Traditions, lore, poetry, hobo ethics and stories,
stories often echoing the lonesome wail of the 2
a.m. steam train. The whistle heard by the lad
laying on a back porch roof, on a hot summer night,
the stars over head, watching the lightening bugs
flicker and bats flutter while listening to the
cicadas sing in Louisville. Main line a
quarter mile away - and - in the distance a train
approaching.
Nightly readings - mostly poetry,
self written, mostly about the traveling life,
occasionally a reading such as Service's, "The
Shooting of Dan McGrew", all with fervor, no
dull dry monotones here, all respectfully applauded,
perhaps, pensively as words strike a personal
chord.
(Some of)
The Poets
Oats, so named because his
breakfast is oats has been coming to this convention
since the early 90's. He has written/edited several
books about Hobos, including "Around the Jungle
Fire, I: A collection of original Hobo Poetry"
and describes himself as "A hobo at heart" despite
being one of them perfessors what teach
philosophy at an Illinois college.
Multiple Choice: Which of he above is "Oats"?
The Campfire
Perhaps one of the enduring symbols of the jungle, a
source of warmth, eats and companionship. It is lit
at the ceremonial opening of the convention, with a
railroad flare, a pyramid of wood, each face a
compass point and each face ignited individually.
Once lit it is not allowed to go out during the
gathering. Individuals come forward carrying ashes
from past campfires to add, symbolizing a unity
or togetherness from past to present and ashes are
carried away to add to the fires of future fires'
perhaps rekindling memories.
My small vial of ashes rests on a shelf next to
this desk. ;-)
Finally, the four winds are
honored, the East reflective of life, a beginning, a
new day, the North, bringer of cold, discomfort,
distress and challenge, the South with the warmth,
comfort and growth needed for a productive year --
and -- the West as we all will travel "Westbound",
some before others..
An Election and Coronation
Past Kings and Queens gather on the bandstand along
with present candidates. Candidates for have 2
minutes to make their case for election with voting
and coronation immediately following. Hmmmm, Anyone
in Washington listening?
