secret knowledge that we can always "take it off" and go back to "looking like a man." It is that aspect of drag that '•'omen find so offensive --and rightly so.

Reclaiming ourselves as full human beings has meant for some Sissies the wearing of colorful clothes, jewelry, nail polish, makeup. Outward appearance is the most obvious sign of a Sissy coming-out, and often the one given most atten­ tion. And it is the least important in some ways. Consciousness of oneself as a Sissy has very little to do with physical apnearance. All the color and flow would mean nothing if it isn't done with a political awareness of sexism in our culture.

In identifying with but not imitating Women, we experience firsthand the fear and intimidation of straight men's rapist energy.

Sissy drag is an attempt to rid ourselves of visual male privilege. When we walk down the street we try to visually project two messages: I AM NOT A HETEROSEXUAL and I AM NOT A RAPIST. As males in our struggle against sexism, we have committed ourselves to an examination of the op­ pression of our sisters and our responsibility in it. Males have privilege inherent in being male. Women, traditionally defined as "proper­ ty" by men, do not have access to the nrivileges of maleness. Many '-'omen today are openly living their lives independent of male support. These Women, as all Women, live in constant terror of rape, of a male forcibly "taking possession."

Gay men need to develop an analysis of the com­ monality of our oppression and the oppression of Women.

Issues of rape and power-over relation­ ships; issues of transvestism, transsexualism, and drag; and the issue of Gay male oppression of Women must be directly explored.

Another reason Sissyness is relevant to Women and the feminist revolution is because we need to visibly oresent alternative role models to children. Boy children especially need to be offered choices to the present role models; soldier, foot­ ball player, business executive, etc .

Gay people., by our very existence, are sexual terrorists.. We challenge all "norms" of b e ­ havior. Men are supposed to compete with each other for power. Women are supposed to compete with each otfier to achieve power through men.

But instead of competing, we love one another.

There is no guerilla theater more shocking to the heterosexual tourist into our ghettoes than two leather Sissies in full regalia walking down the street holding hands or kissing. They look like men, but they don't behave like men.

What is our common oppression? All of us, Women and Gay men, are victims of imposed control over our own bodies and decision of reproduction, of imposed sex-role identities, of imposed sexual harassment, violence, and death. This is not because of a conscious desire on our part for abuse, but because we are neither heterosexual, in the case of Gay men and Lesbians, nor are we men (in defined and accepted terms), in the case of Gay men and all Women. We are seen as "oth­ er "/proper t y , to satisfy any heterosexual man.

Certain males adopt the sexual models of Women early in life because we know that although we are biological males, we are also emotionally "same" motivated. Since females are the only role model available of loving human beings, we recognize in ourselves the "other".

In realiz­ 15

On The Question O f Names CONTINUED° By dressing and living as ourselves we weaken the power The Man holds over us all. V’ e reclaim the power of our own identities. We threaten the foundations of both the economic system and the social order. We represent sexual anarchy-reclaiming our power over decisions of repro­ duction and pleasure.

The mythic image of Fairies that has come down to hets through their folklore is one of sexless--at best, androgynous--beings . That's the greatest illusion of all. Throughout our an­ cient span of countless thousands of years, we have hidden from heterosexuals the source of our spiritual power: our sexuality.

It is here, in the energizing sexual/spiritual communion that passes between us, that the source of Faerie power lies.

It is because of our abili­ ties to bend and shape, to appear butch one day and femme the next, to enchant and illude them, that Gay people are so feared by rigid sex-role ridden heterosexuals.

The sexual terrorism of Gay people is to make the unconscious conscious. That’s what Sissies and Dykes--men with long hair who wear skirts and Women with short hair who wear pants--have always done.

It is where History and Herstory become Our story.

Lfaerie Spirit, &azoic Love

A word of warning from the experience of those who've been there: Beware of sharing Fairy sex­ ual /spiritual power with het-identified people.

There are tales from around the world of unions between hets and Fairies.

Read them with cau­ tion. Because of the homophobia of heterosex­ ist ethnographers, they typically tell of the communion between Fairy Women and het men.

You'll have to translate.

Sometimes the unions are joyful, and the visions that come from their communion benefit all the people.

And more of­ ten they're tales of disaster--almost always for the Fairy.

Of course hets, like everyone, need to be viewed on a case-by-case basis. But be wary of the phrase, "Not all Fairies are Gay and not all Gays are Fairies." While we'd be willing to concur with the latter part of that proposition, the number of het-identified Fairies we've met in our collective experience can be numbered on the fingers of one mutilated hand.

The use of the word fairy as a pride-filled self-definition is relatively recent.

Indeed, its widespread usage among Gay men who are RPD readers can probably be dated to the 1979 Winter Solstice issue (#22) which contained the out­ pouring of writings generated by the first Spiritual Conference for Radical Fairies. As a result , some national Gay-scene watchers are beginning to make references to "the Fairy m o v e m e n t t h e r e b y acknowledging that a new consciousness is being felt by many Gay men.

As for the word fairy itself, etymologists are at odds among themselves as to its origin.

Some trace the word from the Persian per i, a spiritbeing comparable to the wonderful genies of Arabian Nights fame. These scholars say that fairy passed into the Christian West during the Crusades. Others hold that the word fairy comes from the Latin fatum, as in The Fates, which in Greece and Italy numbered three but in Spain and France were seven.

Still other schol­ ars trace fairy from the Old French verb faer-to enchant, illude--whence faerie, a spiritbeing of illusion, enchantment.

The value of Fairy-identified words as self­ definitions for Gay people is in the idea of autonomous, self-energized, spiritbeings . When respected, Fairies are helpful, caring, nurtur­ ing spirits, pointing out paths to more peaceful lives for all. When rejected, Fairies can van­ ish into the woodwork of corporate paneling or forest trees, leaving hets to figure it out for themselves. Of course Fairies always have to be ready to step in whenever hets begin to en-, danger our Mother, the Earth. Let ’em destroy themselves if they must. But don't harm Her.

The important thing about the word fairy is not its origin in a specific cultural/1inguistic setting, but in the concept of what Fairy im­ plies about the beings thus referred to. Any good dictionary of world folklore will reveal that the fairy concept is universal. Different cultures and different languages have called Fairies by different names. And wherever in the world you encounter the idea of Fairy, you will find beings who interweave with the people --enchanting, helping when the people respect faerie visions, and vanishing behind veils of illusion when they don't.

The world we live in must change. As Fairies we have an evolutionary responsibility to our human species to survive and carry that Change forth. Lesbians and Gay men have always been in the forefront of Change--bending, shaping, enchanting, illuding--throughout our long and honored history. Many different cultures have called us by many different names.

It's what we call our selves --and how we love one another-that matters.

Even on the tongues of heterosexuals, the word fairy has rarely carried the same glaring ha­ tred as has the word faggot, which implies an object that in het view should be burned, de­ stroyed. At best "lairy" is a word hets use in mild derision, when they're trying to be liberal or "nice," to describe Sissies.

It's as though, on some unconscious level, hets re­ cognize that the Being before them has a power that is not to be lightly tested. Fairies-especially when encountered in numbers of three, seven or thirteen--are Beings to be reckoned with I 16

v.'ho Taught the First Foet ? the poem of touching of the tongue inserted full in the ear no room for rhyme only the full feel of the poem without finally fully registered within of wordless instinctive response and countertouch of taking the lover within the mouth of ingesting the sacrament of receiving the lover simultaneously outerskin touching membranes the mediums of love which register delicately and firmly that sleeping with Sappho is ultimate touch

Foeer leaver

in the heart of time is a quiet garden where woven subtle memories

I've always, wondered where the mirrors went back to hack and face to face.

provide, protect

I found I was limited

assurances

standing only in one place.

of lighted sanctuary where all the noisy world is stilled

From certain time to nc tine Yhe only place it goes

where dreams may bask

g

and hopes take wing

Inside.

deeper further

with butterfly and hummingbird

Franklin Abbott

' ichael Far.on

song horse

by a H a d res

his lover strips to bare perfections mold the velvet blanket off their standing mount then casts himselr where but his shadow lay the fragrant warmpth of flesh upon the ground a million kisses fail where they may fall he reins his stallion tight so he won't, bolt but gallops home to stall when they can'4 wait and they are left with but themselves to hold

17

Emerald Audience

l

If release is the sweetest peace we know then anger is a gift of kindness fear, an arrow pointing to the knot that ties the binding and grief, the grief of days and months and years a creek bed full of stones dry and waiting for the rains of Inarch to make dust into mud and mud into flowers and mosses mirrored on banks, emerald audience for stones that carry and sing the water's swift, deep, abiding song There are stars and anti-stars holes in the universe introductions to the void breaks in the music time frozen over avarice, hatred and war the closer to Earth the harder reality becomes the more concrete hard as wood hard as stones still and waiting on the creek bed for rain and a chance to sing

Feather

Dancer

a zephyr

wind slides him in.

through carved-and-swin.ginp double doors he breezes into a darkened den of music, drink, and smoke. beneath an aureole

if release is the sweetest peace we know what holds us in place is the waiting for rain and a chance to sing rain and a chance to sing

of red-and-amber glow he hovers a moment, glancing and listening, then floats down

Franklin Abbott 8 MARCH 1981

to the floor, slowly, spinning and swirling, dancer and prancer entranced to the beat (and the heat). a gleaming blue-black feather

PREPARE TC *EET copperheads Rocky Broad River roared down stones Jack' sunned near naked on a long flat wide one he would drive his car around hairpin PREPARE TO MEET THY GOD curves lights out at midnight under gibbous noon sanding all the corners off Devil's Head with bitter orths i smashed my fists on glass windows he wore his eyeglasses backwards, copperheads slept in the walls of his teeth, i drank at his salt spring, seeking answers he would not come for, nor ever gave his tongue yet orange salamanders under that fallen tree do not know my name nor ever will

with a cloak of leopard skin, rockirg-and-rolling beneath an aureole o' red-ard-arber glow.

Will-Inman"

part E of 'To Winds larked previously published in 'The Spirit That Roves Us'

18

W I N G

O

T C

THE

SUN

i di p p e d the wings

my sister had a nuclear breeder reactor meltdown

from all the picture cards

her past term baby was corn

around my room

to the doctor's surprise

and to them

dead baby boy.

"Dead babies can't take things off the shelves."

pasted the weight of my desires,

completely i- totally

x lbs, x o k , ___hair______ eyes he even had a name

f.

has a little tombstone

and i sent them off here lies _______________ in flight Born ? to the sun gods residing in your loft space.

Died. & she thanks the lord fer this miracle in her life.

I'll probably remember this nephew's birthday.

an icarian catastrophy

11.2 2. co

this was not; for those wings still

Aurora

Corona

hover around your slumbering head when you lay there alone, unseen to dreaming eyesi the paper-winged-halo-flight of my desires.

Benjamin Beren

............ c**1979.........................

the enigmatic smile on the woman's face in the moon swollen almost full followed my bewilderment off the mountain autumn painted amber down through darkening lavender hills to the highway where the land grows flat on either side and the stillness is pierced repeatedly the silver featured face of the woman in the moon swollen almost full saw me hesitate, falter want to turn around she saw me wondering down through darkening lavender hills how brevity is no measure of what passes heart to heart

â&#x20AC;˘Franklin

19

Abbott-

Reflections Marr Marc

1mlimirn

J M arr krisium

I.

images within images, islands without exits, space without recall, passing life in conditions of arrangement and rearrangement. (i speak of no one in the room) subterranean concepts dormant like a father's impositioni

'(.rim aldi I tum or uni ÂŤoperm rus 1 j

Krat<

the roots knotted, hidden, the roots obsessing, compelling us to weave the lies in directions we cannot forsee.

i

Marc

Forcwwlitati; \

ftyebo' II.

.In ,

III.

the masks masks for our ambitions wishes fears the self-portraits we choosei i guilt he virtue he disappears in vision and title i become lost in torment and despair (petty prisons that need no guards; both of us synthesising environment and seen no more, and the energy differs only in modes and degrees the enerry' that spoon feeds the rassions and suftenngs we demand. we shatter no ideals here we strike and strike only to depart.

20

The Moon

thus we are slain all these years slain by science's plasticised hands slain all these years by possessive histories whose oceans do not chart, we slump in silver but sell no other man no other meaning than ourselves. than ourselves, becoming ourselves. we are the judas dogs, judas dogs, in all cultures in all times. we are the judas dogs that run late night streets emerging from the chrysalis of man and all this was for fantasy that we fashioned formed and embraced.

Aurora Corona

On Tues the Klan is acquited on murder charges on Thurs an ex cop minister's son sprays the front of faggot bars in the village with automatic machine gun 2 dead & ? wounded im very worried scared Angry ANGRY !

"Open license" ; Duck season headlined today's paper "because of his strong dislike of homosexuals..

I intensely dislike minister's (x-cops) sons & ministers for that matter & & I don't drive by Wed. night prayer = meeting commando belt ammo strap & K.80 in hand.

If this PAN is acouited (when Aurora, When) I WILL HAVE TO FIGHT BACK !! & Ronald Raygunzap is Prez of Usa all the fascist lineup is moving into majority status first time my life...

"Liberalism" is receiving its capitalist death knoll, all who harbor the valid fear of xtinction= womyn, blacks, jews, quears, "handicapped" the very old the very young, misfits, kooks, & perverts= all are disenfranchised & more so to sabotage the system Revolution is stirring in this land as surely ever twas in Russia/Germany 1900-1930 & as truly as the 60's weaned & reared & educated me.

