[Editor’s note: The following post was put up in Spring of 2009. For a more recent post about Vladimir, from late December ’09, click here]
(as always, click to enlarge)
This evening, stopping by John Siscoe’s Globe Bookstore in Pioneer Square, I’d just paid for parking in the half-deserted streets, when the fellow above suggested an exchange – poetry for a meal.
“What’s your name?” he asked, “I’ll write you a poem using your name.”
“Deal,” I replied, “but you have to guess my name.”
“Interesting,” said the poet, and I went into the Globe to chat with John. Ten minutes later, my poem was finished, hand-printed on the backside of a borrowed business card.
To
Understand the
Roads that
Belong to us
Under a sky of dreams in the
Light from the garden in an
Embrace that
Never ceases to leave from a
Tender touch of winter.
“Very nice, but where’s my name?” I asked.
The poet pointed. “Turbulent,” he said, “Your name is Turbulent.”
(For more poetry by Vladimir, click here)
I think that’s your spirit name.
Interestingly, on several occasions sailing round the Horn I’ve remarked to fellow crew members, “Turbulent is my middle name!”
if you happen to see vladimir again, will you send him my love? he is my old friend from philadelphia, and i have no way of getting in touch with him. many thanks for sharing his poem on your website.
I also have a poem written by this poet outside of the market in the seattle’s international district. He wrote me one and I was so touched. I will always remember him.
this is my brother, and we havent been able to contact him in years. if you have any information to help, please contact me.
Hello, relatives of Vladimir, I just found a card with Vladimirs email on it, and Facebook
We became friends last year in the park in philadelphia and kept in touch for a short while. I may have a phone number. Are you still out of touch with him?
frantz antoine, please email me. i live in portland, but will be making regular trips up to seattle in the coming months, and i hope to find vladimir and visit with him. my email is levigation@gmail.com.
i work in pioneer square in seattle and see this guy on a regular basis. he is very kind and a gentle soul. let me know if i can assist in reconnecting him with his brother.
email: dianathedeer@hotmail.com
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/theblotter/2011371734_would_be_vampire_accused_in_bo.html
just saw this as well. it may be the same person.
Sadly, Diana, you are correct. Vladimir Augustin and Vladimir Augustine are one and the same.
I can’t begin to express my frustration at the treatment of the mentally ill in our society. It’s simply scandalous that someone so obviously troubled should be arrested and thrown in jail rather than hospitalized. What’s even more emblematic of our failed system is that, evidently, Vladimir appeared before a mental health court the day before and was deemed sane enough to be sent back out onto the streets, without real assistance.
Shame on us all.