Balancing Act

Keeping the balance within

divinity always by my side

putting an end to past hurts

old ways won’t open new doors

to your heart small steps bring

giant leaps of faith free from all

restraints, doubts, and fears

whispers of the mind from days

far behind the wall separating

me and you who appeared

out of the blue can it be true

with nothing left to do when

something’s left unsaid

the answers come undone

by new facts and information

and the reality of the situation

comes clearly into view once

hidden by your thin disguise

of poise and confidence fragile

elegance hangs in the balance

The Accidental Extravert

In response to my recent post on intuitive writing on Medium (here), some readers replied that they didn't believe I was a shy kid, given my prankster persona. 

Perhaps writing and performing helped make me more outgoing, which is a good thing since spending too much time stuck inside my mind is a bad idea.

Anyway, people often mistake me for an extrovert , but my natural inclination is to turn inward to process the real gone world. Being an introvert can sometimes feel like swimming against the current.

Oops There Goes Another Introvert

Society tends to reward extroversion — those who speak the loudest command the most attention. But there’s power in introversion, a strength that’s quiet but impactful. 

Being an intuitive introvert, I find strength in solitude and a deeper connection to myself and the world.

Introverts are frequently misunderstood. People may see introversion as shyness, social awkwardness, or even aloofness. But being an introvert isn't about being scared to speak up; it's where we draw our energy from. 

I feel more comfortable and energized in quieter, more introspective settings, rather than in bustling social gatherings. For me, a quiet evening with a book or a deep conversation with a close friend is far more rejuvenating than any party.

Listening Intently

In a society that prizes speaking up, or talking out of school anonymously from behind the cloak of social media, the power of listening is often undervalued. Intuitive introverts are natural listeners, keen observers of the world around us. 

This attentiveness allows us to notice what others might overlook, giving us unique insights into people and situations. It's a different kind of influence, one that doesn't need to shout to be felt.

Reflecting Deeply

Reflection is another strength of an intuitive introvert. We thrive on processing our experiences deeply, often finding connections and meanings that are not immediately apparent. Doing so can lead to rich inner lives, full of creativity and insight. 

Introverts draw their creativity from the inside out, whether in writing, art, or other forms of expression. Our reflective nature allows us to see beyond the surface, exploring ideas and possibilities that escape those who are always on the go.

Navigating an Extroverted World

Living as an introvert in an extroverted world is not without its challenges. The constant pressure to be more outgoing can be exhausting, and the value of being still is often overlooked 

But it's survival of the fittest and I learned early on it was either adapt or be singled out. 

Since being a tough guy wasn't an option, I developed a prankster persona to get people to laugh. My offbeat sense of humor was a defense mechanism that got me through my school years relatively unscathed.

Embracing Introversion

At the end of the day, I'm a double agent: an introvert in an extroverted world. But embracing introversion starts with knowing my limitations, when to retreat, setting boundaries, and finding ways to recharge. 

It also means bringing my unique strengths to bear -- empathy, insight, and quiet resolve. These qualities are needed now more than ever in a world that never stops yapping. 

Bring on the Quiet

The true power of being an intuitive introvert lies in the realization that quiet does not mean silent. While people often overlook the quiet, there is strength in stillness, wisdom in listening, and profound creativity in reflection.

It's in the quiet moments, the deep conversations, and the thoughtful reflections that I often find my creative inspiration. 

So here's to embracing the power of quiet, finding strength in solitude, and thriving in the real gone world.

Long Live Rock

Unless you've been napping for the past 20 years, you know that Rock is dead. That’s right, I said it. And before you say “Ok, boomer,” gone are the days when sneaking off to rock shows was a rite of passage, replaced now by 15-second TikTok backdrops.

While some bands today act like rockers because they occasionally pick up a guitar, Rock-n-Roll left the building long ago. And Boygenius just won Grammys for best rock performance and best rock song? Seriously? Let’s conduct an autopsy to determine Rock’s cause of death.

