Almost as if Huncke aspired to be forgotten, he didn’t seem to mind that some folks insisted his nomenclature for BEAT was short for the Catholic “beatification” which defines as “supremely happy.” Ha! Beat! Huncke knew better. When he was beat, Huncke meant he squalled in a downtrodden flat where rent was near impossible to gather (especially 12 times a year,) because see, he was low, man, he was flat broke with no prospects lined up, indeed, BEAT.

He wrote well, spoke with dignity and told wonderful stories. I Hope the memory of Herbert Huncke is preserved since a man like that, well, they only come around once in a while and their stay is as brief and as evanescent as ripples in water, dying all too young or going gentle into that good night and sometimes, without them ever having known the love others had for them.

We were both on an MMTP in New York City and he was living at the Chelsea.
I also recall the apt on 7th near Ave D.
I believe Louis lived there too until his senseless death…

Herbert was a true character – 79 years old doing rails and toking.
And talking.

He was a wonderful cantankerous energetic creature – a great conversationalist.

I recall seeing him read – perhaps one of his final appearances.
It was on Ave A – I believe it was upstairs above the PYRAMID club. (the club was only one floor by this point)

Or perhaps upstairs at in the building next door ?

It was a pleasure to have known him.

Thanks, man.

Nick

I knew from reading his published work that he’d be articulate, but I had no idea he was that articulate!

I regard him as one of the very great, very under-appreciated writers of the later 20th Century.

Thank you for the splendid contribution.