Death of a Good Man: 5/30/1991

Met a guy named John, big and strong.
Lead singer of Circle One: Family man.
Joint passed as friendship flowered.
Listen: Here’s his song, from 1980.

"Difference between cops and pigs:
Cops do their jobs. Pigs think their god!
Push you around, throw you on the ground.
Live to harass, knock you on your ass!..."

John believed in people, loved people, he
Was a religious man, cared for all souls.
Wanted to be a minister, universal love.

April 17, 1991. 24 birthday of Peg Leg
John was there, brought out a card, friend
Here’s what it said, he lived these words:
Were friends, depend on it, for life-forever.

Sitting at home May 30, 1991 CNN burning.
News flash violence in Venice Beach Pier:
Man thrown over pier suspect fled on foot.
Image of body under reddened sheet no identity.

2 days later phone call, ya hear John’s dead?
Killed by Santa Monica Policeman 15 year vet,
Hadn’t fired his gun before. 5 shots close range.
Rage burns immaculate mirroring eternal loss.