Geno And The Leprechaun

Geno had a friend we called Leprechaun. Geno gave him the name. He did look like one. This was at a time when Geno and I were living in a 1962 Chevy Belair. Crazy days. Well, this fellow had never met me. And for those of you that don’t know it, Geno is a prankster. We were in town on a Saturday night and Geno had a plan to scare the bejesus out of Leprechaun. I had a blank gun, a starter pistol if you will. This guy doesn’t know me from Adam and Geno tells him he wants to introduce us. He brings the poor fellow over to my car and as I see him, I jump out and say, “You’re the fella that’s been messing with my woman.”. Just as he starts to explain, I pull out the gun and “BLAM”. This guy is looking for a hole in himself, Geno is rolling around on the ground laughing and I’m wondering if that was such a good idea. The guy was white, I tell you.

After explanations, and fortunately, it turns out he did indeed have a good sense of humor. Him and I became very good friends. But he always looked at me sideways whenever anyone mentioned that night.

John Shasteen was his name. And this story is in memory of him. He passed away due to carbon monoxide poisoning from a faulty heater.

John, you were one of the best. And we miss you and your great sense of humor.