(Here’s a poem by my friend Lou Hinman)

We named him Zola, our beloved dog,
to honor the man, an intellectual –
but one with guts – who would not turn his back
on vilest crimes committed by the state,
and laid his life and freedom on the line,
demanding justice for a single Jew.

We named him Togo, our beloved dog,
to honor the brave heart who led the team
that brought the serum to Nome that deadly winter.

I’m getting old, and may not have the chance
to name a dog again, but if I do
I’d like to name him (maybe her, can't tell)
John (Joan) Rosa (Rosario) Luxemburg
Malcom (Malina) X Fred (Frederica) Newman Brown.
Too long, you say, but I’m running out of time
to show these people how beloved they are
and more, how much their courage has meant to me.

Louis Hinman
November 10, 2019

(from my friend Joan DeCollibus)

Hello grab bar
I remember you
You were there when I needed you
Now a cool reminder
Always available – ever steady
Take hold for old times sake
Feel some certainty