Rock's Golden Age

After trailblazers like Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Big Mama Thornton, and countless other Black rhythm and blues artists set the stage for what became “Rock-n-Roll” in the 1950s and Elvis was coronated as the King, the genre entered a golden era in the 1960s and 70s. 

Once upon a time guitar solos lasted longer than most current pop songs when legends Jimi Hendrix and Jimmy Page wielded their axes through "Forests of Azure" and the Grateful Dead kept on Truckin before Jerry Garcia’s premature demise, and the heart of gold band morphed into that corporate concoction, Dead & Co. Talk about a slow train coming, yikes!

Fast forward to today, and guitar gods have been replaced by bedroom geeks with a laptop and a SoundCloud account. While there's undeniable talent in contemporary music – artists like Billie Eilish and Finneas didn’t get there by accident – I still miss the visceral thrill of a live guitar solo or a Phil Lesh bass bomb. How about you?

The Beats On Death Row

Dare I say that Rap busted a cap in Rock’s ass? Hip Hop has proved itself more than a fad—it's ingrained in our culture. Unlike Rock's descent into the hades of "classic rock" radio stations, hip-hop has continually evolved with beats and rhymes reflecting the pulse of a new generation. 

From block parties in the boogie-down Bronx to headlining the biggest music festivals around the globe, Rap has filled the void. It's still rebel music, 50 years later, telling stories of struggles with the Po-Po and everything in between with a rawness that was once the hallmark of Rock.

Bob Dylan once remarked that "rappers are serious street poets hurling horses over cliffs.” That’s pretty high praise from a Nobel Laureate. And don’t forget, Kendrick Lamar was awarded a Pulitzer Prize in 2018 for his “Damn” album. Then again, Jay-Z sounded like a grumpy old man the other night, and Snoop Dog was last seen smoking spliffs with Martha Stewart – what the hell?

We Don’t Need No Autotune

Remember when a singer's voice had character? Every crack, every off-pitch note had a human touch. But then, autotune entered the scene, smoothing out every imperfection so that songs are more polished but sterile. 

Rock's raw emotion and imperfection don't jibe with this trend. Now, the airwaves are dominated by voices so perfect they sound as if they've been manufactured in a lab. In today's streaming scene, pop music reigns supreme.

Every playlist and "Top Hits" chart is a shiny, auto-tuned object. This isn't your mom and dad’s pop (pun intended), with its catchy choruses and merry melodies. Today's Pop Muzak is sleek and algorithm-friendly, designed to hook listeners with earworms, not anthems. The end product is endless tracks that disappear from cultural memory as quickly as they arrive. 

Rock's Swan Song

Streaming has been a double-edged sword for music. On one hand, it democratized music production and distribution, allowing anyone with talent (and a good Wi-Fi connection) to share their art with the world.

On the other, it's signaled the death knell for the traditional album format, a staple of the rock genre. Playlists, not albums, are where it's at, making it harder for rock bands to craft the kind of cohesive narratives for which bands like Pink Floyd and The Who were known.

But then, it was Frank Sinatra who introduced one of the first concept albums “In the Wee Small Hours” in 1955 – a long, long time ago. Now, the concept of the album—an art form in itself—has been driven deep beneath a sea of playlists titled "Chill Vibes" and "Study Beats."

Rock's Resurrection?

To paraphrase Joni Mitchell, "They took all the rock stars and put'em in a Hall of Fame Museum." Maybe there’s a flicker of hope that rock will rise from the ashes. Perhaps it's waiting for the next Hendrix to arrive or for the next Dylan to return from the wilderness to blow our minds Like a Rolling Stone. Until then, Long Live Rock!

Taylor Swift For President!

If you haven't noticed, Taylor Swift is in the news 24/7 lately. The reigning Queen of Pop turns 35 in December. This milestone comes just after the dust of the presidential election settles.

