The "headstone" of Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Bolinas, CA

I didn't know Lawrence Ferlinghetti (although our paths kind of crossed a few times over the past 40 years here in San Francisco, with people and events in common) but from what I've heard from mutual acquaintances, his "headstone" is right in keeping with his personality. It is uncarved; just a naturally round and weathered granite stone about the size of a mini-fridge. He certainly warranted a monument that recounted his many accomplishments and his stature in the literary world, but he opted-out, letting nature have the last word. Most cemeteries wouldn't allow such subversive understatement, but Bolinas . . . well, Bolinas has always gone its own way. Lawrence Monsanto Ferlinghetti (March 24, 1919, Yonkers, NY – February 22, 2021, San Francisco, CA) He packed a lot into his 102 years: poet, publisher, bookseller, social activist, antiwar protester, critic, painter, lover of many women.