The Enigmatic Rhymer of Lewis Intramurals: The Purple Poet

“I am the gray purple poet,

My words are etched for all time;

If you hear me on campus you’ll know it,

I speak in verses and rhyme.”

P.P.

Alert…Alert…Alert: Readers should know that this blog, although primarily relevant to a particular audience of former Lewis University students, may contain interesting elements to a more diverse population. 

The Lewis student/athletes knew him only through his verses as he rhymed and roamed across the University, in the gym, and on the fields of play. He was a mystery man and an astute observer of the games. Although his verses were widely known, we have no record of having truly identified him.  There were neither photos nor verified sightings of the elusive bard of intramural bouts. Thankfully, his writings were recently discovered with the help of an alum who found copies of the Competitor in his attic.

This poet came on the scene about the same era of Viet Nam, assassinations, Woodstock, and riots. He was a self-described gay wordsmith who had no tribal affiliations with student organizations or fraternities, but followed their escapades closely as they rivaled one another in all sports. 

 He was unique in other ways. His complexion was neither white, pink, black, yellow, or brown…it was a cast of purple, not quite lavender. (Although he may have passed for lavender.)  He was also an observer and critic of extreme tribalism otherwise known as racism.   

All that we have left of him, this mysterious versifier, are his words which he submitted to the intramural newsletter, The Competitor. He was known as the “Purple Poet,” soothsayer, social critic, and wise observer of human nature.

In his later years, the Poet accurately depicted the students’ prominence of the Lewis intramural program in the following verse.

The Poet could also critically focus on particular sports like football where controlled violence could be accurately described in poetic fashion.

One of his most memorable and self-acclaimed poems pointed out in 1969, with disgust, the state of animosity, hatred, and racism among various on-campus groups.  In this social commentary, the poet refuted all discrimination and revealed his personal experiences of racism…because of his particular color.

The poet also reflected on one of the worst times for Lewis students. It was Viet Nam time and the cursed lottery. His reflections follow.

The saga of the Purple Poet goes on since more alums may have discovered old newsletters that contain verses that he scripted. It should be noted that there could also be counterfeit copies that look very much like the original Competitor but are actually fake newsletters. Be suspicious of anything that appears “too slick” and professional.