As sure as the AmerRev of 1968-1973 warped my mind, the 7 0 ’s is on Valium Cocaine Guns Nazis Lysergic Acid Beef Quaalude Beer Cannabis Twinkies Nicotine White White White Needles Flour Sugar Drink Alcohol whitewine Caffeine the Klan plastic crystal Antibiotics going crazy not knowing,...

Antihistamines The PO's is bye-bye civilrights Sex Herion Methadone God is alive Hashish Nietzshe is dead, Speed consumers paying for chemical dumping Rock n roll & nuclear accidents Thorazine like tax money already spent on "victimless" Psylicibin crime entrapment of quears Television while rape murder theft of quears ( any victim ) is only pinned on one of the three! the one with the previous record ? the one most newsworthy becuz he is a cop's or politician's or clergyman's Son or Sons/// how many standards are there at work here ? one for you two for us two giant steps backward one baby step forward...

All to turn Amerikaka into an armed state gunning each other down in the streets in an amorphous civil war; Everyone against everyone with no more motivation than a "strong dislike" I'm going to get a gun! I'm going to take some of them with me!

It's so hard your at your favorite neighborhood bar, shots ring out people panic serream dash fall to the floor some injured some not some ass ass in at ed I'm Outraged! & it’s not just NYC This is the most pivotal point in our recent history. Having fantasies that faggots &■ dykes nave been Rioting All Day! Ch Goddess -- why why why what can it mean. Stonewall ir reverse!

The Gay Liberation Statue!

What to do!

Where to go!

I'm gone, i'm gone!

21

There is a myth that homosexual men are dangerous.

I would like to say I have never known Owl a man I don't know who called himself Sometimes surely a homosexual God forbid the father would to be violent. get a hardon.

I have heard of homosexuals who commit So when the son crawls on Dad's lap "Crimes of Passion " and the warm feelings flow just like straight people. the father feels good Certainly And the boy? we never And shoves the boy off. ~ J Can you remember? rape women Fear of Queer.

Did you feel put off and when men Rejected rape Love turned to rejection? men Y/hat happened to you ? it's the straight ones Did you learn who rape Love is for Mommy the homosexuals. not Daddy At least that's the way it is in prisons Qaddvs don't love little boys. and "Deliverance" (I don't recall anyone gay in the whole film.)

They beat them. ',/e are dangerous Turning rejection we love into hate. men.

And the separation is complete.

Father why has thou forsaken me ? '"hat's dangerous to someone That's why they lock us up.

Christians celebrate the pain Hanging the dead body of love In a straight world. upon a couple of sticks FatherÂŤ don't hug sons and praying to it. for fear Singing the praises of dead love of queer.

Sacrifices of son to the world.

"That's wonderful!"

Pushing him off Daddy's lap Who said that?

The doctrine saysÂť He is dangerous.

After He died He went of Father She is dangerous. and sat upon God is dangerous. the right side No lap.

Cod cut the tie Did God hug Christ when he got to heaven?

Tetweer, Father and Son. Would God be afraid of being Queer?

For Father Cr did Anita Bryant get there first? so loved the world he gave his only begotten Son Did the Virgin Mary 'T'o die Talk about people who do those awful things a lonely Death.

Maybe not According to the plot the Christ died first.

Our mythology -

m

r

Q u e .e r

the Christian sacrifice Lets sons die lonely c ry in g Father, why has thou forsaken me And a five year old boy rets the same treatment.

No hugs from Daddy.

Daddy gets those warm feelings when his son crawls onto his lap the son has those warm feelings too snutrgl ing down into Caddy's lap-love.

Lonely Forsaken by Father.

It is an interesting plot.

I learned it young You learned it young We learned it young To hate and fear father to learn that only women have laps.

Would you do that to your son?

'Would you make yourself I-eared Would you do that to your son hated rather than feel the hardon rejected lonely in your old age For man so loves his son for fear of queer ? that he shoves him off his lap

The warm feeling is there Comfortable Loving.

It is a sick society and dangerous to warm feelings between men.

-h -h -h -h +++-F++-M-

Sexual ?

22

The Clay Body Ballet

by Michael Mason

Twisting with the strength of it, Contorting in their changing ways.

Men and women bow and sway Living out the length of it .

Time went on obliviously, took no heed Of mortal me.

But left to myself I found this day The power to master the Body Ballet.

Only fools don't know Just how the grand scheme goes : Around and round in circle spheres.

We look so hard to find it here.

Playing pride and power games; Enduring art and lasting names.

Only the consciousness lays the blame.

When it comes to tombstones, It's all the same.

Clay Bodies do the dance Eternal Mind.

Cause of the Effect has affected our kind.

So much meaning still here to find.

We might see more if we weren't so blind.

If only every moment Were not a lifetime in itself.

If the eyes waiting and watching Could take some passing pleasures For themselves.

Life is what carries the body around.

And when life is done, BoAy marries The Ground.

With maybe a stone to remember me by.

A half inch in the paper that may Attract no eyes.

It's written in the sky, In the white light of design.

Illuminations shattering my Little mortal mind.

And somewhere in the corner , Light shines off a glass.

Another one, and of my kind.

Fulfillment now at last.

It always seems to Clay Body Ballet.

Dancing for the chances Looking for whatever we Sharing eyelight for an Going dancing.

But I will have done it : Seen it through to its end.

And what be that ending, I can not Now comprehend.

Nor have I answers for you, Though you are earnest in request.

I can only say it is Ballet, And we'll do fine to follow What the Inside has to say.

Of what the Spirit is to Clay.

come down this way. and the changes. might be. hour,

Dancing for the clear eyes, the silver hands That clasp the whole night In the moonlight.

The dancers live, the dancers fade Waltzing and spinning through the Through the Body Ballet.

Talking about the clay ballet.

How have we come to be this way?

Looking and knowing and seeing We see; The moments are passing, And so, so are we.

From tombstone to You read the same For some life was But for all death

tombstone tale: long, prevailed.

The But The The

Between daisies and endearments (To remember me by) I sat like I had forever: Black clouds hanging from a black sky.

23

Mind takes its chances. it must be this way. moments are... fleeting.

Clay Body Ballet.

Mel Riley

invading the sanctity of your world by having; loved you and said so; not by loving you as I would any other friend (your favorite phrase) but by my (as only I could) loving you (as only you could be loved by m e ).

Somewhere in the midst of an oriental fantasy, Foam burning on its ancient back like the strange feathers of a jungle bird Belches forth a shuddering deluvian Beneath the waves Bamboo has no sound Submerged and silent.

Sunken treasures, gold teeth glisten Among the coral bones; the salinated memories Of pearly-eyed sailors mute and staring at the clouds that billow and pass below the enconstellated agony of the spheres.

half-drunken boddhisativa belly-dancing on the tip of your lotus-heeled sandals; with the lightning bolt of your pirouette,

Sunday afternoon, Cobwebs on the ceiling.

Burn another hole In the couch.

affirming and denying nothing but the breathless point on which you turned.

..... tonight (under as many blankets as we can find) cold feet pressed

Beneath the waves Of pearly-eved sailors Bamboo has no sound Cobwebs on the ceiling Somewhere in the midst

against each other for warmth, your kiss is as soft as a white -plum

~f an. oriental fantasy.

-blossom.

24

my lover

Aurora Corona

sparkling there are certain spaces inside me you touch deeply.

sits a small fur growing from the grass in his open lap a brown forest snaking a brown snake and sunlight the warmth of sun baked golden shimmers trail his hair

startling...my love for you is emerald fluid you touch sweetly the intricate patterns as we have lain timelessly

forever

create a network

our love pulses.

loving you is to bring forth angels singing of our manlove with the stirrings of our spooning baste our souls with the steaming

whispering carefully the mystery of you languishing in your deep kisses

sauce of lust (all the way to well done)

the thick delicious taste of you

al dente

heady & intoxicating this wine.

thick with love juices heady with the spices of bodyparts

love

intense heat

you most certainly touch.

chemistry carefully applied

the deep spaces inside me

faggot alchemy in heartstove. your eyes to me are more than singing to me and for the wishes newborn silver eyelets.

i bought for him sharp thorns

i picked for him love's bite

a rosebud the kind of pink

a rosebud the kind of yellow

only an infant's tongue/ the sun

only an apple's skin / the

firstlight dawnbright color

midday hotfire noon color

innocence at once corrupt

tinged with a delicate lash of

to present him a token of

vivid orange / both avase in my room / signal of love's

continuance

& he was not there

i hadn't checked & know now

release & he was destined to

i probably never would've

receive them both / his picture

given it him...

in my heart / our pulse in color

A

' i feel as tho i'm talked about. if you drop a knife a strange man will come to visit. ray ears burn as the autumn has ripped the leaves out of my mind and having raked themselves together they self combust. the knife i dropped was tall, steel grey eyes, brown thick hair he swept roe off my heat. and after raked me together.... i self combusted. my ears burn. i should drop another life, i feel as tho i'm talked about.

25

V/e most emphatically are not recruiting new members, nor is our membership open to anyone not born to be our kind " Certified Public Fairies, Inc.

At The 25? Movies John got so drunk he was impotent just to have an excuse to kiss a long line of old men all night long while he looked them dead center in the eyes.

When one auntie placed an old set. of false teeth under his pillow with a hill for JR â&#x20AC;&#x201D; "32 # 25d each" Tooth Fairy Freddy pave instead one used silver teething ring and a note in fancy script saying, "Grow up, honey!"

When Fairy Pius finally got to "be Fishop of Rome, he held a private mass at which Christ camped it up so much that Ms. Iscariot left in a huff with Jamie, and the unleavened bread began to rise.

Fairy Butch fumed when one trick stole his Aqua Velva from the locker room, so he put itching powder in the trickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s jockey shorts and rushed him off to see "Star Wars."

Fairy Henry pasted rainbow ga use over my broken left wing, which mended'with the touch of his wand.

When the bottle swallowed Fairy Tom whole, you could see him winking at Johnny Walker far below the neck.

When Fairy Elijah designed the first paper clip, He meant it for the princess to use in writing stacks of love poems to the Beast.

Instead, he would have made tweezers for the Beast if he had foreseen the mess his invention now holds together.

26

it**#

Lean on Me Oh, how I dream of Bright Loves Wishes on Orion's Belt

•

Sky lullabies in May evenings

Of a Sleeping Child --

Most of my relationships get stuck at the level of the third chakra At the level of power play With a little of the sheer madness

My arms are Around

Of the first and the compulsiveness

The Shoulders of the World

Of the second thrown in for fun --

My hands hold more

Not judging the jumps up

Than Air and Light The breath of the Earth

Or down the spine I wonder how each level mixes With the next in a directionsssness in a time without place.

And Wine Flutes the Shadows

Is hot on my neck My lips kiss all lives The cosmos tastes like

a poem without a name •

Aum Mane Padme Hum.

An early ocean dawn Salty and cool With the most distant Wet warmth Arising The Huge Horizon

G A M E S

Waters the Mouth Sends an Orange Streak Across the Tongue.

THEY TIED ME TO A WALNUT TREE IN THE EMPTY ORCHARD WHEN 1 WAS FIVE AND SENSITIVE TO TICKLES AND HARSH WORDS -I WAS ENEMY AND FAMILY AT ONCE TWINE CUT OFF CIRCULATION TO HANDS I SCREAMED THROUGH ROWS OF TREES THEY HID BEHIND IN AUTUMN AFTERNOON GIGGLING AT THE HORRID JOKE AT A LITTLE INDIAN TRUSSED UP IN THE LONELY ORCHARD I CRIED SOFTLY UNLIKE A SAVAGE NOT A WHIMPERING OR A SOB BUT JUST HOT TEARS OF KURT AND CONFUSION AND DISTORTION OF LOVE. WHAT REASON FOR HARM? MY SCREAMS WERE SHORT AND HOARSE I GAVE UP QUICKLY SURRENDERED TO THE PRISON CAME. MY EYES CLOSED HEAD FELL FORWARD BODY LIMP, UNDONE, FINISHED .

I DIED THERE MY ARMS AROUND A WALNUT -REE* MY HEART A WOUND A WOUND BOUND UP.

Oh, How I Dream of Bright Loves Fishes in the Great Dipper Sea Melodies on October Mights And Honey Voices the Mysteries Of a Perfect Child.

••••••

27

at five I learned the ocean, the moon of my hands the fish of my amazement early one August morning, standing on the edge of a life-stained pier I watched my father's rough hands cast his lure into the depths and slowly reel in, trying for the catch he could he proud of a rabbit out of the hat. he spoke softly, telling me how quickly we move into and out of life as the water moves with the moon and how some fish leave the* sea and swim many miles to the place of their birth_ so they can plant their children and die, it is only for death. but at five I could only comprehend the water lapping against the pier and wonder if I would ever be able to find my way home alone.

IJ

’l j ’l j ’l j jj jj jj jj

jj jj jj j *1

j \ jj *i j

now on this hot August night I tell some new lover about fishing with my fathers I turn back over and sort thru all the old Augusts, •ry to recall your face, father, the roughness of your hands, it's all that's left I am afraid of afraid that on some dark night when this new man reaches for me I will feel the heavy salt air flood thru me and see in the shadows an old man's hands reeling in the line and I will roll back from the lover's touch and curl into myself, alone and guilty. after 2^ years, that much of you implanted in me. _________ ______ _ __________ Andrew Wicker _

In the spring We think about the most stranges things.

j j

jj j [l j) jj jj jj jj jj jj jj jj jj jj jj j ]l j ]l jj j [l *1 *1

Spring

Think of the thing's about the man or men we love.

At times we think of many things from Lust to Love About the man or men We LOVE ! flying home from Albuquerque Randy Sly over an April snowstorm (we were ail of us surprised) ++++ ++++ I caught the window seat to see, maybe, pieces of heme through the clouds.

