Call me crazy, but I kinda like pigeons. They’re simple, awkward creatures that — despite the bad press they get — don’t really hurt anyone.
And yes, I’d probably feel differently if I owned a car.
While we may sit back and laugh at the apparent stupidity of the pigeons, sometimes I question whether we’re any less stupid. After all, our attempts to dissuade them with owl statues are never effective. If we’re so smart, shouldn’t we have learned this by now?
(Pigeon spotted at Capp and 16th.)
Lone Star Swan, 16th Street’s favorite eccentric pigeon caretaker, was immortalizezd in a mural. But did you know he’s also a writer?
Swan occasionally hands out a piece of xeroxed writing; sometimes typed, sometimes scrawled; and often with a self portrait and/or drawing of a pigeon.
Yesterday, Mr. Swan handed me the following written piece as I walked by. Note the remarks throughout insisting that this be given to the press, so take note, media. (Click to enlarge.)
Swan has been handing out written works for years — long before I lived in the area. Here’s a few he’s given me over the past few years.
As long as we’re on the topic of 16th Street’s favorite pigeon feeder, there’s a mural of the guy over on Clarion Alley that you should check out.
Actually, you should check out Clarion Alley in general. The murals tend not to last too long there, which is both a blessing and a curse. But the quality and creativity is outstanding.
Those of you who live in or visit the Mission are likely familiar with Lone Star Swan, the homeless poet and pigeon caretaker of 16th Street.
He’s lived on the streets of the Mission for over a decade, often hanging out at Adobe Books. But like all homeless people, there’s a sad story to his life that isn’t immediately apparent.
The other day on MissionMission, commenter Pedro directed me to a TV news report about Lone Star Swan, who’s birth name is John Ratliff. It’s a fascinating portrait of the man, and I encourage you to watch it.