Freddy on 14th

Jack Garrett: Freddy on 14th Street

Freddy on 14^th Street

by Jack Garrett

Dead feet, dangling from the gurney

Dead hand, poking out the sheet

Gotta walk by the funeral parlor

as I walk down 14^th St.

Old man Freddy, he’s sittin on the steps

80 years old and he’s cookin in the sun

I asked him why is he sittin by the parlor

Sittin on the steps on 14^th St.

He said he’s near so why not be nearer

sittin by the parlor, cookin in the sun.

The undertakers smile as I walk on by

Smilin at me & Freddy on 14^th St.

Jack Garrett was an artist, actor, writer, and musician extraordinaire. He played keyboards and guitar for several rock bands well known in the downtown NYC area during the 1970s and ‘80s and opened for the Ramones as well as for U2 with his band the Nitecaps during U2’s 1980s European tour. He leaves a treasure trove of art, music, and writing. Mr. Garrett had been put on warning at more than one job for doodling at his desk.

He passed on September 28, 2011.

Bernice Holtzman’s paintings and collages have appeared in shows at various venues in Manhattan, including the Back Fence in Greenwich Village, the Producer’s Club, the Black Door Gallery on W. 26^th St., and one other place she can’t remember, but it was in a basement, and she was well received.