'•ut only three timesi a deep arroyo emptying eastward, ;rreen squares around a dogleg in the River, snow powder layers of a sedimentary mountain, and then the oracle would close its eye. ach. time I said — I know that d a c e — but what place V I couldn't remember.

How will 1 know where I am going .f I don't know where I am ?

A friend's embrace to meet me ‘ut all the way back, ir. the car, my tongue rattles and rattles but cannot chase away the spirit of a little bey who thinks he’s lest.

Jaorie1 Lampert

■'heoraclewouldcloseitseyetheor g-lewouldc1oseitseyetheoraclev

28

++++

1 look cut my window and the buildings are oJ:ill there marching across the hillside 1 nave often wondered how we could make the hills hare again. Done faer, circle, Sandy ?

I'T.ore them, or walk through their walls, Jloria ? hey still stand there this morning.

An' now this

red, early morning sun has to struggle through layers of smog over the mountains.

Downtown, where I go to work deep in a basement room to the click and thump of pres: es turning over and over, breath fumes of thick ink and solvents.

Downtown there, the big buildings still stand. '.â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;hey are still making deals downtown. And we walk through their shadows with, the sun ir. our minds, our heads dreaming in future worlds.

We walk through the crowds, our faces to the empty hills.

Put they are still making deals downtown.

Jon..Christensen

little america little america billboard landscape proclamation everywhere in big america Rerun from the Intermission at a Drive- in movie

signs core quickly up as we near souvenir free gifts golden west ten cent ice cream

high upon a range of misty mountains laced with snow, lie the timeless trails and faded dreams that only lovers know.

ninety five pumps like best whore house keep on tru. king baby

hand in hand we share a space not meant for more than two Drizzle damp with Autumn tears, i slowly reach for you.

you have ,'ust passed little america thank ~cd and hilly graham

shogun

29

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for David Blue Heron Saturday night early after you left this morning my heart hurts* Loneliness put away before you came here appears to rule.

tm t m

Sunday morning late coffee and the memory of wanted love before you came here.

Love can be now I know in my heart Since you've been here.

LOST IN AN OCEAN OF FACES TRAPPED IN THE GIVE AND TAKE, TAKE, TAKE AND I DON'T WANT TO BE HERE AT 32 DEGREES...........................

ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN DON'T THINK THAT I MIND, MIND, MIND FEELS LIKE I'VE JUST ABOUT LOST IT AT 32 DEGREES...........................

FELT MORE LIKE LUST THAN ANYTHING I'VE EVER KNOWN DON'T WANT TO THINK ABOUT IT IT'S REPETITION OF A SHADED SORT AT 32 DEGREES...................

WHO COULD ASK FOR EVERYTHING ?

FEW WILL GET ENOUGH WHEN IT ALL HAPPENS AT 32 DEGREES...................

WE MIGHT AS WELL FREEZE ALL WOULD SURELY LAST TRAPPED IN THE TAKE, TAKE, TAKE HARDLY AN OFFER TO GIVE AT 32 DEGREES...................

RICHARD.L..REED

. MhJOOOOOOOOOOOOb

You will not be my lover I prefer to think you will not be my friend It is easier To expect you to be late To think you have forgotten To assume you cannot understand To hope I can break your patience To pray for the ordered loneliness

Monday sunrise my heart is open shining love/light.

AT 32 DEGREES

1 i1 1 i 1 1 1 « »»*• 1 *‘

That will rout this warm, this gentle chaos.

DON SUNSERI DON SUNSERI l)ON SUNSERI

Gabriel Lampert”

')(>(}()()()<)()<)()()()()()()()<)()()<<>()<' Sun and Salt

We knew the world that day, ---------A world we knew belonged to no one else.

It remembered no past, presaged no future, But for the moment hung suspended, A golden haze over a sparkling, brilliant blue canopy Somewhere between Heaven and Earth.

The sea was a hungry sandpiper Picking its way over our footprints along the shore As we drank in the late afternoon air.

We shared a cigarette as if it were our last, As though the day would end In one final, slow, silent breath of smoke.

You were all sun and salt.

Shells, and sea-washed glass.

I saw eternity in a grain of sand at your feet And the world in your eyes as we touched.

teve Palla,

for David Blue Heron Saturday night early after you left this morning my heart hurts* Loneliness put away before you came here appears to rule.

tm t m

Sunday morning late coffee and the memory of wanted love before you came here.

Love can be now I know in my heart Since you've been here.

LOST IN AN OCEAN OF FACES TRAPPED IN THE GIVE AND TAKE, TAKE, TAKE AND I DON'T WANT TO BE HERE AT 32 DEGREES...........................

ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN DON'T THINK THAT I MIND, MIND, MIND FEELS LIKE I'VE JUST ABOUT LOST IT AT 32 DEGREES...........................

FELT MORE LIKE LUST THAN ANYTHING I'VE EVER KNOWN DON'T WANT TO THINK ABOUT IT IT'S REPETITION OF A SHADED SORT AT 32 DEGREES...................

WHO COULD ASK FOR EVERYTHING ?

FEW WILL GET ENOUGH WHEN IT ALL HAPPENS AT 32 DEGREES...................

WE MIGHT AS WELL FREEZE ALL WOULD SURELY LAST TRAPPED IN THE TAKE, TAKE, TAKE HARDLY AN OFFER TO GIVE AT 32 DEGREES...................

RICHARD.L..REED

. MhJOOOOOOOOOOOOb

You will not be my lover I prefer to think you will not be my friend It is easier To expect you to be late To think you have forgotten To assume you cannot understand To hope I can break your patience To pray for the ordered loneliness

Monday sunrise my heart is open shining love/light.

AT 32 DEGREES

1 i1 1 i 1 1 1 « »»*• 1 *‘

That will rout this warm, this gentle chaos.

DON SUNSERI DON SUNSERI l)ON SUNSERI

Gabriel Lampert”

')(>(}()()()<)()<)()()()()()()()<)()()<<>()<' Sun and Salt

We knew the world that day, ---------A world we knew belonged to no one else.

It remembered no past, presaged no future, But for the moment hung suspended, A golden haze over a sparkling, brilliant blue canopy Somewhere between Heaven and Earth.

The sea was a hungry sandpiper Picking its way over our footprints along the shore As we drank in the late afternoon air.

We shared a cigarette as if it were our last, As though the day would end In one final, slow, silent breath of smoke.

You were all sun and salt.

Shells, and sea-washed glass.

I saw eternity in a grain of sand at your feet And the world in your eyes as we touched.

teve Palla,

A Myth Retold

For

My

Friend

Icarus fell into night.

I am frightened of this oneness

Silly to think he could fly

I want to be more separate More as individuals than this unit This barely real connection

close enough to the sun to melt the wax in his wings.

Certainly he took flying lessons

It's not a causal relation It depends not on similarity

in sunlight when very young

Or a commoness.

But rather on internal harmony

and was warned, but after Icarus dreamed Eros, did he care

A sympathy what his father thought?

where Dedalus' harness bound him.

A resonance That breaks thoughts Ideas into nuclear componets

Eros took him in his arms

Of sensual light and claritj

and flew with him throughout the night

A vibration of viscera

into the eye of the sun and back,

Knowledge of the chakras.

He'd dreamed a boy with real wings

taught him the moon was his brother, and all there was to melt between them.

Then he longed for night flight only.

When his parents went to sleep, Icarus strapped on his wings and stole

^

1111111111111111111111111111111111 .

.

1111111

1111111

111

You / i'e o ........... ....... .

David Sunser: two poems

11111111111

1111111111'

<L> I 3 O >5 o e 3 O

V/ho we I wish As two As two

A third.

The waxen brother moon was never suspect.

The respectable family let thrive the rumor that he flew alone into the sun,

Two by two under the ark

a> e

and never mentioned the strange feathers

of one cover,

found in the rumpled bed.

far from me, lovers,

O >> <D e 3 O 0) E 3 O

iy eyes dart,

they drift

needles

over the landscape,

3

are to g e t h e r -us well beings merging elements becoming

A passionate dissolve -I locate you on a spectrum Of v/ho I am You find me in your continuum Cf day and time --

a garment for all weathers.

,/e sit in each other Cross-legged and secure

-71 VordWeaverWordWeaverWordWeaverWordWeaverWordWeaverWordWeaverWordWeaverWord'/eaverV.’crd'.vk Roger Weaver Roger Weaver Roger Weaver Roger Weaver Roger Weaver Roger Weaver Roger w»

°<*

A synthesis of love

weave a world,

loge r'.feaverRogerVeaverRogerWeaverRogerWeaveRogerWeaveRoge rWeaveRogerWeave.RogerWeaveRo{

%>

In our mutual care.

meyoumeyou ney 0 u m ey oun ev ou mey ou

What's certaint one night he never returned.

Solo Solo Solo Solo Solo Solo Solr

<k

I do not question

solosolosolosolosolosolosolosolosolo;

Out, more embarassed than in drag.

youmeyoumeyou ^

C’ k' noAauino/?eu'no^9’1yno^3u.,no./v3'J5nC i3"ki

A Myth Retold

For

My

Friend

Icarus fell into night.

I am frightened of this oneness

Silly to think he could fly

I want to be more separate More as individuals than this unit This barely real connection

close enough to the sun to melt the wax in his wings.

Certainly he took flying lessons

It's not a causal relation It depends not on similarity

in sunlight when very young

Or a commoness.

But rather on internal harmony

and was warned, but after Icarus dreamed Eros, did he care

A sympathy what his father thought?

where Dedalus' harness bound him.

A resonance That breaks thoughts Ideas into nuclear componets

Eros took him in his arms

Of sensual light and claritj

and flew with him throughout the night

A vibration of viscera

into the eye of the sun and back,

Knowledge of the chakras.

He'd dreamed a boy with real wings

taught him the moon was his brother, and all there was to melt between them.

Then he longed for night flight only.

When his parents went to sleep, Icarus strapped on his wings and stole

^

1111111111111111111111111111111111 .

.

1111111

1111111

111

You / i'e o ........... ....... .

David Sunser: two poems

11111111111

1111111111'

<L> I 3 O >5 o e 3 O

V/ho we I wish As two As two

A third.

The waxen brother moon was never suspect.

The respectable family let thrive the rumor that he flew alone into the sun,

Two by two under the ark

a> e

and never mentioned the strange feathers

of one cover,

found in the rumpled bed.

far from me, lovers,

O >> <D e 3 O 0) E 3 O

iy eyes dart,

they drift

needles

over the landscape,

3

are to g e t h e r -us well beings merging elements becoming

A passionate dissolve -I locate you on a spectrum Of v/ho I am You find me in your continuum Cf day and time --

a garment for all weathers.

,/e sit in each other Cross-legged and secure

-71 VordWeaverWordWeaverWordWeaverWordWeaverWordWeaverWordWeaverWordWeaverWord'/eaverV.’crd'.vk Roger Weaver Roger Weaver Roger Weaver Roger Weaver Roger Weaver Roger Weaver Roger w»

°<*

A synthesis of love

weave a world,

loge r'.feaverRogerVeaverRogerWeaverRogerWeaveRogerWeaveRoge rWeaveRogerWeave.RogerWeaveRo{

%>

In our mutual care.

meyoumeyou ney 0 u m ey oun ev ou mey ou

What's certaint one night he never returned.

Solo Solo Solo Solo Solo Solo Solr

<k

I do not question

solosolosolosolosolosolosolosolosolo;

Out, more embarassed than in drag.

youmeyoumeyou ^

C’ k' noAauino/?eu'no^9’1yno^3u.,no./v3'J5nC i3"ki

S T I L L Glowed, his face and form, like a full moon reflecting the presence of love.

Like a flap lying still on a hot-air balloon, movinp exactly with the air currents, 1 lie next to you, swept aloft by a passion I have rarely known.

Here in the peace of night we move together* our bodies echo each other in the language of flesh.

And now we are still, side by side, our hands entwined, our faces turned to each other in the shadows.

The moonlight makes a parallogram on the carpet.

I call your attention to it and you say, "That's how I feel* soft, light on a spring night.â&#x20AC;? .John J. Soldo Cruising

IN

THE

John J. Soldo

BARS

The eyes tell it alii critics of the soul, they size what appears as real. cO

c) 1980

John J. Soldo

SKAGIT RIVER HAIKU the landscape was sliced and cleaved...a picturesque wound bleeds green............ endlessly.

*

Benjamin Beren ci ^ 9 8 0

Down the crowded street a carload of boys

shouted "Faggot! " at the old man carrying a shoulder bag and wearing a silver lambda in his left ear. later, when he paid for his chili with Susan Es, The cashier rushed to whisper

Untitled

to the cook, pointing luridly,

Our garden isn't all roses and phlox*

but the cook only winked There are weeds enough, we know, and barren rocks.

as the old man entered the revolving doors.

But still we sink our spades and scatter seeds

by Louie Crew POEM ***

And pitch aside the rocks and hoe the weeds <

golden-haired boy bright eyes a-twinklin' below your sun-baked brow

For, where there's soil to dig and folk to hoe,

talk of North Dakota days we share peaceful thoughts of walkinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; thru the fields

Warm rain in spring, in winter clean, crisp snow, There, one day, in a cup of tangled green

talk of starry' Island nights you drawl tender words with school-boy-grin -- you tease.

A single perfect flower may be seen.

Tnoughts of you - my farmboy friend I weave colored patterns a tapestry of island sunshine.

