[Payaso]

This thread is dedicated to my friend Mr. Lee Bridges, RIP.

Lee Bridges at the Cannabis College. Photo Copyright 2003 by Payaso.

Lee spent his life traveling and enjoying hashish around the world, but especially enjoyed living in Europe. Amsterdam was his home for several decades, and he was revered locally as THE Cannabis Poet.

The Cannabis Poet visiting the Greenhouse Centrum. Photo Copyright 2002 by Payaso.

In 2004 I was privileged to help edit and publish his memoirs, "Me, Too" and it is filled with many of his best poems. I also have a complete set of Lee's publications. I had a second set, but placed it into the hands of the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. in 2005, shortly after Lee passed away.

Lee Bridges visiting the editorial offices of the International Cannagraphic.
Photo Copyright 2003 by Payaso

In honor of Lee Bridges, THE Cannabis Poet, here are some of his poems.

[Skip]

I really miss Lee. He had class. A real gentleman.

They don't make 'em like that anymore...

[Payaso]

Business As Usual
by Lee Bridges

One awakes, and looks over
Over the dawn...
... feelings good, for a
Little while before
Remembering that it’s just
Another day to be overcome

[JamieShoes]

check out the complementing socks, hanky and sativa leaf detail... real style, much respect.

[Payaso]

Ever the fashion plate, Lee was also a model...in many advertising images.

[Payaso]

HOW FAR ALONG THE ROAD ARE WE

What ineffable pleasure a surprise can be
Discovering dear new friend unexpectedly
Tho often cheerful encounters to some degree
Are mere passing moments of little singularity
But when fortune reproves and we flounder at sea
Numerous of those held dearest desert despicably
And dim quiet faces silhouettes in a shading lea
To the rescue come in honor of love & charity
Hearts ever glowing soaring high and fancy free
Oh how far along the road in our travels are we
Towards the light of love and of reciprocity

~Lee Bridges, from 'Me, Two'

[Payaso]

THE SCENE

The scene was swinging
And it kept on swinging
Folks are cheerful, socializing
And having fun, while strutting
About as though each day is won
And, it's summer chimes on
Melody street
And it keeps on swinging
Altho somewhere between
The raps and riffs, some
Folks are still wondering
If the smokers back home
Will ever swing on a real
Dutch beat

~Lee Bridges, from 'Me, Two'

[Payaso]

A Dutch beat

He slid outside of the
Smoking coffee shop
Uttering & giggling
Before modulating into
AAAAaaaaaaaaoooooeeeee
With the glass facade
Behind him reflecting
Street smart smiles of
Many improvising on
The very same melody

"When folk speak about a dude digging in, they mean me. That is to
say, folk like me. No matter what had happened, what was happening,
or even what might happen, I could never neglect the writing of poetry
for any appreciable length of time. When I had a little bread to hold on
to, forget it brother, I always got back to what I felt like I was intended
to do. It was my thing, what made me tick, it was my only way of
going to Paradise. In addition to my mother, poetry was the only thing
that I have always known that I could hold on to. In all of this world, it
was mama and poetry. I would always be thankful to grace for that.
But I still found time to visit the coffeeshops, more than just occasionally.
As far as I was concerned, Amsterdam is really one of the
great wonders of the world. It's where one finds many people enjoying
numerous freedoms of choice. It is said that all one has to do is to
behave oneself. Whatever, I found the behavior of the people, especially
on the coffeeshop scene, certainly merit writing and talking about."

~Lee Bridges from 'Me,Too'

[oldpink]

I had the privilege to meet him in Amsterdam years ago and have a signed copy of his book

[wumpyc]

Lee, you deserve paradise <3

On Earth, in heaven, Thee Eternal