Poetic Thoughts - Remembrance of Michael ~ A Legend of Broad Ripple - by C.W. Pruitt II
posted: Oct. 31, 2024
Earlier this year (2013), I lost a dear friend and Broad Ripple lost a truly unique personality. Michael Lochmueller was a fixture for years at 54th and College. With beard in flow and staff in tow he could be seen often sipping coffee in this vibrant neighborhood.
In 1968 Michael burned his identification and said he was no longer a human being, but an animal. At this time he began signing his paintings 'ANIMAL'.
Michael's sojourn here contained much variety. He excelled in furniture design. He was once the proprietor of a nudist colony in Kentucky. Michael was once in a band 'The Four Horsemen' with the iconic John Cage.
Below Ian Keske Martinez offers a poetic tribute to Michael 'ANIMAL' Lochmueller.
Remembrance of Michael ~ A Legend of Broad Ripple
How rare are you who own
the genius of humility;
Whose touch resurrects
our reverence + praise.
Michael who did not soil
his Soul rolling in oil
Or burden his back
with sacks of gold,
But mystically out of ethers
made solid dreams
And objects treasured
you dropped upon the earth
Asking nothing - your walking stick
and Christ hair floating;
The wealth of greatness
radiating from your clear eyes.
All hail and praise
Another overcame the World
And called himself a lowly Animal-
All Hail ~
Ian Keske Martinez
April 2013
cw@broadripplegazette.com