Jon Jost

*** for a San Juan island farm-boy of thirty-five years Kirk fell Kirk Pell Kirk Pell

SSSB

2A

SB

F ear

When it's too much After shaving he we pack it away in drums, in crates, reached into the mirror back in the memory. grasped a wrinkle (his parched Years later it leaks out slowly, staining today. face a drought), pulling Sometimes it just explodes. it out . It So here in the company of the blue sky and the star broke off. we dodge the scream of Chicago streets Took hold of the end still attached and Like shivering in the shower we take to get warm. slowly unwound Gabriel Lampert it from around his head. Painstaking work but well worth it when done. He looked thirty years younger, just crow's feet around the eyes, a few sharp lines around the mouth.

Brian Duley

Don’t Keep Your Distance You're my brother Don’t keep your distance

HEADS*********************************'

You will find from me

»

No resistance If you're in need of some

****************

THEY SIT IN THE CORNERS IN THE BACK OF THE ROOM TALKING IN AN ALIEN LANGUAGE WHICH FEW CAN DECIPHER THEY WON'T GIVE A CLUE (IT COULD VERY WELL HAPPEN TO YOU) I THINK IT BEST WE LEAVE. ****** ********#•

I'll give assistance Just ask Just ask Just ask Cause we're in this together You're my friend I love you dearly Just want you to see A little more clearly

THEY LIVE IN A WORLD OF MULTIPLE DRUG COMBINATIONS STRETCHING THEIR THOUGHTS THROUGH THE DUST AND WHEN THEY ARE THROUGH (IT COULD VERY WELL HAPPEN TO YOU) THEY LEAVE TO SLEEP IT ALL OFF. ****** ***«

My heart is true My words sincerely Eecause Because Because We're in this together Because Because Because We should be together You're my brother Don't keep your distance You're my brother There's no resistance You're my brother I'll give assistance You're my brother

THEY SLEEP IN A COMATOSE WITH NO HOPE OF REACHING THEIR DREAMS THEY CARRY ON TO LIVE TO DIE IN A MISCONCEIVED CELEBRATION AND IN THE COURSE THEY PURSUE (IT COULD VERY WELL HAPPEN TO YOU) THEY QUICKLY FADE AWAY FRON VIEW.

r**************************************** ******************************* RICHARD L. REED *******************************

Don't keep your distance Poe /the merchant of fantasy/

35

S]Qj^BfS]G]G]C]E]G}G]S]Q]E]G]G]G]G]G]G]G]B)E}G]Q]G]S]G}C]B}S]G}G}E]G]E]E]E]Q]S]E]E]G]E]

5}G] EJ E] G] G] B] G] G) G] G] E] EJ G] EJ E] G] E] Gj EJ J3 3

Poem of the Eastern Shore

rsr=r=r==:==:=== ==:=s=:r==:= =:===:===:==========:=

No SlSSlEs need applyi

just a note — glad your compost is mellow *■ ,,.A.response.to.a.disqualifying.. .............................. * » M- tJ- L I • t ♦ cuz your shit's the only thing together.”

Wake up! There're rednex & x-tians every where !!!

3^"and 1(J). Face it — you're afraid of sissies / sisters/ women— stuff around "fern-phobia", thank you Krisga, needs to be worked on.

gotten together.

I'd hate being the token ^ . or the token gentle faggot who decorates myself and my environment hungry,

who is not aggressive / dominance

nor a weakling always needing protection /

attention....

in the environment of mellow together

men ( some of whom happen to be gay Men.) & oh clone no no He Men

IMAGES

sit opencrotched stand & piss loudly have sex prick as weapon loudmouth jeerleergrimace EGC

need to be kept off the farm IMAGES need to be kept in their place.

IMAGES boozers are insecure / un-together types too hard to love, interesting for the first

smile

.C C

Allwholly * 3 0 Aurora Corona 28 FEB 78

fascinating time to be included with clones for unacceptibility —

cross legs sit to piss make love penis as instrument soft spoken --

the potentials are

mind boggling IMAGINE the versatility of roles the diversity of attention the consumption of energy oh joy — clones & sissies

<U V)

v nc oCc x h

B -H 3 C

Q

V> 3

3 <

fighting the rednex-tians in the City Battleground

«■> e «-• z

while mellow together men

U If

don't want to whip up the WASP'S nest, wearing protective camoflauge against the stings quick change artistry from Super.Macho.Yan to SuperSissieChild it's faerie majik all the way.

Now that it's the latest fad To be ten times butcher than your dad.

To wear your frame of mind in stylei A macho man with macho guile.

0

Come on!!! the mirror says to me.

"A macho man could set you free."

But macho is - as macho was And even Macho has its flaws.

£)

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Not to feel, and not to cry.

To jut your chin and notch your thighs.

Macho jeans reveal the scene.

That Macho ManhoodHow does it swing ?

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a a >

if-

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Now the disco bars and crisco stars Are dancing to a band That says I've got to just be me...

My very best Macho Man.

£ M

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my ideal ad would read

B u t -- what _is Macho ? I ask myself (Pulling my leotards off the shelf.)

You never could say I had a real scene And if that *s Macho, I'm inBetween.

"Everyone welcome Let's all grow together to gather joy"

Oh, Macho Van, your Macho grace Leaves Macho treadmarks All over my face.

oh joy! by the way thanks for the mellow compost.

36

0

New Stephen Moon The Width of the Circle

y

■

Alexander held the power of the pentagrams on me.

Five sharp spikes of my deoen-' dence, and only this said he: "If you're calculating meeting Fate, then the Mystery is me.

Down through time as though by Design: don't ask to be set fr ee ."

I report here that he said this But he uttered not a sound Fashioned after verbiage: His eyes let the feeling astound My captive sense of passion As the sky leans toward the ground.

Alexander's silent slander kept me roped and chained and bound.

He snapoed his fingers and the daylight fell away.

He and I alone in time in the neither night nor day.

"The wonder of the many worlds is that you have come today.

Through thunder and the rolling rain, on the power My hands display.

But the words are his who Plays them.

Gravity implies but does not Stay them.

These glories come down To nakedness.

Veils of power convey them."

Alexander was a silent man Quiet as ever you saw.

With eyes that mirrored the moonlight, deflecting the rasp of the claw.

Speaking impressions of silver sun, quivering onto a new day begun.

But Alexander - still wanted answers.

A giving from father to son.

A.)’, rev my great king, in your sovereignty, What can your kingdoms mean to me?

If you, yourself, are not the sura of all the kings who have tried to come Up from the purple legacies?

Down the bloodlines of this dark royalty?

For - if love is enough, You must also love me.

As long as length As strong as strength As wide as far As bright as the stars.

X /

Two Buy My Cull May Son To Buy Mica Lame Sun Two By Michael Mason ~r~7

Z Z Z Z ^ Z Z Z IZ S Z IZ tz

~7 ~ ’— ’—:/r»//.♦/'»/ 7 «'// _/_ «// »f/ /'»/•/»/ / / /■/T«// \ l -1l

Alexander just listened in silence, baited by the breath I drew.

And still he had not answered Until I came here to you.

To declare the simple luxury Those eyes said Time could be.

But a dancer says With glowing eyes Things no more King Than God is wise.

Melded to the other half.

Coupled in a lover's laugh.

Alexander held the power of the pentagrams on me.

Hastened by invitation, (the Latin anagram: TO BE ) Alexander and the dancer I rhymed his soul by time.

Solomon King of all the eyes reflected on in mine.

He snapped his fingers and the worlds all fell away.

Left me here on the shining 1 ight of another coming day.

Alone, as if I'd always been, and just as whole without him and not playing my self thin.

But he left his screaming eyes Behind my eyes in my head, Designing hearts entwining on the vines he left for dead.

As absent as frankincense 'When it's faded from the air.

Now are you listening, Alexander , you must tell me if you're there : For the width of the circle becomes the balance of the share.

These quandaries of the kingdom are exactly as they seem.

And are, but with him, Redeemed.

22 JANUARY 1979

37

Oh about the moon it was a question. This was at the bot­ tom of the stairs and I was swift to fly. To take notes to­ night and where is the moon is new we have fortified it with a break from a more regular madness. Does the man in the moon need a break. Explicit Instructions do not mean grunting Over There. Never hide under the bananas and wait for a shopper to pick you. I cant even see the moon much less far less fearless peerlessly envision the moon walls come more to mind. And nights.

Here we have come for mountains and so much for the moon. The moon may be new however the wind is cold. Under a new moon Stephen a window was closet!, Lacy curtains flapping new Stephen moon I will take notes tonight this is not to say to­ morrow they will be reread in awe or sorrow tomorrow to bor­ row is to do the opposite of ingratiate to something. I beg a new moon not to care no not to mind roe. I am here I said for Stephen. Stephen pierces the moon with requests the moon knows. The moon may be new how­ ever the sky above the city is yellow. Directly above the city, Old dirty yellow.

There was another view as we moved to another larger wind­ ow. Surprisingly enough that window was on a lower floor.

We stood before it. From high on up it takes more than de­ sire to fulfill a fantasy any fantasy. An earlier before before the most recent full moon. But then it never really is any fuller or emptier. Fool­ er or empty ear. Not beneath a new moon even when the moon is not to be seen. New Moon. Can a new moon be taught old trix.

The nf>on upon man has a curious yes curious influence this is nothing new. The crime of time is its pointed persistence.

Refer to the earlier befores in passing. Ahead is a horse of a different color. Blue moon.

So how new can a moon really be be really when it is we and not it. Older and better. Does it look up and see a new earth.

How new a moon can be. A moon can be only as new as the sum total of its parts this is nothing. New. * ' APRIL 1981

of

Soring

Oh, well the world is dreaming Under the April moon, Her soul in love with beauty, Her senses sing a tune.

Pure hangs the silver crescent Above the twilight wood, And pure the silver music* From its silent hood.

0 Earth, will all thy transport Why is it life would seem, A shadow in the moonlight, A murmur in a dream .

Small Town Ode A store with a porch

Jon Jost A rutted road A'

Grain sprouting green Where the feed trucks load

~\,v c°

Do they know Do they care

C

Does anyone dare ?

Paper’s weekly Potluck Bi-monthly

&

•*‘*

They smile weakly

ce V5

Turn and say bluntly

e9

.4# You mean a fairy

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Amongst us .

^

v^e Dairy's closed

^

Taylor's sold

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ce v ^ c

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\© The milker's old

**© ^ve-ce _«\V © v’ xXoC,C0 *

Belly up boys

*

And have a beer

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t>® Glad no niggers here

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Or queers Where ?

8 -party line

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Park's really fine Especially July, lo9.

Mountain wine, sunshine.

Mine.

Randy

Rossi

++++++++ + +

ve6a

He roost honors my style who learns under it to destroy the teacher. ,/,

.we two hoys, together clinging, one the other never leaving............'./././././>

%■

* 4 1 am the poet of the body and I am the poet of the Soul.

The pleasures of heaven are with me and the pains of hell are with The first I graft and increase upon myself, the latter I translate Into a new tongue.

I am the poet of the woman the same as the man.

And I say it is as great to be a woman as to be a man.

And I say there is nothing greater than the mother of mot..

Speech is the twin of my vision, it is unequal to measure itself,

J L *K S $, t/ .lu

It provokes me forever, it says sarcastically, Walt, you contain enough, why don't you let it out then?

Muscle and pluck forever What invigorates life invigorates death, And the dead advance as much as the living advance, And the future is no more uncertain than the present, For the roughness of the earth & of roan encloses as much As the delicatesse of the earth and of man, And nothing endures but personal qualities.

What is a man anyhow? What am I? what are you.

All I mark as my own shall offset it with your own, Else it were time lost listening to me.

The messages of great poets to each man and woman ar#* u! equal terms, Only then can you understand us, We are not better than you, what we enclose, you enclose, what we enjoy, you m a y ^ proof of a poet is that his country absorbs him as affectionately he has absorbed it.

ainst roe that I sought to destroy

I hear it was charged ag

lly I am neither for nor against

institutions, but rea institutions,

|

(What

indeed have I in common with

ss>&

the destruction of them?) Only

them? or what with

the Mannahatta and in every

I will establish in

ff inland and seaboard, and in the

city of these states

above every keel little or large

fields and woods, and

\

without edifices or rules or trust -

that dents the water,

ces or any arguoent, the institution of the dear love of conrades. ' / . / . / . / • / • / V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V ' / V V / •/•/•/•/•/•/•/ •/•/•/■

39

y \

t ir r t n m v& w noN o jv m n k m e n

The Revolutionary Cookie Store (for those incoherent-inbetween moments) NOTE: These desserts are merely 1 is ted. No Recipes. ^F_ you discover a formula, please pass it on to us. We are waiting and palpit at ing.

Constance B .'s Brownie Surprise (for the Night Before) 1*5 c. sifted w.w. oastry flour 1 tsp. baking powder

\ tsp. salt c. safflower oil c. caroh powder c. honey eggs, we 1 1 -beaten c. chopped walnuts 1 tsp, vanilla c* r°ng black coffee tsp. freshly ground nutmeg to 1/3 oz. finely powdered & sifted Grass

Almost-All-Boy Float Leftist Turnovers Creeping Socialist Crumbcakes Caucausian Imperialist Wafers Commie Fag Bars Activist Oatmeal Cookies Creme-Filled Nuclear Disasters Great White Hope Squares Peppermint Nazi Stix Frontline Fruit Bars Doom Drops Traitor Kisses Lemon Fate Twists Tired Old Butter Cookies Freedom of Expresso ERA Biscuits Over-Reactionary Cinnamon Rolls

V <3 j

Heat oil over lowest heat. Add finely-sifted grass; cook for 20 minutes over low flame, stir­ ring frequently. Let cool.

Sift flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg and carob powder together.

Add honey to oil mixture; Beat eggs and add to same. Pour oil/honey mixture into dry ingredients and mix well. Blend in nuts, vanilla and coffee. Pour batter into Oiled 8 " pan and bake 4o min. at 350 .

