September 1, 2000

Wow.  That was my first impression upon entering the Kerouac house.  All   those involved in the Kerouac Project of Orlando have created quite a masterpiece with the renovation of the home.  It is very much like walking into a 1950s time capsule.  The furniture, decor, and even the linens are true to the era.  It is quite beautiful and a testament to the dedication of …

September 10, 2000

Upon starting my term here as the writer-in-residence, I’ve received many letters and e-mails from people telling me how Jack Kerouac inspired them.  From spontaneous road trips to a newfound sense of patriotism, people all over have felt his influence in one way or another.  One guy even traveled to Lowell, Massachusetts (Kerouac’s hometown) and had dinner with Jack’s priest, Father Spike.  I feel honored to …

September 22, 2000

I can’t believe it has taken me a week to complete this journal entry about the Steve Allen and David Amram concert.  I think I’m still in shock.   They are two of the nicest men I’ve ever met.  I really admire their spirits.   They seem to live life to the fullest in the present.

David Amram also …

The Way to a Man’s Heart is through His Stomach

Your stare saturates
me to the point
where my insides
slouch from the weight
of it all.

Muscle and bone become
mucky, sodden,
soggy like day-old
red …

November 7th, 2000

Wow! I can’t believe I’m entering my final month here at the Kerouac House. It’s gone by so fast!

I feel very fortunate to have met Steve Allen before his passing last week. Of course there are many who knew him much better than myself, but I would like everyone to know that in the first minute he stepped into the room there was a calming presence. He was a …