Don's a Hero...

There are many inspirational people in this world. Some inspire people to do good, and some to do bad. Strangely though, there are those that do a little of both. Such as writer, actor, comedian, poet, and friend of the family: Don Becker. Don Becker is an inspirational character in my life.

There are many things that make Don Becker remarkable. One such example is that Don Becker lost his left arm, now there’s a metal hook in its place, and is left with three, virtually unusable fingers on his right. This would be unfortunate for anybody, and especially for a left-handed writer, yet he perseveres in spite of this disability. The way and reason behind him losing his arms, in my opinion, commands great respect, as well as great sympathy. It was during a psychotic episode, about 13 years ago. He was only doing what the voices told him to do. Don Becker, in his mental state had to sacrifice both arms by laying them on a railroad track in order to prevent himself from killing himself completely. Don, although psychotic, is a genius. He is capable of both beautiful and hilarious writing. He writes poetry, short comedy acts, and plays such as, Lucifer Tonight, you may have heard of it. The Sub-genius Police, another play of his, is a futuristic tale of a city practically dominated by punk teenagers that are very poetic and intelligent and the not-so-bright cops that pursue them.

Another remarkable thing about Don is how he is with women! For some reason, on which I can only speculate, women flock to Don. After doing a poetry reading this 45 year old man could have any 19-20 year old girl in the audience. I speculate that this is because Don is somewhat dangerous. While women his own age are looking for a pillar, a figure of stability, the 19 year olds are looking for somebody who is not afraid to take risks, somebody that intrigues them.

The relationship Don and I have is... funny. He may come over to my family’s house for dinner, drink a little too much and then he and I will spend the rest of the evening making fun of my 14 year old sister, who he also has a very interesting relationship with. Don will call our house, usually to speak to my mother or father. If nobody is home however, he will leave a message on the machine for my sister or for me. These messages usually consist of short songs or limericks made up on the spot. Also, they usually have the words “pus” or “phlegm” involved somehow. One time in particular he called and left a message in which he seductively called our dog (Cyrus). He called him closer and closer to the answering machine and then quietly asked him to eat my sister. After five or ten seconds of silence, he calmly remarked, “Good boy,” and then hung up.

Trust is also an important part of the relationship I have with Don. One night, when I was younger, I decided it would be appropriate to brag about the $50 that I had. Then this was a lot of money, now however, it wouldn’t make me through a weekend. Anyway, Don, who isn’t in the best of financial states, promptly inquired if he could borrow that $50. After receiving some assurance that it would be returned, I tentatively agreed. The debt was repaid in under a week. That showed me I could trust Don Becker. Don also must have trust in me. He trusts that I accept him for who he is. He knows that I would never be afraid of him even as we’re walking down the street and grown men cross the street at the sight of him.

Another thing that makes up a big part of our relationship is the sense of awe that I have at his creativity. Don is amazing! I find it harder to write now because of the awe I’m in just thinking about his genius. I have a great deal of respect for his ability and for him as a person. Don never ceases to be interesting, and his brain never ceases to process ideas. Don can sit down and write 20 pages on his current mood. This is inspiring not only because it takes patience, but because he has to do it with his mangled right hand when he is left-handed. His writing looks like that of a child. Don makes me wonder where my creative side is. I can’t draw, paint, sculpt, write poetry. Don inspires me to continue the search for the area in which I am creative.

There are many ways in which I demonstrate Don Becker’s influence. One is apathy. The “old Gunnar” was very insecure and cared about what everybody thought about him. Don has helped me to say “Hey, I’m me. If you don’t like it deal with it or go away.” The feeling of not caring as much allows me to be more articulate without fear of what people will say. This helps me to express my thoughts more vividly and more easily. (Being articulate doesn’t hurt with the ladies either.) I quote the man. This shows that I look up to him and that he inspires me. Whether it’s saying “I hate light!”, in a voice meant to resemble Satan’s in order to get a laugh or reciting, word for word, a poem about his hatred for 10-digit dialing. My third way that I demonstrate his influence is... I advertise! The fact that I wear clothing advertising his plays is proof enough that he has influenced me. I would wear the shirt but it depicts silhouettes with shotgun wounds to the head so I feel it’s not appropriate. I also talk about him a lot. I told one of my friends who attends Colorado Academy about him and Don ended up having a cult following at CA. Don Becker is a very influential person. Whether he’s on stage or in my kitchen he influences me, sometimes to be like him, sometimes the opposite.

Gunnar Johnson,
Columbine High School
May 2000