If the stars had aligned differently and she was born in spring, I'd nominate Taylor for president! Given that our choice this November comes down to picking the lesser of two evils (as usual), tossing Swift’s hat in the political ring doesn't seem too far-fetched, does it?

The Swift Rise to Stardom

You know the story. As a young girl from Reading, Pennsylvania, Taylor Swift strummed her way into the hearts of millions. With her guitar, golden locks, and confessional lyrics, she didn't just climb the ladder of success – she practically flew to the top (with the help of Nashville songwriting pros). 

From a country music darling to a global pop icon, she's been as unstoppable as her Eras tour. Swift’s not just a pop star; she's a cultural phenomenon. Her songs resonate with millions, turning listeners into loyal Swifties who’d probably vote for her in a heartbeat.

Rooting For the Anti-Hero

Here we are, having to choose between Pops Biden and Agent Orange. How the hell did we get here? At the risk of enraging the Magaites, Trump had no business being president in the first place. How he beat Hillary Clinton in 2016 is a mystery to many, but then Trump didn’t win as much as Hillary lost by ignoring Bill’s advice and not campaigning in Michigan and Wisconsin until it was too late. 

And we know what happened after that. Now, we’re stuck with President Biden. Seriously? He's got no business being in the White House either. Face it: he’s wandering around looking for the outhouse (with apologies to my Democrat friends). 

We can do better than that, no?

Waiting in the wings is Taylor Swift – a ray of light in a sea of political darkness. Why not Taylor? She's got the whole package: charm, intelligence, and a knack for storytelling. Don’t forget, her army of Swifties could easily double as a voter base. 

Imagine a candidate who can articulate their policies as clearly as Taylor can belt out a tune, a president who can navigate international relations with the same finesse she handles paparazzi. In a country gone wrong, Taylor Swift could make politics more tolerable, if not entertaining.

Swift’s Campaign Slogans and Policies

Picture this: Campaign posters with Taylor Swift, guitar in hand, and slogans that hit the right note. “Shake it Off People," or "Make America Swift Again!" MASA….well, perhaps not. And her policies? They’d be as catchy as her chart-topping hits.

First on the agenda: "The Love Story Act." This policy aims to spread love and acceptance, like her fairytale romance with Kansas City Chiefs star tight end, Travis Kelce. It's politics with a heart, something that's been missing from the debate since George Washington was running the show. 

Then, she’d propose the "Bad Blood Resolution," focusing on mending fences and building bridges. With Taylor at the helm, diplomatic relations would be less about saber-rattling and more about harmonious collaborations.

Bold ideas, though we’d probably be asking, “Where’s the beef?”

Diplomacy with a Melodic Touch

Swift international summits would look more like award shows, with red carpets and dazzling performances. As President, Taylor wouldn’t just enter a room; she'd make an entrance. Her approach to foreign policy? Think "You Belong With Me" but for countries. She'd be all about building friendships, understanding, and maybe even serenading a few foreign dignitaries.

Gone are the days of stiff, awkward handshakes. Taylor would bring warmth and genuine connections to the table, solving international disputes not with Trumpian tweets or Bidenesk mumbles but with heartfelt lyrics and maybe a group sing-along.

Swift’s global fanbase could double as a network of goodwill ambassadors, spreading the ethos of love, respect, and catchy tunes. It's a world where diplomacy is less about power plays and more about making connections, one melody at a time.

A Swift End to Political Gloom

While the idea of Taylor Swift running for president is admittedly bizarre, it's a pleasant diversion from the usual political fare. A leader like Swift would be a welcome respite in a nation that seems to have lost its way. It reminds us that politics, at its core, is about connecting with people – something Taylor does exceptionally well. 

For now, Taylor Swift will rule the music charts - and Kelce's heart - instead of the free world. But who knows? In politics, stranger things have happened. Meanwhile, don’t forget to hold your nose and vote for the candidate of your choice come November 5th.

