Laskey, the Poet/Artist
As I was traveling across Lakewood during the incident at the Parkway Arms, I could not
help but notice a person set-up in front of Sptizer Motors on Detroit Ave. with what I thought
was a sign of protest.
After touching base with the latest from the police, I stopped by to talk with "Laskey" and
ask him, "What's the deal?"
The cheerful artist was working on a drawing, and explaining that he had come up from
Austin, Texas to the region, and was really digging the vibe of the city, and was so glad
he came to Lakewood, as it was pretty hip.
I asked him why he chose the region and he mentioned friends had told him to check out
Ohio, so he did, and was selling art to pay for the trip.
The sign in front of him read, "Grandma, says I need a job wearing a suit and tie... this is
my compromise."
I asked him how he liked "DowntowN" Lakewood and was shocked to hear, "This is really
as far west as I have traveled?" I asked have you been on Madison Ave.? he answered, "No."
I asked if he had been to the Root Cafe, the Lakewood Public Library, Metro Parks,
Clifton Beach (now that the guard is gone for the year), anywhere else. He said, "Nope."
I told him, if you like Lakewood now, walk 8 blocks and really get into Lakewood.
He asked what I was doing and I explained covering a murder, a couple blocks from where
he was sitting. He was shocked and worried. I explained that they probably knew each
other (they did) and that in this area you really have to know someone to have serious
confrontations. It is not like Texas or other big cities. Relieved I explained where he as
a poet and artist might enjoy. He wrote down directions and off we went, after I assured
him, there are far more artists, musicians, and good people in Lakewood, than anywhere
else. He mentioned that is what he heard.
All in all, it was a good conversations as we headed in different directions.
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