Melita's S & M Cock-tails (for the Morning After) Pour one cup boiling water into a mug containing: 1 tbsp. miso and 1 tbsp. spirulina powder. Add the following to taste: garlic, cayenne, brewer's yeast.

This is a good tonic for unkind hangovers of any kind.

Constance Bitching's Brownies: Mike! «*'ilson-(dare reveal it?)

Melita's 5 & M Cock-tails: Mel Riley Revolutionary Cookie Shoo: John Jones, Michael Mason

40

We've Only Just Begun Buns Soviet Expansions Anti-American Pie Nut-Covered President ials We Shall Overcome Cookies Fairy Dust Keep The Faith Sweethearts Militant Marmalades Long-Range Karma Kremes Instant Karma Kremes Foodstamps Fudge Burn Your Draftcard Muffins Don't Sign Up Lollipops Pineapple Terrorist Treats Hetero Jam It's No Wonder Bread Better Dead Than Red Bread Carnal Pleasures Pecan Rolls Bestiality Cookies Hotcross S & M Buns Anarchist Upside Down Cake 3-Day-Old Resurrection Rolls Don't Get Caught Shortcake Don't Get Left Out In The Cold Plate Oppression Sickness Mints Humafew Bars That’s Life Cookie Crumble* Study War No More Log Rolls I Shall Not Be Moved Taffy Easy Out Shortbread Giant Cop CXit Rolls Impending Danger Buns Underground Railway Rolls Up Against The Waffles Moonie Pies Judgement Day Pop Tarts

A viewvftom J~Jece 63 I. M. Poustinik is a psuedonyai. A poustinik is a holy man, originally fron the Russian Orthodox tradition, whose life of prayer and service draws him into many places and situations where heal­ ing and wholeness are desired. He is present and then he is absent.

When present his task is to focus the healing Presence of the Lord God in that situation, even though the Divine Name may not be spoken. His personal identity is hidden because the accidents of his own life are less iwnor tant than the healing truth he brings.

It is my hope that these Reflections, this View Kress Here may be in that tradition. What I have to say nay reflect some of your own thoughts and feelings or it may be a view from a place you have never been. However, it is my hope that this View will bring light, joy and truth to you a* you reflect more deeply on the view from your place.

TheKinseyScale' An IdentityScale for HumanSexuality In the mystery that is human sexuality, which is a depth to be explored and not just a problem to be solved, it is often helpful to be able to use a so-called "objective" scale in order to deter­ mine where you are at any given time. There are many scales and they can be used as a tool and a guide but are in no sense a "magic" solution or a precise box to be fitted into. Each person is a unique individual. He/she may find him/her self at one point on the scale now and at ano­ ther point later. What is desired is that there be growth toward wholeness, so that we may be truly at peace with ourselves and with others, thereby manifesting a shalom/peace/wholeness for all to see.

The Heterosexual-Homosexual Rating Scale, the "Kinsey Scale", of the Institute of Sex Research at Indiana University is rather widely known.

It is a scale for a determination of sexual identity, sexual orientation, and the sexual be­ havior that may result.

It was initially developed in response to studies of behavior.

In the 25 years or so that it has been used it is equally applicable to feelings, fantasies, desires and dreams of a sexual nature. Sexual feelings, fantasies, desires and dreams, as well as the behavior that may go with them, are on a contin­ uum. On the "Kinsey Scale" the continuum is from "0 ", the person who has sexual feelings, desires and often behavior only for persons of the opposite sex, to "6 ", the person whose affectional preference and often behavior is only for those of the same sex.

Wholeness and health are not at the extremes of the range but clustered in the middle. The ful­ lest response is one of "both/and" rather than "either/or". However, in the Judeo-Christian culture as seen in contemporary American socie­ ty, it is the extremes of the range that are popularly held up. Thus, "O" is seen as an e x ­ pression of health; while movement toward "6 " is moving toward greater and greater pathology.

If it may be said that Jesus, the model and

guide for Christians (and respected by others), was the perfect "3", then health and wholeness are clustered around the middle of the range and pathology would be seen at the extremes.

It is important for each individual to find his/ her own place on the scale. As in any such testing, honesty is essential. On each of the questions mark your place on the scale. Review and see where you have been and where you might like to grow.

0

1

2

3

4

5

0= Exlusively heterosexual 1= Predominately heterosexual, only incidentally homosexual 2= Predominantly heterosexual, but more than in­ cidentally homosexual 3 = Equally heterosexual and homosexual 4 = Predominantly homosexual, but more than in­ cidentally heterosexual 5 = Predominantly homosexual, only incidentally heterosexual 6 = Exclusively homosexual 1. My sexual feeling, desires, fantasies, dream? now.

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 2 . My sexual

feelings, desires, fantasies, dreams five years ago.

5 6 3 4 2 0 1

feelings1, desires , fantasies, dreams as a youth.

6 5 3 4 2 0 1

3 . My sexual

4 . My genital sexual behavior now.

5 3 4 2 0 1 5 . My genital sexual behavior 3 4 2 1 0 6 . My genital 1 0

41

6

6

five years ago 5 6

sexual behavior as a youth.

6 5 3 4 2

Putting Up Things 3 The Cold

A Homemade Medicine Chest byJerry Stamps

described in this article. Only one of the herbs listed in each box need be obtained, as all of the plants in the same box have the same effects. However, collect more than one if you can, and see which works best for you.

I can remember as a child foraging through the fields and through the woods holding Grandmoth­ er's hand. She would stop now and then long enough to positively identify certain "weeds", pick a handful or two and on we'd go. She'd make her treks four or five tiroes a year, each time taking her herbs back to the "smokehouse" as she called her storage shed and placing them on tables or screens or tying them in bunch­ es to dry.

I never remember her labeling them, though I suppose with her years of experience it was unnecessary ... she always seemed to know what she was doing.

Key to Collecting Times: 1 - late spring - early summer 2 - just before flowering (usually late spring)

3 - in flower 4 - fall, just before frost You will need to have on hand honey, cider vinegar, and cayenne pepper. When you've collected and dried as many of these herbs as you feel you will need, you will be ready to compound them into healing potions.

Later in the winter when we kids were down with the croup or a fever, w e ’d see little bottles or jars handed to our folks after a visit and hear her give instructions about their use.

I can remember that most of them tasted awful except for a honeyed cough syrup she made.

Mother kept it on a high shelf because I'd get into it for a taste when she wasn't look­ ing. Grandma's herbal remedies must have worked because I roust have been seven or eight years old when I saw my first doctor (and that was probably because we'd moved 30 miles away from Grandma) for a head to toe case of poison ivy.

Many of the common names of these plants are also used for other unrelated species, therefore the scientific names of the plants I use are given as a means of insuring we're talking about the same species. Most of these herbs are widespread in eastern North America: many are also found in western North America and Europe. Related species sometimes have the same medicinal properties as those listed, check medicinal herb books for your area to be sure.

If in doubt, write Stamps Apothecary (address below) or Edwin Bridges, 118 Cumber­ land Ave., Asheville, NC 29801.

Grandmother collected these medicinal herbs not only because they worked and because her mother had, but for the plain economics of the thing. They lived 40 to 50 miles from the near­ est doctor and often didn't have the money for a visit even if they had a means of getting there.

To purchase those rarer herbs you may not be able to locate, write to Stamps Apothecary, 33 Van Buren, Eureka Springs, AR 72632. A catalog is available for 75p.

Little did I know what an influence this would have on m e . I grew up, went to pharmacy school and here I became reinterested in nature's med­ icines and I have never lost interest since.

Though I continue to learn (I'll never know as much as I'd like to know), I do on occasion enjoy talking about what I have learned.

We are all capable of doing for and doctoring for ourselves at least 90% of the time. But there is always the situation when common sense will tell us that we are over our head and need expert help. There are just some times when a good doctor can really help so always keep one in mind.

Most of us are living in similar situations both geographically and economically so it be ­ comes both logical and possible for us to pre­ pare a few things for the "cool storage" to help our bodies and health when we are dis­ eased by the "ague or grippe" of the winter.

But, you'll be surprised how much you can do for yourself.

You’ve made a move to the "nat­ ural" way of living, so give our greatest heal­ er, Nature, a chance. Not only will you bene­ fit from it, but you'll also probably soon dis­ cover that some other things in your world such as diet and rest will come more naturally and that you'll need less and less cures for the minor illnesses that happen only rarely.

It is easy to do.

In fact, it can all be done on the short "meditation" hikes one takes and lots of goodies can be prepared in the kitchen as one makes dinner so that if a remedy is needed, it is in the pantry.

God blessed us with a "miracle machine" that when properly fueled, works splendidly.

So take just a little bit of time to learn how to care for your body and as they say, "it will give you years of service".

The following chart lists the herbs you will need to collect in order to prepare the remedies 42

Commonand Scientific Names

Parts ot f

Timeot

C o lle c t

C odec

Effects

and Uses

leaves leaves

i i

soothes the stomach, removes gas and masks some bitter tastes.

Mullein (Verbascuro thapsus)

flowers

3

soothing anti-inflamatory for skin and earache .

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

leaves

2

bronchodilator and expectorant -soothing to the lungs.

Horehound (Marrubiura vulgare) Lobelia (Lobelia inflata) Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa or media)

leaves leaves lvs & firs

1,2

White Pine (Pinus strobus)

inner bark

1

expectorant

Wild Cherry (Prunus serotina or virginiana)

inner bark

1

expectorant

Willow (Salix alba) Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) Queen of the Meadow, Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium purpureum) Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata)

inner bark leaves

1

leaves

1,2

lvs & firs leaves

3 2,3

Rose Hips (Rosa multiflora or rugosa)

seed pods

4

vitamin C

Rose Buds (Rosa species)

flower buds

2

healing and soothing to inflamed eyes or bruises.

Mallow (Malva rotundifolia ) Slippery Elm (Ulmus fulva)

root inner bark

4

1

demulcents--soothing to inflamed smooth muscle tissues.

leaves leaves leaves

1 1

astringent effect due to tannins.

Juniper. Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana or communis)

berries

4

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata) Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) Jasmine (Jasminum officinale) Violet (Viola papilionacea ) Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora or epilobiifolia )

leaves flowers flowers flowers leaves leaves

1

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) Spearmint (Mentha viridis)

3round Ivy (Glechoma hederacea) Witch Hazel (Haroaroelis virginiana) Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana)

1 expectorants

3

1 these contain salicylin, a sort of aspirin, and are good for fevers.

3

3 3 3 3 2,3

urinary tract antiseptic.

sedat ives.

leaves

1

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea

root

1,4

Garlic (Allium vineale or canadense)

bulb

3

lvs & root

1,2,3

leaves

1

ant ifungal .

root

4

antibiotic, febrifuge, astringent, antispasmodic, antifungal, antiseptic.

Can be taken internally or applied ex­ ternally. This one is the king, it is good for nearly everything.

Wild Lettuce (Lactuca scariola or canadensis)

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)

Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)

43

good for pain, as a sedative, or for diarrhea. antibiotic, especially the lymph system. ant ibiot ic. contains allantoin and vitamins of all sorts.

Incredibly healing taken inter­ nally as tea, or applied externally as a poultice or ointment.

Pulling Up Tilings

dor The Cold

EYEWASH

CompoundingTheHerbs continued

Pour one cup boiling water over 5 or 6 Rose Buds and a pinch of Goldenseal and steep until cool.

Dosage: Use as a soothing eye wash as needed for sore and/or inflamed eyes.

COLD COMPOUND SYRUP In an enameled pan, mix together the following:

UPSET STOMACH 2-3 teaspoonfuls each White Pine, Wild Cherry, Mullein leaves and Bergamot and 1- 2 teaspoonfuls Lobelia or Horehound and 2 teaspoonfuls Slippery Elm or Mallow Root and 2- 3 teaspoonfuls Wintergreen or Willow Bark or Queen of the Meadow or Yarrow or Blue Vervain and 1 handful Rose Hips

Make a tea using \ teaspoonful Peppermint or Spearmint and \ teaspoonful Catnip or Passion Flower or Jasmine or Skullcap or Violet leaves ££ h teaspoonful Goldenseal alone.

Dosage: Sip small amounts very slowly every 15 or 30 minutes.

Add a pint of water and bring to a boil for 5 minutes uncovered. Cover and let cool. Now add about a cup of honey and store.

BLADDER OR KIDNEY IRRITATION In an enameled pan soak 2 tablespoonfuls Juniper Berries and ^ teaspoonful Goldenseal for 2 hours or overnight in 2 cups water. Bring to a boil for 3-5 minutes and steep.

Dosage: Take 2 or 3 teaspoonfuls every 3 or 4 hours for chest colds, or add 3 or 4 tea­ spoonfuls to a cup of hot water to which you have added the juice of ^ lemon and drink slowly every 4 to 6 hours.

Dosage: days.

EARACHE OIL

Drink 1 cup twice daily for 2 or 3

SPRAINS OR BRUISES

In an enameled pan heat very slowly 2 or 3 tablespoonfuls Mullein Flowers in olive oil for 3 or 4 hours (back of the stove is good) and if you feel there is some infection present, add a clove or two of garlic.

In an enameled pan containing ^ to 1 cup water add 1 rounded teaspoonful Slippery Elm and 4 or 5 teaspoonfuls Corofrey

Dosage: Warm slightly and instill 3 or 4 drops in the ear every 3 or 4 hours. Use a cotton plug to keep ear "sealed".

Bring to a boil and it will thicken into a paste. When cooled, apply to the sprain or bruise, cover the poultice lightly and leave in place until dry. Change 2 or 3 times daily.

Also drink freely Comfrey tea - 1 teaspoonful to a cup of boiling water.

