An Interview with Newamba Flamingo - Page 2

FM: Josh Hokit got fired

by Dana white

I challenged him to a tai pei death match via ig

Newamba Flamingo: Hell yeah. Do it in Taiwan too. Bloodsport 8

Newamba has shattered my westernized misconceptions of Thailand and subsequently the hardened, crazed persona I first encountered when hearing him on [MySpace poetry community] 10k Poets. Since his transition to Buddhism and the pervading years/countries that have separated us from physically meeting, he’s taught me so much more than the evolving process of being a writer who lives what they say instead of embellishments/ indulging a market audience. 

For instance, when asked if people start fights on the street in Bangkok as often or moreso than here in Denver, which is way too fucking much, especially downtown, Newamba speaks of Jai Yin.

NF: It means ‘cool heart’. It’s essentially this concept that making a scene in public is taboo and if you try any of that shit here mang, you have to worry about not just the person you’re fighting but onlookers as well, because even little old ladies will kick the shit out of you if you start a fight in public. It’s just, really frowned upon.

I try to maintain my Jai Yin in the bathroom before court on 6/11/26. I look in the mirror and see my accuster's strabismus and I remember our last interaction when he tried to run up on me while my back was turned as I was heading for the exit. I wanted to rip his head off his shoulders and stick it up his ass; in a perfect world there would’ve been no witnesses and I wouldn’t be standing in the dark waiting for concessions on behalf of the prosecution after reviewing our evidence. 

On our way to the 4th floor of the Lindsey Flanagan building, some asshole makes the comment: “We’re all innocent, right?” and I have to remind myself not to make a scene in the courthouse elevator before the doors open and I’m ready to run.

I sit on the bench outside 4C and try to decompress, waiting for my lawyer as other clients speak candidly with their public defenders without the sake of privacy. When Joe arrives, he looks more enthusiastic than our previous court date for the revocation hearing, tells me the prosecution has switched attorneys at the last minute and he’s going in first to negotiate terms.

When he comes out 10 minutes later, I’m surprised and fearful that the conversation was quicker than expected.

“I’m not feeling the love out here man. Let’s go inside.”

“Okay.”

Joe leans in close as we casually stroll toward the courtroom.

“Tell me, do you like the word: dismissal?”

“Uhhhh, fuck yea. That’s a great word!”

“Let’s go inside and get that word.”

The prosecutor won't even look in my direction.

“Uh yes your honor, the prosecution has chosen to file a dismissal of the charges in this case on the grounds of provability.”

“I’m assuming the defense has no issue with that decision?”

“No your honor. We do not.”

“Motion granted. Case dismissed.”

***

I scheduled myself to work at 5pm that day, but the World Cup brought in more people than Kennedy had predicted; I’d previously asked about the potential business it could bring since America was hosting the event this year. 

HR was not thrilled that I was in court at 11am as McGregor Square opened early and there were only 2 people on shift as the crowd was snaking toward the courtyard. In lieu of Kennedy’s oversight when approving my hours for the week, HR asked if I could find coverage or come in as soon as I’m done with court. I texted Danielle and asked if she can cover until I can make it in at 4pm. 

I needed a break from all this back and forth between courtrooms and food stalls; I need time to catch my breath after being completely exasperated for the better part of 40 years. I was wiped out after helping with a large catering order the day before and working a 13 hour shift with Rockies/Knicks fans shuffling from tacos to bbq to pho to pizza to the bar/self-serve tap wall.