My brother and I write songs. We tend to think they range between “This does not totally suck” and “This is actually almost halfway decent…”  We post them all over hell out in the world, sometimes sending them to family or friends, where they almost invariably go ignored, unremarked upon, cricket-city.

He and I discuss this, as angsty artistes will do. It goes nowhere.

Then it occurred to me.

I went meta and metaphorical.

” I wonder whose songs I am busy not listening to? What songs were sent to me this month that I did not comment upon, inquire further about, compliment, show interest in? Or even freaking listen to?” 

I got it. I started making phone calls, texting. “Hey, what’s up with that song you told me about last time we talked?”

We’re all writing songs. I have to remember to listen to yours, whatever form it takes.  And I need to listen to him, her, their, xe, xyr, ze, hirs and eir. (OK, I suck at the new pronouns, but I’m giving it a shot…)

I always feel kind of humbled, and a little embarrassed when I have these insights. In a good way, though…

Dr. James Mick Nolan

Text me at 505.699.7616

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