SORE THROAT Make a tea of Purple Cone flower root using one teaspoonful to a cup of water. Boil in an enam­ eled pan for 3 to 5 minutes and steep for an additional five minutes. This is especially good if the lymph nodes are swollen.

JOCK ITCH OR ATHLETE »S FOOT These are caused by the same fungus so in an enameled pan put a handful of walnut leaves and about a teaspoonful of Goldenseal (if you have it) and boil for 5 to 10 minutes then cov­ er and steep until cool.

Dosage: Drink at least 2 cups daily. Or gargle Goldenseal tea - a teaspoonful to a cup of warm water or drink slowly H to ^ tea­ spoonful Cayenne Pepper in S cup warm water.

Dosage: daily.

Apply to affected area 3 or 4 times

DIARRHEA PAIN In an enameled pan mix the following: Wild Lettuce contains opium and is really bit­ ter but it works well.

In an enameled pan put

1 teaspoonful Witch Hazel o£ 2 teaspoonfuls Wild Strawberry Leaves or Ground Ivy Leaves and 1 teaspoonful Catnip or Passion Flower and teaspoonful Peppermint or Spearmint

3 teaspoonfuls Wild Lettuce, 1 cup water and a splash of vinegar

(opium is an alkaloid and is more soluble in a slightly acid solution) and boil for 3 to 5 minutes, cover and steep for 5 minutes.

Add a cup of water and bring just to a boil, cover and steep for 5 minutes.

Dosage:

Dosage: Drink 1 cupful every 4 to 6 hours.

(Not bad for diarrhea either.)

Sip one cup slowly every 3 to 4 hours.

44

^Interviews

by DawKyc$Hanc>S, \XandyKrafw The valley spreads out before us like a grand welcoming porch on the house that is our moun­ tain,, But those wooded buttes and the sweeping valley in the distance can no longer be consid­ ered merely our "home". Rather, they are a part of the totality of our daily lives. The land beneath our feet gives us our food, our play, our work, health and support.

It's the never-ending process of "making it on the land" What we write here is the story of that "making it".

It is a narration of words to convey the daily work, self-sacrifice and stubborn deter­ mination of two men doing it together.

And e qually important are the words that show the healthy laughter, the solitude to free the mind, and the just plain good feelings that are grow­ ing side by side with that work and sacrifice.

bin, a lover, and a wide-open opportunity.

Dave awoke with the dread of another day of going to work in Eureka. Well, somebody had to pay the bills, at least for that first year.

Okay, so we're on the land. But all is not ethereal beauty and good feelings.

Living on the land is work, bumps and bruises, and some­ times disappointment.

It's never enough money.

It's day to day planning that may not go as planned. The land demands skills, lots of skills, that you had better learn ahead or be ready to learn quickly upon making the move.

Living on the land is not just sunny mornings and skinny-dipping. The weather and flowing water greatly influence your life, while you may naively believe that you are the master over nature. Making it on the land is really making it WITH the land.

It is giving and taking, you and the land becoming best of friends.

We grew up believing that our "home" was the house with green shutters and daddy's car in the driveway.

"Play" was the park three blocks away. We saw our "food" as Safeway or A & P once a week and our "health" was a vacination shot that hurt.

"Work" was pumping gas at the Shell station while our "support” was onceweekly trips to that old brick church.

But we also grew in the comprehension that this was not to be our destiny. Two men growing up 3,000 miles apart, each separately coming to conclude that an alternative had to be sought.

The 40 acres that is our best friend is mostly north-s 1 oped, wooded with oak and fir, gravity flow water and a Bureau of Land Management ac­ cess road winding through it. Electricity and phone service stop several miles down the valley to the west. The state highway and our mailbox are one mile down the mountain and the fog rare­ ly reaches our 3,000 foot elevation where the house sits. The garden site is level and the orchard and pond is nearby. Blueberries will soon be moved to a terraced area below the pond.

And seek we did. Dave wrote the contact letter to RFD and Randy read it. Dave wanted "more than just a caretaker".

Randy wanted more than just a friend. we wrote lots of letters and visited with each other. The love that we both •had to give and needed so badly became very ♦much entwined. The mutually sought self-suffi­ ciency became welded into one determined "let's do it I" Dave had bought 40 acres in Humboldt County, complete with a house, garden site, and running water. His pursuit of the self-sufficient life­ style was to include this headstart, included in the price of the land. Randy entered with the experience and power of partnership that was to cement their mutual goal.

Living with such a place can easily be a full­ time occupation for two men. Up until last Dec­ ember, Dave had been driving 120 miles roundtrip daily to work.

It was like "visiting on weekends", he used to say. So it seemed.

Lit­ tle time was left to become friends with the land, when 1 2 hours a day was spent in "working" for a living. The break had to be made because it was nearly costing more to go to work than to stay at home. Working for a living can cer­ tainly be done at home.

It's not 9 to 5 and in no way guaranteed, but it is possible. We had to take stock of ourselves.

It has become an exciting and healthy challenge for our minds (and bodies too).

Randy left 2^s years of working on a 300 acre cattle ranch in southern Oregon to wake up one morning with no income, a 20 x 30 redwood ca-

We took an inventory. What do we have that others don't? What do other folks want that we can give? A roost obvious first on that list

45

is firewood. With 40 acres of hardwood and a few thousand acres of BLM forest within a few miles, the potential of selling firewood is there. Dan, a logger who has grown up in the valley, showed us how much wood is grown yearly on an average acre. We saw we had hundreds of cords of potential firewood just in thinning our forest to let remaining trees grow faster.

Larry, who truck gardens on the valley floor, told us of the firewood orders he has trouble filling from his sparse woodlot. And with all those woodstoves being sold in town, we knew there was a market.

is always several degrees warmer. We will sell the produce to Larry's regular vegetable custo­ mers. By asking around (it never hurts to aski) we found a large ranch that would rather hire local help than pay a contractor and machinery to do the job.

Accurate record keeping is vital. We keep re­ cords of everything produced and consumed.

It helps for next year to know how many eggs, pota­ toes, cans of tuna, or whatever, we consume each month or how much dog and rabbit food yie have purchased.

And for that rabbit food, how many pounds of rabbit meat or how many rabbit din­ ners did we get in return? With this knowledge of our own consumption, we can go in with our neighbors to buy in bulk the flour, canning lids, etc. that we all will need.

If you have your own pasture for clover for rabbits or you are growing your own wheat to grind into flour, the money saved is another step towards inde­ pendence from the grocery store. Also, nature's garden is there if you know how to use it.

We listed our rototiller as a potential source of income. Troybuilt offers a good "How to" booklet on custom tilling and we have been able

R<$ndu Tllfing the $ordcn to pick up some good cash and trades this spring with that service. Here in the Northwest there is a big demand for fir cones for seed. This August we will be picking cones and (hopefully) getting $15/bushel selling them to the forest service and timber companies. Larry also sug­ gested we grow warm weather crops up here on the mountain. The cool valley floor can be rough on melons and corn whereas up here our temoerature

Dave preparing the

raised beds

We have never considered ourselves as trashmongers, but people in this country throw away so many useful items it's terrible. Every dump should have a way to recycle those useful or fixable items so they can be freely redistri­ buted to those who can use them. We bring home from the dump at least 1 0 times what little we throw away. Cans, bottles, and metals all get reused over and over. Tin cans can be used as planting pots by using a can opener on them to allow for drainage. Those old lids can be strung up as noisemakers to keep birds away from the young tender seedlings. Bottles have many uses. One use can be hot caps for seed­ lings. A piece of tin or an opened up tin can can be used as a sign to label what is olanted where. These instantly come to mind because it's spring and we are getting the garden into shape.

It helps that the nearest store is 10 miles away, so everything purchased should have at least two purposes. We don't just hop into the car to go get a loaf of bread.

Barter is always a good source of survival in­ come. Always be ready to trade something for something. I4e make a habit of dragging home "goodies" from the dump that could be potential

Dove checkincj out the bcddtrw plonts 46

T W O M E N , T H E W I L D E R N E S S , & S T A R ROUTE H A M M O C K S C O N T I (M <J E.D trade items. One or both of us can help Dan, the logger, in the woods in exchange for land clearing on our own place. We have been rais­ ing rabbits for a while now. We don't sell too many for cash but those fryers are good trade items. Barter is the "cash" of the future.

It is definitely a necessary tool.

Our mountain wilderness with it's views, thickforested peacefulness and outdoor hammock grove is a sanctuary that some city folks can't seem to relate to yet. There is a great deal of ac­ tivity; a whole life's worth as a matter of fact. The go-go-go pushy people sometimes can't seem to "plug in" to the reality of living with­ out disco bars or electric living. As the days go by it's hard to express into words how that reality has and continues to shape us.

Our biggest (and most risky) venture in selfsufficient living was begun last year. We started a mail order/local sales business cal­ led STAR ROUTE HAMMOCKS. A few years ago Randy had brought several of these beautiful handmade hammocks from the Yucatan (in southern Mexico) which were immediately snatched up by friends.

So why wouldn't they be "snatched up" by the

Randy Oeff) and

The ideas mentioned here are few so as to not go on too long. Everyone out there has so many good ideas to offer and we are just a part of . it. What the future holds for, Star Route Ham­ mocks and this mountain no one has told us yet.

We aren't roiraclemen; we're just two men living with the land.

Dave (right)

general public? We hoped so. '-e have learned a lot about starting a business and mainly that you must read everything you can on the subject to avoid mistakes. We have also learned that it takes capital to start a business like this.

Even though our overhead is very low, there is the substantial costs for the wholesale product, importing and shipping fees, brochure and en­ velope costs, and especially advertising costs.

Unfortunately, barter hasn't worked with the government yet. The artwork for the brochure, however, was designed in exchange for one of our "Banquet" (4 person) hammocks.

(Friends joked about naming it the "Orgy" since it was designed for four people'. Also when the first shipment arrived we wanted to wet up and try each and every hammock.) Well, it took a lot of personal savings and we have established a very tight personal budget for ourselves. We know that under-capitalization will kill the small busi­ ness sooner than anything else. An RFD article that inspired us in the mail order business was "Country Survival by Mail Order Retailing" by Pieter Bach in the Winter 1979 issue.

Dav*

and Ditto ~a time to stf

sta r

t o l Hf

R m fia xs • • • • •

One thing we both believe is that knowledge should be passed on. We have a willingness to learn as well as pass on our knowledge. We have also allowed our attitudes to be molded by the land. This will in turn help wean us from those hassles in life that slow us down from living.

Handmade quality hammocks from YUCATAN, M E X IC O All sizes and colors, for indoors and outdoors Holds from 1 to 4 friends in sensuous comfort FREE Color Brochure. M O N E Y -B A C K G U A R A N T E E We are a grass-roots, RFD-supporting, country business Star Route, Box67-C, Dept. R Bridgeville, CA 95526

47

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^ In te n s iv e Ga r d e n in g btj Blaise Splnelil I sit here looking out the window at the billows of blue/grey clouds drifting eastward. The cli­ mate outside is in the fifties and the Tufted Titmouse sings his mating song, announcing the coming of spring and the end of another year.

Since my flight from the city to the more rural areas of this country, I've found it impossible to consider January first the beginning of an­ other year. My understanding of living crea­ tures and the complex symbiotic relationshins that must exist so that we all may flourish and grow forces me to relate to this great world around roe/us more in terms of cycles.

It is this time of year when the intensity of the sun grows increasingly stronger. Daylength increases.

Just these subtle changes alone have tremendous effect on creatures around us. This is the time of year when all of those days of resting away from the garden; winter dreams while looking through our windows are ready to be implemented into our lives.

I can't help but remind myself how dry our country has become in the last few years and how for decades we've been destroying life around us. Our problem is not solely one of malicious intent but yet one of ignorance.

to this particular method of gardening. Basi* cally you need to obtain a tilth of 24" deep in each of the beds. This is done by a method known as "double digging". This process is very labourious but doesn't necessarily have to be done at once.

If your garden is already planted to some crops, as mine has been since last fall's sowing of parsnips and onions, you would do better if you prepared your beds one at a time. A gar­ den plot say 15' x 30' has approximately 5 beds 15' long (the width) 5' wide with 12" aisles be­ tween each growing bed. Taking the soil out of the walkways and piling it onto your beds raises them considerably.

Probably the easiest method of raising the bed is to obtain soil from some­ where else on the property or from a garden cen­ ter and incorporating it into the indivual beds.

After double digging the bed (and it's probably a good idea to add compost, blood meal, etc. during that process) you are now ready to smooth the surface with your rake. A slight mound will afford more growing area but a flat surface will suffice. A small ditch can be made around the entire area to collect water runoff and help check erosion, but I prefer railroad ties around the entire plot. Be aware that railroad ties come treated with creosote or untreated. with your growing bed complete you should allow the soil to settle for a few days before planting.

What I want to discuss is french intensive gard­ ening and its benefits. Our water situation in this country alone is very critical. Even if our water tables do recover there is still rea­ son enough to continue intensive gardening.

Let us look at some of the benefits.

If you are like me, living on a limited amount of space, this form of gardening allows you more growing space, ultimately, more of an end product.

Because plants are growing closer together, leaves touch­ ing leaves, the retention of moisture is far greater, resulting in less use of mulch.

In effect the leaves shade the ground keeping the roots cool in summer trapping moisture under­ neath. There is no better way to implement com­ panion planting.

Plants also can use more mois­ ture and nutrients by forcing roots to grow ver­ tically as opposed to lateral growth in the con­ ventional garden, due to compacted soils from tramping one's garden. So why space your bean rows IB" apart when you can plant them on 3" centers, no hoeing, no weeding, more production!

Here are the basics if you find this sounding more attractive as you read.

