I have copied and posted most of my elecronic conversations of just (!) the last few months here between
Ernesto L. Gonzales and myself.
I have edited out some very few particulars to respect both of our privacy, and yet it is intensely personal. Respect that please!
He developed a few such intense relationships with others here which
having only learned of recently of the details, make me realize, ever more cognizant what a special, caring human being was the DedPoet.
Represented in a center alignment to better honor this man,
this poet, my brother.
~~~~~
The DedPoet Jul 4
Taking your suggestion into consideration, I stumbled across the fact that I went from past to present. So instead of
Gangsters dont shed no tears,
I changed it to But gangsters dont cry,
With this and the last two lines,
Which I also changed by eliminating
And as a man I cry,
Simplified to
As a man I remember,
As a man I cry.
Crying being that which I could not do as a youth, with the experience of life learning to cry later brings about realism and evocative feelings toward the reader, tying them with the poem, becoming a not so forgetful piece.
Nat, Your words of I want you to live,
They began a slow change in my life, today
Ibam in full fruition of that. I am alive, living, working, getting better, taking what was given to me, conquest of my demons. Yes Nat, I have arrived, humbly but with much confidence. Your influence had a great deal to do with my personal and poetical growth as a person. I have matured because you gave a ****, because you knew deep down I could beat everything life had thrown at me.
Know this Nat,
Put it in your mind,
Relish it and be proud;
YOU CHANGED MY LIFE
AND I AM ETERNALLY GRATEFUL.
Nat Lipstadt
Nat Lipstadt Jul 4
Humbled silence. FYI was fired last week, no surprIse, may "retire" or look for a position, undecided...
Nat Lipstadt
Nat Lipstadt Jul 4
What's the situation with the kids?
The DedPoet
The DedPoet Jul 4
I have my girls right now. She got pregnant and bow she needs me. Go figure. Anyway, im enjoying life drug and alcohol free, getting into working condition at work. All is as it should be, despite the problems I used to let become mountains.
Fired huh? Could you survive on retirement?
And if find anotjer position, do you feel that you would still be willing, able of course, but willing is another matter when you mentioned retirement as an option.
Nat Lipstadt
Nat Lipstadt Jul 4
I am soon to be..my youngest son worked with me for...and seeing him re-established is important to me.
The DedPoet
The DedPoet Jul 4
What is your proffesion exactly?
Nat Lipstadt
Nat Lipstadt Jul 5
Bond broker/trader
The DedPoet
The DedPoet Jul 5
It took a day to get this right. A broker!!! Wow!! A poetic bond broker???? Wow. Im still shocked at that. Friend, you roll with the punches in life. Your son matters most, and I see that as well. Your note from yesterday helped me to focus more on my children financially. I got the time thing down, the icecream and food, but they need so much more. Yeah Im still learning, but Im learning exponentially. Anyway, I still plan on shaking your ha.d one day.
Nat Lipstadt
Nat Lipstadt Jul 5
Nah, a big freaking hug
Nat Lipstadt
Nat Lipstadt Jul 5
Shhh. Your privacy protected
http://hellopoetry.com/poem/1252193/six-**...
The DedPoet
The DedPoet Jul 5
I could give a cheesy poem saying yes Nat changed my life, which was my first idea. Then, to be genuine and give ou some insight to my new journey and outlook I wrote Saffron Son Settling Into Memories and is dedicated to you friend.
The DedPoet
The DedPoet Jul 18
Well if your offer is to edit my poems, I respectfully decline. I can spell despite the poems looking otherwise. I post directly to hellopoetry, the words come out so fast that its hard to edit. I have been writing nonstop in progress for a book. They have their own editors, lol.
Nat Lipstadt
Nat Lipstadt Jul 18
No prob
Nat Lipstadt
Nat Lipstadt Jul 19
All u need to do is line them up better. Invest in an inexpensive tablet...
Nat Lipstadt
Nat Lipstadt Jul 19
Or *******, I will
The DedPoet
The DedPoet Jul 19
I have a phone, one that I borrow. You know Im **** poor. I haven't posted in the longest while I have ever gone through. Tablets are far from my thoughts. I have pen and paper, bought from the 99 cent store. My daughter's mother, my ex, is in the hospital fighting for her life. And suddenly Im with my girls all day, everyday. Great for me, but I wish it was under better circumstances.
Nat Lipstadt
Nat Lipstadt Jul 19
What's your address?
The DedPoet
The DedPoet Jul 19
Im too proud to accept any donations. I thank you from the bottom of my heart Nat. My email is... if you ever want to just correspond. I am taking control of the poverty in my life and when your at the bottom, theres only one way to go.
Nat Lipstadt
Nat Lipstadt Jul 19
What donation? ***! Self protection of my aging eyes and brain!
The DedPoet
The DedPoet Jul 19
Ive been offered before. Money to help with kids, sorry if i jumped the gun there Nat. What would u do with the adress?
