I'm all written out

Well, man, it's finally happened.

And what's that, farmboy?

There's no more for me to write. I'm all written out. I've written about damn near everything there is, or everything I care about. I guess all I can do is make a stiff drink and a toke and relax for the rest of my life. It's been good being a songwriter, but I'm all used up.

I don't believe that's true. You're still living, you're still breathing. You're still having experiences. There's still plenty to write about.

I don't see it. My mind is empty. There is no inspiration to be found. Is this what they call a writer's block?

You're the writer. What do you think?

I once went to a songwriting workshop with John Prine once, years ago. And I asked him about writer's block.

And what did John Prine say?

He said that he didn't believe in writer's block. He also told me later that I had good questions. I got his autograph.

So I guess I don't believe in writer's block either. Either that, or I don't take it as seriously as a lot of people do.

I think that's a good thing, farmboy.

Yeah, I do too. I don't want some damn writer's block pushing me around.

That's the spirit.

I hope so. I like writing. It's what I'm supposed to do. The last thing I need is some false belief like that writer's block shit.

for John Prine RIP

when you wake up on the other side
remember us as family
even though were we not related
all those words pouring through
your emotions
your humor
your love
how can I repay you?
you changed my life, you know
you helped me see the light
in the work that was chosen for me
if I had the right joke
I would write it
but I don't
all I have is thank you
and proof of what you mean to me

Standing ovation

Hey, man. I did the taping for that radio show I told you about.

The one that's syndicated nationally? How did it go?

Pretty good. I made some bum notes on guitar and that pissed me off. It also pisses me off that I have such a hard time tuning on stage. But I'm thinking that it may be the way I'm turning my left wrist when I'm making the chords. I'm fuckin' learning, you know. I've spent my whole life learning. 

How did the interview go, farmboy?

Better than I expected. I loved talking about the other musicians, the ones that influenced me. I had to pick four recordings, which are going to be edited into the show.

Really? That's interesting. What did you pick?

Ummmm…John Prine, Mississippi John Hurt, Emmylou Harris singing a Gram Parsons song, and Cowboy Junkies.

What Cowboy Junkies song?

"Sun Comes Up, It's Tuesday Morning."

Nice choice.

I thought so.

When do I get to hear the show, farmboy?

February of next year.

I look forward to hearing it.

Oh yeah…one more thing.

Yes, farmboy?

I got a standing ovation.

Seriously?

Yeah.

How did that make you feel?

Well, it was great, of course. But also hard to accept.

That doesn't surprise me.

Yeah. It doesn't surprise me either. But I'm working on it, man.

All hail John Prine!

So I've made a decision.

(teasing) About time.

Fuck off, asshole.

Ooh! I'm scared!

Yeah? Well, um...er...

(laughs) What's your announcement, farmboy?

I'm taking the day off!

Good for you!

It's been a rough week and I have to go out tomorrow night and, I don't know, I just want one day to do whatever I fuckin' want. Which is smoke pot and drink beer and play guitar and surf the internet and, you know, jerk off and stuff. I figure I can tell you that.

It's a natural function. I've heard "Donald and Lydia."

John Prine! All hail John Prine! He's just the fuckin' best, man, ain't no one better.

You're changing the subject. farmboy.

Well, duh. You're talking about John Prine.

So I know the amount of stress you've been under and I think it's good that you took the day off. You deserve it. Now get some rest and take it easy on the buttermilk donuts.

You know, I'll have you know that I smoked some weed just so I wouldn't jump in my truck and drive to the evil supermarket where evil food waits for me.

Good choice.

Yeah, I'm sure I'll regret it in a few hours.