In Tribute To Beau

I had the good fortune of meeting Beau last fall while shooting film for our Nickelville show aired last October. While on the shoot, I spoke with many wonderful people who inhabited the camp, and as I was spouting my world view, a Nickelodean suggested I speak with Beau as he thought our world views were quite similar. I sought out Beau, and upon meeting him I immediately felt I had made a friend.

Beau was convivial, intelligent and deeply thoughtful about the human condition, the system of oppression we live under, and our personal responses to the day to day grind. He was a proponent of taking personal responsibility and living in service to others. Beau was truly this way, you could tell just by talking to him, that he really cared about others. I was mesmerized, and we spent an hour and a half sitting on the cold pavement of the Washington State Department of Transportation parking lot that chilly fall afternoon. Unfortunately, I didn't get any of that conversation on film, but it wasn't appropriate, it was just a talk between two guys who hoped the world would be saved.

In the end, Beau recited two poems for me and we exchanged contact info hoping that he would become part of the SJTV crew. Unfortunately, that never transpired.

Several weeks later, I returned to Nickelsville to follow up as the camp had moved to The DayBreak Star Center at Discovery Park. I found Beau there and corralled him into an interview which will be aired this Wednesday. I spoke to him about Nickelsville, but to only capture his perspective on the Camp and it's plight was not enough, and quickly I began to lead him into emparting his truly advanced world view. I am so glad that he gave me the opportunity, and now we have a little something of his perspective that will live on even after he has left us.

I found out last weekend that Beau died in early February. I have tried to ascertain the exact conditions of his death to no avail. I only know that it is reported he died in his sleep.

Beau was young, perhaps in his late thirties. He had been a trucker who had lost his job, and through some bad luck, and runs of depression, found himself on the streets. He was an awesome poet, critical, jagged, timely and punctual. Even homeless he continued to pursue publishing a book of poetry. A dream not fully recognized. Beau had a daughter and a lover in Bali who he had hoped to rejoin. I am deeply saddened his daughter will miss out on having a wonderful man like Beau present in her life. All of this is so tragic, so unfair.

I am grieving now, and although I only knew Beau for a shining instant of my and his life, he made an impression on me I will never forget.

It is my greatest honor to dedicate this show to Aaron "Beau" Beaucage. A man among the very best I have come across, a poet, a father, a philosopher, and a leader.

You will be sorely missed man. Give 'em hell wherever you are.

Love and Revolution,

--Marlin Hathaway