at the getty, part four--vincent

detail from "irises"

But I could have told you
Vincent
this world was never
meant for one
as beautiful as you.

February 15--read all about it

My first regular job was delivering the San Francisco Chronicle before school every morning.

I had about 40 customers, and it took me about an hour to deliver all the papers. I had to get up at about 5 am to get it done--earlier if it was raining.

I was pretty good. I could throw the paper so that it landed right at the foot of the door, but without actually hitting the door and waking up the customer. I took pride in that.

I loved riding around the deserted streets every morning. It was my best thinking time.

I used my paper route money to buy my first pig.

Not really--I probably spent it on dope or something.