I’m (not really) a man of wealth and taste. I’m 28 and have been writing for quite awhile off and on. It’s always been like a wrong time right place or vice versa kind of a relationship. It seems I’ve only picked up the pen (and yes I actually put pen to paper before typing) in times that were emotional such as after deaths or in times of severe loneliness, happiness isn’t usually an inspiring feeling when it comes to peeling away layers of unspoken and un-dealt with emotions. As a guitar player and self admitted music snob, there was a period of my life when I fancied myself a songwriter. Between the ages of 16-21, I wrote at least one song every couple weeks give or take a few creative droughts. I wanted to be the next Springsteen and ended up being a poor, poor, poor man’s Dylan at best. In those five years I threw away or incinerated almost every song I wrote because none of them held up to my lofty, self indulgent expectations. All I have to show for that stretch of my existence is a small, green book of teenage ramblings that lead into early adulthood, a 10 song (9 of which were covers) live tape recorded at a shotgun shop style café in 1999 and a possible drinking problem that almost killed me on two separate occasions. Booze is partly why I’ve decided to write again. Merle Haggard sang it best, “Tonight the bottle let me down.” As my age and stress level have increased, the relaxing and harmonious effects of these certain libations has decreased. In an effort to fill the liquid void, I saddled up and pushed the pen full throttle. Am I giving up drinking? Fuck no! But I am going to stop thinking it has the answers or will help me cope. My demons have made me who I am and I don’t want them to drown. In closing, I’d like to rip off the Stones one more time. “So if you meet me have some courtesy, have some sympathy and some taste. Use all your well learned politesse, or I’ll lay your soul to waste.” I’m glad you’re along for the fucked up ride to come.

P.s.

Thank you Theresa, you are the one who inspired me.