Nat Lipstadt
Nat Lipstadt Jul 19
Send you a tablet
The DedPoet
The DedPoet Jul 19
I couldn't accept that. I wouldn't know how. Never been offered anything like that.
The DedPoet
The DedPoet Jul 19
If you truly believed in my talent, if that was the reason other than mis spelled words, I would take it. I would take it gratefully. I'll tell you one thing, yours is the only that I believe in on this site. Granted there are talented individuals, but none try to better themselves and stay in an anxious state of repeating verses. You try to break them from this, encouragement and all. What do you say Nat?
Nat Lipstadt
Nat Lipstadt Jul 19
I say just this,
brother.
The DedPoet
The DedPoet Jul 19
San Antonio, Tx. 78227
Ernesto L. Gonzales Jr.
The DedPoet
The DedPoet Jul 21
Nat, I just gave u all my info, could u respond and tell me my identity is ok.
Nat Lipstadt
Nat Lipstadt Jul 22
Just saw Not sure what u mean, "idenity ok". Can u explain?
The DedPoet
The DedPoet Jul 22
Lol, not that my identity is worth much, but is was a little dark joke since you had not responded to me. I did get a little worried. Thats all. After all, you and I know bofh well that thsi is a risky thinf, you know, information And all.
Nat Lipstadt
Nat Lipstadt Jul 23
Np. Up at 12:48am til now thinking about the future
Nat Lipstadt
Nat Lipstadt Jul 23
1. What type of cell phone?
2. Will your carrier allow u two devices on your number?
3. Just answer and no yada yada noise?
The DedPoet
The DedPoet Jul 23
Its not my cell phone. Its my dad's. A regular three year old lg fone. But we do have wifi here at home for my nephew. Unlimited data.
Nat Lipstadt
Nat Lipstadt Jul 23
See if u can add another tablet device, on his plan...should be nominal...like $10/month
The DedPoet
The DedPoet Jul 23
Actually the wifi would be enabled inside the house because of the wifi. I would just need to ask how, but I do know it is at no extra charghe. Nat, as a man in wall street, what is your take on the current situation with the dollar and its basis on petroleum in the world? Is it doomed to fail anytime soon?
Nat Lipstadt
Nat Lipstadt Jul 23
Oil has stabilized around 50 bucks which is very reasonable. U.S. Frackers can make money there,the Saudis too...and with new supply growing. And demand stable and but will surely increase, I expect price to hold the 50 dlr area and very slowly rise..as for the dollar, it's all about that bass...I mean I test rates! Ours going up everybody else's going down, so dollar will remain the king for the foreseeable future if the global economy just chugs along as it has and more so if the economy actually picks up to grow 3% or better consistently
The DedPoet
The DedPoet Jul 23
Just worried about the alarmist calling for an imminent collapse based on China and Russia leaving the dollar to trade in ruble and chinese currency, if Im not mistaken, the currency war it is called.
The DedPoet
The DedPoet Jul 23
What are the advantages of a tablet anyway?
Nat Lipstadt
Nat Lipstadt Jul 24
You can see what you are doing; the layout and formatting is very important. From a phone it never comes out right
The DedPoet
The DedPoet Jul 24
Guess ur right, for and layout are so important to the overall effect of what your tryingg to convey.
The DedPoet
The DedPoet Jul 25
I took the initiative and put ten bucks down on a tablet. It will take a few months but I looked into tablets and found it to be a worthwhile investment. Thanks Nat, it will help me alot. You planted the idea, I will make it hsppen. This positive can do atitude is part of my new outlook which has done leaps and bounds for my life.
The DedPoet
The DedPoet Jul 25
P.S. Ive begun a study in earnest on Yeats, one of the greats I had not yet truly begun reading. Your lessons go far my friend. Thank you for teaching one who wants and desires to get better at this craft.
Nat Lipstadt
Nat Lipstadt Jul 25
we learn from each other. never forget that! the greates lesson in lif to learn is the eloquence of simplicity. now look, u just gave me a new poem to write
The DedPoet
The DedPoet Jul 26
Nice work on the other piece. Dont want to he cliche but "eloquently stated". Yeah I saw that review. Lol. Tell me, what does a New Yorker do on a Sunday?
The DedPoet
The DedPoet Jul 27
Id like to take the opportunity you gave me. I will humbly take you on your offer. Part of my evolution as a person is to swallow my pride and take help where help is offered. I have alot of writing to do Nat but as I get into the lifestyle of everyday working I see poetry fading and I have a need so deep to write as it has helped me along the way so much. If your offer still stands, I would love to take you up on the offer. Either way, a lesson is learned: Take the hands that help you up as opposed to holding hands to that which pulls one down.
Nat Lipstadt
Nat Lipstadt Jul 27
I will get it done now that u r committed to the curves of living, yet see around the bend what could be....now the's another poem borning...