In laying out the seeds, sets or transplants there are a few general points that should be considered to make this practice successful.

First you want to choose what vegetables to grow and arrange them on paper as to their habit of growth (upright, round heads or root crops).

If your beds run north to south there is generally no problems with plants competing for sunlight as long as you plant the tallest plants towards the center of the bed and descend in height to­ wards the edge, with the lowest plants slightly hanging over the edge. Now you need to decide how the individual beds will be planted. There are three ways to plant a bed: 1) single crop beds, 2) different crops in individual rows, or 3) various crops interplanted.

If you want to devote an entire bed to cabbage then visualize each plant as a circle within a square. Normally cabbage is planted about 18" apart in a row.

Block your bed so that every 18" there is a slight depression.

It is here where each cab­ bage plant will be placed. For more intensive growing, stagger your rows.

If you want to try something else, plant your cabbage in rows as shown in the diagram.

By imagining a square created by four cabbages, you will be able to ar­ rive at the center of each square.

In these centers plant onions or garlic or an uoright herb. Already you can see how much more you can plant in such a small space.

There is no single roost important proceedure in any garden practice than soil preparation. With­ out going into lengthy details about soil types, fertility, alkalinity/acidity content, etc., which countless gardening books have been devoted to, I will merely explain the basic foundations

Now you may want to plant a bed to a variety of vegetables in individual rows. This can get tricky but a book I read one time quoted a formula. Essentially you want to keeo your taller plants in the center of the bed as I’ve stated before, gradually tapering in height.

48

French Intensive Gavdenin iQ (c0KT1VUED, r

But how do I know how much space to leave between A simple for­ mula (as stated by the editors of Organic Gard­ ening Magazine) is to add the distance each of the two plants require between its neighbor and divide by two. For example, if you wnated to plant peas and then a row of lettuce, you would combine the distance required to grow peas in a row (2") and the distance required to grow let­ tuce (12"). In this case we have a sum of 14".

Next you divide that figure by 2 to get a quo­ tient of 7, thus leaving 7" between the rows of peas and lettuce.

In this type of planting, companion growing can be used to the fullest.

It is also a good idea if you are not familiar with plants that do not grow well together to go the library to find a resource book on com­ panion planting.

my rows of different vegetables?

There is one other method of planting, which is interplanted beds without rows. This is the roost complicated of all methods and requires a good knowledge of how much space each vegetable needs to grow. By making lists of plants need­ ing the same amount of spacing will help when choosing what goes where. A good practice would be to place your plants requiring the most amount of space first, then filling in the gaps with those requiring less space.

My garden has beds planted to entire crops, some to different crops in rows and then other beds with different crops interplanted. At times there isn't an inch of soil showing. And other tiroes some beds are filled with maturing plants while others are just starting seedlings.

Aside from ______ the extra yield you'11 be getting, you'll be conserving one of the most precious resources we have, which I fear is en« dangered water. In­ tensive gar­ dening is a joy but more so, as you become accus­ tomed to it, it will become a necessary survival skill, just as gardening is as the cost of food sky­ rockets.

It is just one more way, by R o c k tj v o a i e t l r u ) t h e b e d s our example, a t R u n n i n g cW a t e r that we can hopefully turn people around and make them aware of the efforts to conserve our land, water, air. and plant life.

btf 'Z r jn k fm A b b o tt If time and space ate only limits we consent to share, like tall grasses in a field, I part them with my hand and walk back into your life, my friend.

I make a path to your trouble, your hurting heart, your lonely times.

Like an angel on guard I protect you. Asleep, I turn you on your side, one hand on your shoul­ der , the other between your thighs and I rock you into comfort, into pleasuring yourself soft and sure between your thighs 'til you sigh and come to dreaming. There I whisper where only you can hear - I an your ally, friend to be I am another roan, a future time who will with roy body meet your body when it is safe to re­ member I was your guardian angel and you mine so long ago and further still when knees were scraped and noses bloodied, when cruelty and fears of cruelty were almost past withstanding I remember you, soft as a blanket, warmth on my warmth, the faintest glow but enough to preserve, enough to continue.

If time and space are only limits we consent to share, then every time we join in love, the pain will fade, the fear dissolve, the history seem different. Everytiroe we join in love the glow shines brighter like a star come close, the warmth presses soft and firm, flesh to flesh sublime. And was it you I knew who was always with me and never went away. Was it you and I, then as now, holding sure and keeping safe.

Have we ever been apart or was I only dreaming I had been forsaken. And every time we join in love I am no longer certain of anything outside our love, then as now, holding sure and keeping safe.

49

sp

berr

DcWberries

fcnj Steve Ginsburg It's mid-summer and picking and eating rasp­ berries time. The taste and aroma of raspberr­ ies is exotic. And for that matter; so are “the rest of the numerous kinds of berries available Berries (referring mainly to raspberries, blue­ berries, blackberries, and their cousins) are easy to grow and don’t take a hell of a lot of work except for the actual picking - and jam­ ming. Or, winemaking; the best I've discov­ ered is black raspberry wine...wowie zowie.

Blueberries... I have the standards which don't do too well here due to climatic factors. The standards prefer cold winters. Rabbiteye blue­ berries are best for the south and the Pacific coast. The standards which are bushes include varieties such as Earliblue, Berkeley, Blueray, Bluecrop, Ivanhoe and Herbert. Different vari­ eties will give you a crop all summer. The rabbiteye blueberries eventually will grow into trees (or so the nursery says). Rabbiteye in­ clude Tifblue, Garden Blue, Horaebelle, Bluebelle, Mendito and Climax.

(Note: Climax berries are early ripening with large sweet berries). Blues like acid soil, so add-lot sa humus, fertiliser, etc. Plant six feet apart in rows six feet apart.

There are lots of other berries available too: black and purple and gold raspberries, goose­ berries (green and tart), elderberries (good for vino), foxberries (another name for cran­ berries), wineberries, buffaloberries, and snowberries, etc. etc. etc.

For over four years I have planted different varieties of each kind for a total right now of 250 plants (85 raspberry, 85 blackberry includ­ ing dewberry, boysenberry and loganberry, 40 blueberry, 10 black raspberry and 15 other t ypes.

11 i ii m i

Raspberries are the easiest to grow.

Plant rows six feet apart and plants four feet apart Prune out wood that has fruited each year.

Best bets are Heritage, Williamette, Fairview and Canby. All have large sweet berries. The Indian Summer variety produces small, tart and crumbly berries which are better for jam.

Planting different varieties will give you a crop all summer. Raspberries have thorns, but they are small and minor. Canby is thornless.

All plants should be pruned at 5 feet with wires at about 2\ feet and 5 feet. The best bet for stakes is 2x2x6 feet. The first large crop will be in the third year. All berries have to be netted. Sears has the best price on netting - about $25 for a roll 13x75'. Make rows 70 feet long (or a division thereof).

Put the wood stakes between every fourth or fifth plant. The best way I found to do the netting is to take a piece of 1x2 2 feet long and nail it to the top of the 2x2 thereby making a "T".

Then the 13 foot netting fits well, and you can easily lift it to get at the nice juicy berries The books say to fertilize 3 to 4 tiroes a year.

I seem to do it only once and have more than enough berries.

Buying berry plants retail is expensive. I highly recommend my supplier for the past four years; excellent plants, full root systems, fast shipment and super mellow people: WEEKS BERRY NURSERY, 6494 Windsor Island Rd . , North Salem, OR 97303. They ship November to April.

It is basically a wholesale nursery and prefer a $50 first order, but write and check. Men­ tion my name. Their catalog is free. Sample prices: Blackberries - 70g each, bundles of ten (boysens & logans, too); Grapes - 51C each, bundles of ten (15 varieties); Blueberries $2.10 each (three-year-old plants); Raspber­ ries, 35-38g each, bundles of ten (two-yearold plant s ).

Blackberries...rows should be six feet apart and plants also six feet apart. .They need wires at 3 feet and 5 feet. Darrows are upright, have large juicy berries and lotsa thorns. Ollalies are trailers, have large juicy berries and more thorns. Thornless Evergreen Blacks have no thorns and plenty of small berries. My dewberr­ ies haven't done shit. Boysens and logans come in either thornless or thorny plants. My logans got eaten by grasshoppers; boysens did good though - a bit tart. Ollalies do it in JuneJfuly; Darrows in August; Thornless in September,

Also strawberries, asparagus, rhubarb, hops, horseradish, corafrey and Rabbiteye blue­ berries are available from:- Finch Blueberry Nursery, Rt 1 Box 41, Bailey, NC 27807.

Three-year-old plants are $2.50 each, and they ship until mid-May.

50

THE APOTHECARY B Y TERRY STA M P S P.D. C o m m o n Poison Tv\j

Is there a simple natural treatment for sunburn?

Gwws

Aloe Vera (Aloe vera) plant juice applied 2 or 3 times daily or make a Walnut (Juglans nigra) leaf tea (1 teaspoonful per cup boiling water steeped until cool) and apply 2 or 3 times daily Either plant will soothe the burn and hasten the tanning and healing.

AS

A

small plant,vine, aryl a

shrub.

Leaves always consist oj three g lo ssy le a f le t s G r o w s e v e r u w h e r e in t h e 115A. e x c e p t C a lifo r n ia -

What can be done for heat exhaustion?

Is there a natural treatment for poison ivy?

The best thing is, of course, prevention. To do this take salt tablets (Thermotabs is one brand) to prevent dehydration and electrolyte loss. A good homemade alternative is to mix V teaspoonful baking soda, 1/8 teaspoonful salt and h teaspoonful honey in a little water. Al­ ternately drink this (over a 15 minute period) with 6 to 8 ounces of orange or apple juice (for the potassium). This supplies enough e x ­ tra electrolytes (sodium and potassium and oth­ er trace minerals) to be both a preventative and a treatment.

(We've all heard repeatedly that salt is bad for us. Salt is only bad when we use it in excessive amounts.

Since we sweat out extra salt in the hot summer months our bodies can use a bit extra during this period. Excessive salt can eventually lead to high blood pressure and other problems while judicious use will resupply the sodium lost through sweating.)

Yes, and a fairly effective one. Drink Burdock Root (Act iurn lappa) tea daily (2 or 3 cups) and apply the tea topically or drink Goldenseal Root (Hydrastis canadensis) in the same measure and apply it topically. Fresh Solomon's Seal (Poly­ gonal um mult iflorum) leaf juice applied topical­ ly is a good treatment also.

Is there a preventative for poison ivy?

Fresh Jewelweed (Impat iens biflora) stem and leaf juice applied to the hands, forearms and other exposed body parts before exposure will prevent the allergic reaction, as will applica­ tion of fresh Solomon's Seal juice.

Is there a homeopathic treatment?

There are small tablets called tablet triturates which contain minute amounts of an extract of Poison Ivy (Rhus r adicans) which can be taken both as a treatment and as a preventative. To be used as a preventative, it must be taken early in the year and over a period of 30 to 40 days. Taken this way, seasonal protection is usually afforded.

What are the symptoms of excessive electrolyte loss?

Weakness, cool clammy feeling, dizziness, leg cramping at night, nausea and in severe cases diarrhea and vomiting which obviously causes more electrolyte loss.

Also, if three or four end leaves (9-12 leaf­ lets) of Poison Ivy are boiled for 3 minutes in 2 ounces of water and then steeped until cool, and beginning on day one 10 drops are taken in a little water and the daily dosage is increased by 2 drops (10-12-14-etc.) until the daily dose equals 40 drops and this 40 drop dosage is con­ tinued for 30 days, seasonal protection is us­ ually achieved.

What can be done for insect bites?

Application of fresh Chickweed (Stellaria media) juice will give a very cooling effect and stop the itching. Also, I make a drawing ointment containing icthammol and an organic iodine com­ plex that works to "draw out” the poison and heal.

What can be done to limit tick and chigger bites?

Is there a natural repellant for flying in­ sects such as mosquitoes and "no see 'ems"?

Take about a tablespoonful of Brewer's Yeast daily (they don't like the smell of the thiamine which is excreted in small amounts through the skin) and you can take sulfur and cream of tar­ tar tablets (one-a-day)--the little devils are repelled by the sulfur smell. These preventa­ tive measures work well for animals too.

Citronella (Cymbopoqon nardus) Oil, a tropical member of the lemon grass family, acts as an excellent repellant for nearly all flying in­ sects. However, caution should be used in applying the oil since it is irritating to the mucous membranes of the eyes, lips and mouth.

51

Hello loves...

Dear RFDers-

Dear RFD Readers,

I plan to go to the Southern states next February, New Or ­ leans as my base point, and with three weeks to spend there, I'd enjoy visiting other RFDers in the area around Lou­ isiana.

In the past, Ive visi­ ted people through RFD in the Pacific Northwest, the Mass, regions, and the Midwestern parts of the country. Every­ one’s been wonderful to me, and seeing all different parts of the countryside is a great part of my vacation.

Love.

How to introduce myself?

"Who aim I?", when asked by Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi resulted in his permanent en­ lightenment while still in the body (continued abidence in the Heart). But "who am I?” When asked of myself still re­ sults in continued differenti­ ations despite the unity under­ lying diversity.

We are a Gay Couple, ages 39 and 31. We are monogamous and committed. We have been to­ gether for 3 years. We are looking for a community to join, if any of you out there are in one and are interested in us please let us know; or if you know of a community that you think we might be interest­ ed in please let us know. We are looking for a back to the land type community that is striving for self-sufficiency and simplicity. Also one that is involved in interpersonal relationships and social change.

So i f anyone out t h e r e is i n ­ t e r e s t e d in h o s t i n g a " c i t y s l i c k e r " wi t h h i s h e a r t i n t h e l a n d , D l e a s e w r i t e t o me.