The Stones Keep a Rolling with Hackneyed Diamonds

To borrow a line from Public Enemy, don’t believe the hype. The new Rolling Stones album is not their best work since their 1968-72 Salad Days, or Some Girls for that matter, but Hackneyed Diamonds is their best in decades. That’s a remarkable feat, given their octogenarian status and the loss of drummer Charlie Watts in 2021 -- pretty high praise from someone who’s not the biggest Stones fan. That would be my sister, Donna, but that’s her story. 

With guest slots by Sirs Paul McCartney and Elton John, Stevie Wonder, and Lady Gaga, those bad ole boys have delivered a quality recording rooted in trademarked riff-based songs with driving rhythms and superb vocals and snarls by 80-year-old Mick Jagger. Sobriety has served Ronnie Wood and Keith Richards well; their playing is spot on. I believe Keef quit smoking also, and his backing vocals and lead on his solo number are equally impressive – rough and ready.

Having listened to HD more than a few times now, it’s clear the band put a lot of work into making this, digging into their blues/rock/pop roots to make a modern-sounding recording. It’s vintage Stones but far from dated and there's not a bad song on it.

Much of the credit for that goes to  32-year-old Grammy-winning producer Andrew Watt — who has worked with artists ranging from Post Malone and Justin Bieber to Ozzy Osbourne, Iggy Pop, and Eddie Vedder. For instance, the tune Mess it Up sounds like a danceable number you’d hear on the Spotify Top 100, and the melody on Driving Me to Hard also sounds fresh. 

Watt's an accomplished guitarist as well and his thumbprint is all over this, lending bass, guitar, keyboards, and vocals (obvious on Mess it Up) and sharing writing credits on three tracks -- Angry, Get Close, and Depending on You. I read somewhere he’s also a Stones fanatic and wore a different RS tee in the studio every day.

Talk about a dream gig. It’s akin to Jimmy Iovine being called into engineer one Easter Weekend in the 70s only to find they were recording Bruce Springsteen's landmark album, Born to Run, but I digress.  

By now, most of you have heard the first song, Angry with Me….give it a few more listens to appreciate the guitar work here – it’s good chit. Meanwhile, Live By the Sword features a cameo of Watts and former bassist Bill Wyman and EJ on piano and a classic Stones riff that will kick in some memory cells. 

Other highlights include the bluesy acoustic “Dreamy Skies” and the strongest Richards vocal in decades on “Tell Me Straight. While “Sweet Sounds of Heaven” with Wonder and Gaga shoots for gospel ballad status, her over-singing and lack of nuance are the only blemish on this overall excellent recording. But then, it’s only rock-n-roll.

Charlie’s absence is huge, but his presence looms large as his death prompted Mick and Keith to get back to the studio after the Stone’s last tour. Meanwhile, drummer Steve Jordan, having played with Richards extensively in the past and filling in for Watts on that tour, steps into the rhythm, faithfully preserving the Stones' distinctive beat.

The album comes full circle with "Rolling Stone Blues," Jagger and Richards pay homage to their roots, giving it that bluesy, rough-around-the-edges vibe, interchanging notes on guitar and harmonica. It's a nod to where it all began, and if this is the Stones' grand finale, it's a good way to go out. 

But don't get too sentimental. They recorded enough tracks for a follow-up album. And the Stones will likely keep rolling til the last wheel falls off.

 

Lessons in Brutality

In this world 

lacking in moral clarity

we keep repeating 

lessons of brutality

Oh, the humanity 

the depravity 

the gravity

the fate of our race

and the hour is late 

ripped from the headlines

pictures at eleven 

but bad news comes in hot

twenty-four seven 

and massacred babies 

don't go to heaven 

and I'm still looking 

for a true religion

one that doesn't teach

lessons in brutality

Summer Swoon

Down 

by the seaside

one last time  

oceans release

gulf stream heat

the season retreats

falling 

falling 

falling

all too soon 

with nothing 

left between

us a secret

story about

the glory

and the

wonder

the wonder

of  it all