The DedPoet
The DedPoet Jul 27
Your wise, you know that? Yeah, it takes alot to learn the stuff. Youth is wasted in the young.
The DedPoet
The DedPoet Aug 3
Promises are nice bro, but I really dont care for them if its not something that you can do. I'd rather you tell me no Nat, your word is law as far as Im concerned. Dont worry about the tablet, it was a nice thought, but I dont want to see you in that light as not being able to come through. I want your word to mean something to me.
Nat Lipstadt
Nat Lipstadt Aug 4
just been busy with the grandkids for a 5 day vacation. don't u worry about thing baby!
The DedPoet
The DedPoet Aug 4
Yours is the only one I trust here on this site, everyone is going batshit crazy about this or that. Poetry seems to he taking a second seat.
The DedPoet
The DedPoet Aug 4
Gotta sat Nat, you probably underestimate how much I look to you for guidance. Though i dont reach out much, your poetry in itself is an example I libve by. No *** kissing, simply take it as respect for your work, I see you amongg the best I have read of all the dead poets.
Nat Lipstadt
Nat Lipstadt Aug 6
Well been busy looking for work and arranging a life if that doesn't happen. but ur in the to do list!
P.s. Ain't dead yet but I could be by the time I finish typing thi.....
The DedPoet
The DedPoet Aug 6
Not your greatest work, but if you are dead, you go down as one oc the all time best in my opinion. Gettingg my daughter ready for school. Clothes are expensive, wish tbey had uniforms. Itd be cheaper.
Nat Lipstadt
Nat Lipstadt Aug 6
I can't even imagine but in years u will look back and think those were the best of times
Nat Lipstadt
Nat Lipstadt Aug 17
your tablet on the to do list, just got hit with other bills higher priority.
The DedPoet
The DedPoet Aug 22
Dont worry about it a tablet. Just be my friend.
Nat Lipstadt
Nat Lipstadt Aug 22
that was crossed off my to do list a long long time ago...
The DedPoet
The DedPoet Aug 22
My to do list is short as well. I want to see New York, I want to shake your hand.
The DedPoet
The DedPoet Aug 22
I am completely serious. I need to know how much round trip tickets cost, room and board, etc. Ive never flown but its time I do.
Nat Lipstadt
Nat Lipstadt Aug 22
whoa. that's a lot of dough, who will watch the kids?
The DedPoet
The DedPoet Aug 22
They will stay behind.
Nat Lipstadt
Nat Lipstadt Aug 24
here's one problem. I live with my Gf in her apt...and I won't ask her ...change her mind, it's her place...
The DedPoet
The DedPoet Aug 24
I will pay my way. I have money coming to me on a house I just framed, did u forget Im a master carpenter? When my health permits I make good money. Lol, which I hapoily distribute back into the economy.
The DedPoet
The DedPoet Sep 9
So I called a number I saw on television for experimental drug for liver. Second time I do this, but what the hay, gotta fight. Im scared. Terrified, staring at my humanity like this. No words for the fear.
Nat Lipstadt
Nat Lipstadt Sep 9
there are words. you have them in your posses, just need to expel them without any veneer or hesitation
Nat Lipstadt
Nat Lipstadt 5 days ago
talk to me! what's up and give me the cell number asap
The DedPoet
The DedPoet 4 days ago
Its my time, I'm sick and dying, bed ridden and in the final stages of sclerosis of the liver, I want you to know that I have always thought of your poetry as genius, but I only have one request of you. The tablet you wanted to send me, keep it for yourself an begin a new outlook on your surroundings, you write so much about people here or familiar things tat relate to the site. I just wanted to see your perspective fresh with your abundant talent, your rugged and tired, your giving yet honest, brutal writer of understanding, I'm not for talk it now, my concentration is on closing doors and settling old problems with family, I have a rare chance to do this. You take care, God bless and goodbye.
Nat Lipstadt
Nat Lipstadt 4 days ago
I will call you again tomorrow. please answer!
*The DedPoet
The DedPoet 10 hours ago
My brother passed away Sunday night, we cremated him today. He left all copyright of his work to you.I'm sorry for the new. I will be posting a poem a week for him as he wanted. He had many poems that he wanted to save for publishing. Thank you for your time.
I never sent him the tablet.
Other things and expenses intervened and it fell to the bottom of my list.
I cannot pick up mine without wincing and that will always be true.
We spoke by telephone but once.
He called me at 2:00 and we spoke for an hour.
I still call his cellphone, even now, to listen to his gravely gravelly voice greeting, promising to call back very soon.
His overly effusive praise of my writing was left in after much internal debate, but it was the initial rooting of our conversation. I have only posted our correspondence of the last three months. Much more preceded these messages.
I did not save his life as he so generously stated,
but will try do him justice as best I can.