I'd love t o see your p a r t of t he world.

Bill Houghton PO Box 2253 Vancouver, B C , Canada V6B 3W2

Waghl I am a young, taut, mus­ cled, mountain man. My home is deep in the pine-scented woods.

I enjoy folk music, travel and camping, exploring the moun­ tains, wholesome food, living spiritually, and living off the land, playing guitar, camp­ fires, rafting and a bunch mor e .

Looking forward to hearing from other guys interested in correspondence, or jus travel­ ing through sometime, or poten­ tial friends, buddys and b e ­ yond. Turn up yer lantern and pen me about yerself.

Travis Levi Box 2641 Missoula, MT

59806

Currently I'm sharing the Path as a sannyasin with Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh.

I would like to hear from other androgynous and gay men who are committed to a conscious, soiritual life. "'Who am I?" Well, how about a male and female soul traoped inside a distinctly male body (long reddish-brown hair, beard, furry chest, 5'11", 150 lbs. lithe, blue eyes, and cancerian born 7-11-1951 in the year of the r a b b i t F u r t h e r , I'm a nature-loving soul trap­ ped within the confines of a city in order to pursue my love's work/play in a used metaphysical book store, and a budding aporenticeship with herbs, natural healing, and massage. What better city than Seat tlel?

I hope to share with others of you: in Seattle with good talks, long walks, silently enjoying nature, and warm hugs; or from afar by heart-to-heart letters.

Either way, my intent is to share our mutual reciorocity of our own inner completeness, integerness.

Yet sharing is the key. ^o looking forward to turning thirty years young and interested in life, maybe alone but not lonely!

Swami Sat yam Jim (Edwards) 246 5 Lake '-.’ash. Blvd. E. Seattle, WA 98112 (206) 322-2086

52

We are vegetarian but do eat eggs and milk products. We do not smoke, drink, or use any drugs, we're not trying to paint a perfect picture here, but these things are imoortant to us. We like working with others. We have six years of homesteading experience with­ out electricity or phone under our belts. *»Te feel a strong need to become more involved with others who are like mind­ ed, to try to create and d e ­ monstrate a model for others.

We would prefer a mixed com­ munity of folks rather than an all gay one but would consider an all gay community.

All contacts will be greatly appreciated and answered promptly.

Love to us all.

Jerry and Doug Noakes Dyer Rt 1 Box 144 Dekalb, NY 13630

Hello RFDers, East Wind Community (which you read about in issue #25) is but one of 4 communal groups in the Federation of Egalitar­ ian Communities.

All the com­ munities in the Federation are open to gay members. They are committed to building a non­ sexist, non-racist, non-com­ petitive and non-violent soc­ iety. We seek like-minded people who would want to live in the country.

East Wind (8 year old) and Twin Oaks (14 years old) are large communities with 50 to 80 people and so integrate with rural living some of the best aspects of urban living.

Dandelion in Ganada (6 years old) and Sandhill (7 years old) are smaller communities with 8 to 12 peoole.

Write us for further details!

Federation of Egalitarian RFD B2 Communities Tecumseh, MO 65760

Greetings RFD,

Friends of Spirit,

Once again with the surge of soring, the oace of planting, fertilizing, watering and en­ joying rises to hectic oroportions. And the need for sharing these tasks and joys once again becomes painfully evident.

This farm of 325 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean, 5 miles away and 30 miles south of San Francisco needs one or more kindred spi­ rits to share the stewardship of this beautiful and serene place.

This is an open letter to all with vision, hope and dreams.

You believe in living and ce»lebrating the Earth.

You are working hard to realize your dreams. You are living peace­ ably, simply, with a deep re­ spect for the Spirit of the Earth. Wherever you are "keep a fire burning..."

Ideally the campanion would take pleasure in the accomplish­ ments of hard work, frolic to the stimulus of sauna, hot tub and pool, enjoy nudity and the sun, and yet be stimulated by the formality of the cities' great restaurants, symphony, opera, ballet and museums.

Such a companion should also be curious to explore the world and its diverse sights and sounds.

Are there such young gay spi­ rits out there seeking a home and friend and perhaps lover?

Those intrigued drop a letter to : Hal P0 Box 1173 Palo Alto, CA

94 302

I believe in what you are do­ ing - or are hoping to do. My dreams run in the same channels and perhaps our paths will cross, and our energies merge.

I am 23 years old - presently living in San Francisco.

I am a vegetarian, non-smoking, peace seeker interested in healing, creating, building a life in the country.

I spent my first 18 years on a farm in Michigan and it is time to journey back to nature.

I am ready to work hard - to be out of doors living off/with the land...working toward selfsufficiency with the Earth.

My hope would be to start or join a small family/tribe of hardworking, peace-loving peo­ ple living as close to nature as possible.

I love goats and chickens particularly but have a deep respect for all life.

I want to learn any survival skills I can, homesteading, carpentry, gardening - as well as folk art and skills, healing, weaving, basketry, music, story­ telling .

Make

C o n ta c t with someone special~ another j { 3 D reader

RFD prints contact letters free of charge. course, are always welcome.

Donations, of

Please condense your letter to 200 words or less. Brevity is the soul of wit and saves page space for others.

Spell­ ing and punctuation will be corrected unless you state that you'd prefer the letter to be published "as is". Please be positive in stating your interests and affinities. Saying "no" to any particular personality trait or human character­ istic may unnecessarily offend a brother.

Also remember that placing a contact letter engenders the responsibility to answer all replies.

Send your letter to:

I am ultimately seeking a life without clocks or money, where I can share my dreams with lov­ ing people, where I can be gay, bisexual, celebate, old, young ...building a real , working al­ ternative to what I have exper­ ienced in the city.

I will be leaving SF in May or June to gather skills, ex­ periences and to meet friends of spirit.

If I could be of any help to you wherever you are or if you have a similar spirit and would like to dis­ cuss your dreams please write.

Mail will be forwarded.

Ron Nakken 172 Downey 8t.

San Francisco, CA 94117 (415) 631-8620

RFD Rt . 1 , Box 127E Bakersville, NC 28705

53

Wot^s from

First, I'm intensely interested in homesteading, but there are wet days and long winter evenings to get through.

I do not paint, sculpt or do any creative crafts, yet I have an appreciation of the beautiful creations of others.

tyecmO

9o((ow J

I have created a home of simple taste admired by friends.

I enjoy experimenting with cooking.

For mental stimulation there's the State Library.

I subscribe to the New York Tiroes Book Review and any non-fiction book that appears interest­ ing I suggest to the Library that they add it to their shelves. They mostly do. Current books sent me: Gore Vidal's Views From a Window; Foxfire # 6 ; Isherwood's My Gur u ; Boswell's Gay People in Western Europe From the Beginning of Christian Era to 14th Century; and Museum of Modern Art's Pablo Picasso.

0 6 0

I have subscribed to RFD from issue #1, and through all of them there runs the romantic outlook of living in the country. To those of us that live and work in isolated rural surround­ ings, all is not romance.

Whilst my cottage is simply furnished I enjoy seeing what wealth well-spent creates in restor­ ing ancient buildings and new architecture all over .the world in the monthly Architectural Review the library sends.

I can't afford lob­ ster, caviar and salmon, but reading Bon Appet it gives roe clues to make more interesting meals.

How do we survive intellectually?

In my case, I am a country boy who wanted to return to the coun­ try permanently.

In the interim I worked in city jobs and enjoyed much of a city's culture - theater, concerts, li­ brary and art museums.

I am fortunate in being able to pick up TV Pub­ lic Broadcasting so in ttie comfort of ray chair before a blazing log fire Shakespeare, ballet, concerts and shows such as Cosmos and Nova round out many a winter evening.

With itchy feet I also travelled some summers; hiking, bicycling, camping and youth hostelling in Europe.

It's 12 years since my last travel fling. How have I adapted to living in the count ry?

Just remembered!

I have to put on my rain gear and go down the orchard to collect the eggs and shut the chicken house for the night'.!

/Tlaking

C H Q M C tI A M t

Leaves

fVotmS b y f^^AiK^Ltd A & B o T T ' A JOUMNAL OF NEW VISION

S 3 . /V22

ST., Ate

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-----------Alternative visions for politics, art, spirituality, and community ---- Avant garde fiction, poetry, essays, interviews, portfolios, and more A forum for everyone involved in alternative, non-sexist consciousness

Covering: SmdU stock, bets, qardeninQ health, nature end personal dds are !

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An Atlantic quarterly for Lesbians & G a y men Making Waves is published by an independent, non-profit collective of lesbians and gayroen. It is the first pub­ lication to be directed to­ wards the entire Atlantic lesbian/gay community. vie need your support to make it work. At $4 a year, it is not expensive, and you can help to finance a journal that serves all of us.

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ADVERTISE IN RFD heterosexism can be cured!

Minnesota’s only gay newspaper. Founded November, 1979. Now twice monthly, 10,000 copies. Subscriptions $12/24 issues. 4 West 26th Street, Suite K, Mpls., MN 55404. To advertise call (612) 872-8325.

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The album features a new e x ­ uberant version of 'Gay Spir­ it," other favorites "Dear Men" (you can dance to these two!), "Double Love," "Mother Ocean," "Burinig Times (The Witch Song)" as well as sev­ eral others.

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Join NAMBLA! The North Arru-rican Man/Boy Love Association was formed in December 1978 Our main goals are to organize support lor men and hoys involved in sexual and other relationships with each other, and to help educate society about them Only by standing up for the truth will we free man/boy love from the chains that fetter if Kven if you can't come out openly as a boy-lover or a man-lover, you can help.

NAMBLA depends on your support Join the struggle for your own freedom1 Join NAMBLA today1 Membership is $ 15 per year ($20 outside of the U S and Canada) Limited income membership is $5. Prisoner mem­ berships are free Library or institutional subscriptions to NAMHI A publications are $25 per year Members receive the NAMBLA Bulletin (issued ten times yearly), and the newspa­ per (issued twice yearly) Make all checks payable to the North American Man/Boy Love Association and send to NAMBLA. Box 174 Midtown Station, New York. NY 10018

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OF

G A Y S U N S H I N E J O U R N A L : F ictio n , in­ tervie w s. a rticles, p h o t o s e tc S u b s c r ip t io n $ 1 5 S a m p le c o p y : * 2 5 0

TO O RD ER: Circle numeral before each book wanted. Add $1 for 1st title 75C la r d ** t^ J th ? '* °u£ ht,V / ° r P° * 1“a e C a ,ir '‘••'de n ts add 8 % sale s tax. Sen d thia m check/m oney order to G .S. Preaa, PO Box 40397, Sa n Franclaco, C A 94140. All b ook s sent In plain, unmarked packages.

56

m a i l i n g

O

A D V E R T I S I N G

B A C K

I S S U E S

S U B S C R I P T I O N S

h

We welcome advertising - particularly from gay owned and oriented groups and businesses.

Please write for Ad rate schedule.

We sell back and single issues at $3.00 each. There are plenty of copies of numbers 9 thru 23 and now some limited number of issues 3, 5, 6, 7, &8. We are still out of nos. 1, 2 .

Regular subscriptions are $8.50 for four consecutive issues (one year). First Class mail (advantageous for subscribers who move around), and Foreign (including Canada) subscriptions are $12.00.

Institutional subs are $8.50 unless they require extra billing in which case they will be $12.00.

RFD is a non-profit organization, and donations to it are tax deductable.

It's not possible for everyone to write, draw or work on layout, but perhaps someone out there can afford a few extra dollars. That is another important way of contributing to the production of RFD. We publish all names and addresses of contributors unless we are asked not to. We will NOT send subscribers names and addresses to anyone requesting them. However, if someone wishes to send a direct mailing to RFDers, we will do it thru our facilities provided the mailer furnishes the materials and covers the ex­ penses .

Z S U B M I S S I O N S

C

Save RFD precious money and let us know your new address. Except for First Class mailings, the post office usually does not for­ ward magazines; they either destroy it or return it to us.

In either event, it costs RFD additional postage, and you might not receive an issue. If you move around a lot, you would probably want a First Class mailing subscription.

Please include your ZIP codes.

£

o L l.

hzzzd 1— 1

Please share your knowledge and visions through RF D . We welcome material of all varieties for possible inclusion in future issues. WRITTEN MATERIAL: Neatly typewritten and/or double­ spaced is helpful, but not required. What is more important is that your work leave your hands a_s you would have it appear in print since we prefer not to edit anyone's work other than for punctuation, spelling and clarity. Please indicate any inten­ tional stylized variation from standard English.

PCIiTRY: Send what you feel is your best work, with an eye toward succinctness.

GRAPHICS: Black and white only, please. Do not exceed ten inch column width.

PHOTOS: Should be black and white only and high contrast if possible.

Identification of subject, time, location is also helpful and should be included when possible. Also helpful would be a SASE (self addressed, stamped envelope) if you want your work returned whether it's used or unused. We look forward to hearing from you with love.

F E A X U R E s

For more information on features and uocoming themes see the in side front cover.

D E A D L I N E S

The duedates for Fall winter Spring Summer

material to receive full consideration: July 15, 1981 •81 Issue 28 Oct. 15, 1981 '81 Issue 29 Jan. 15, 1991 •82 Issue 30 Apr il 15, 1981 *82 Issue 31

Mail all correspondence (advertising, subscriptions, business, submissions, feature related material, or letters to.

RFD Route 1, Box 127-E Bakersville, NC 28705

C H ^ g i W P r t ^ 'T C v c r Y W

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iir e ^

e v ^ e e -t K in

for explanation of "YES" and other oblique references, please read Gertrude Steinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s IDA. Yes.