Ruie Willis Taylor Jr “Boots” crossed over to the other side on October 9, 2015, after battling cancer for many months.  Boots was born in Arcadelphia, Arkansas December 19, 1944 to Louise and Ruie Taylor. He grew up with his sister Rachel , his parents and grandparents in rural Arkansas.  He joined the Army in the late 50’s and was honorably discharged in 1963. He traveled west after leaving the army. He lived a nomadic life, making homes in Northern California, Southern Oregon, Montana, New Mexico and Hawaii.  He spent many years in Humboldt County; southern Humboldt, Bridgeville, and Trinidad.  Boots was truly a renaissance man.   He was a farmer, a hunter of beautiful crystals, and most especially a poet.  He shared his poetry with his many friends and with strangers for decades. He gave poetry readings in  locations such as New York, San Francisco, Garberville, and Hawaii. He was an original volunteer of Reggae on the River. He was knowledgeable about a multitude of subjects, and had a quirky sense of humor. He played a mean game of cribbage. He lived a full life,  was passionate about  equality, peace, the environment, his family and friends. Boots was preceded in death by his parents Louise and Ruie, his sister Rachel, his nephew Gilman and his long time companion Melody.  He is survived by his nieces Linda (Jimmy), Micky (Mark), and nephew Tim (Trina), Many great nieces and nephews, and some great greats.  Also by a host of friends.

During the last 2 months two old friends, Boots and Ron enjoyed  sitting on the porch smoking cigarettes, drinking coffee, and watching the Giants play baseball. The family wishes to thank the McQueens for providing Boots a home and safe haven.

A memorial Service for Boots will be held at the Rio Dell Baptist Church, 100 Butcher St (corner of Bellview and Wildwood) Rio Dell, Saturday November 7th at 1:00pm.  Potluck gathering to follow at the church  .  Call Linda 707 601 1983 for details.

Signs of spring

 

Your thousand smiles

of voice singing through

space – crossing the waves

of air over water, pulling

my lips into a bouquet

of smiles -

What place is there

that your eyes cannot dream thru?

My bones sing the warm

dream, knowing that I

live in your memories-

knowing I will live

to see you again-

 

#2

 

They are stealing the water

right from the land

world domination

is what they’ve got planned

I’m wondering where

I can make a stand

 To dam up the water

From these corporate hands-