"And is not the lute that soothes your spirit, the very lute that was hallowed with knives?" --Kahlil Gibran, "The Prophet" Mother blazes down an Iowa highway, the speakers of her teal '86 Cavalier blaring the Rolling Stones' No Satisfaction at the highest possible level. My twin sister and I lock eyes in the backseat, our six-year-old souls devouring Keith Richards' hellacious guitar licks and Mick Jagger's poignant declarations of discontent. Windows down, black hair blowing, Steph's eyes flicker like two red flames revealing something imperative and wind-swept about the human experience. They bare the flames of raw carnal knowledge, that pure and consuming passion a person stumbles into once or twice a lifetime – if they're lucky. Something like the first glimpse of a woman's breast, the first sip of whiskey, the first toke of reefer, or skipping school on a May afternoon. Prior to this day, Steph and I lived securely in the shackles of our grandmother's fundamental Christian clutches, which meant, among other things: no rock and roll. This particular car ride symbolized the conjectural crossroad of our sugar-free existence– two polished children of Christ lured towards life's grimier delights. I clench my teeth, snarl my brow, and do the one thing every rocker feels compelled to do when any other expression fails to meet the moment. I raised my middle finger and resolutely held it out the window– at the highest possible level.
I am grateful for these stories. There hasn’t been a single writing of yours yet that didn’t leave me in a prayerful and reflective space. Thank you again brother.
And I relate similarly to music as the playlist to the ride of life, more important than the destination itself. Tool carried me through years of troubled youth, and onwards— I remember my heart aching in my chest and spine tingling when I first heard Stinkfist at the age of 16, my best friend at the time telling me it perfectly described his relationship to heroin.
I am honored to be learning more of your story, Tony. In the right time, someday, may we share stories and songs in person. May we share a meal and say a prayer for All Our Relations. In the meantime, I’ll be here, receiving your writings with gratitude, and sending blessings from Columbia, MO 🙏🏻
Thank-you so much for your support and kind words. I began writing this piece around a month ago. The memory of the car ride with my mom and sister Stephanie needed to be written. I began this piece by really thinking about the differences between my mother's and grandmother's worlds, and ended thinking about how our most memorable moments come equipped with soundtracks.
When I write, I try to portray my experience as universal, hoping that people will recognize that incarcerated voices contain universal insights. Your comment is beautiful. I love Tool, I still learn things about myself and the world when I listen to them.
Also, thanks for sharing about your experience with music, I love hearing from those who connect with my work. I appreciate your thoughtful donation, music in here is so important. The last several days have been especially hard, there are constant fights and violence is becoming so prevalent. In this kind of environment, music is so vital.
I would love to hear any suggestions you (or others) have for good music. My "wishlist" for songs now includes U2, Boyz 2 Men, Cyndi Lauper, Rush, and Gordon Lightfoot.
Yes! Share a meal, a song, and a story. Can' t wait. Thanks Virgil.
Brother you are succeeding beautifully in conveying the universal insights coming from incarcerated voices. And your message in the outro of Over/Under has helped me understand that insightful voices such as yours are not an anomaly in the U.S. prison system. That hit hard.
I’m sorry to hear about the especially hard days. I’ve been holding you in my thoughts and sending prayers up for your safety. And wishing for some semblance of ease for you and those amongst you.
As for good music- I tend to bounce all over the place with what I listen to. But a majority of my listening these days is made up of a variety of west-African artists, hip hop, reggae, funk, soul. D Smoke is one hip hop artist I’ve had on repeat lately. “Top of the Morning” is a good one. And Sona Jobarteh from Gambia. “Kambengwo.” Just a couple for starters :)
Please share with us when you get your hands on an iPad and what you listen to. I hope it hits just right.
I am grateful for these stories. There hasn’t been a single writing of yours yet that didn’t leave me in a prayerful and reflective space. Thank you again brother.
And I relate similarly to music as the playlist to the ride of life, more important than the destination itself. Tool carried me through years of troubled youth, and onwards— I remember my heart aching in my chest and spine tingling when I first heard Stinkfist at the age of 16, my best friend at the time telling me it perfectly described his relationship to heroin.
I am honored to be learning more of your story, Tony. In the right time, someday, may we share stories and songs in person. May we share a meal and say a prayer for All Our Relations. In the meantime, I’ll be here, receiving your writings with gratitude, and sending blessings from Columbia, MO 🙏🏻
Thank-you so much for your support and kind words. I began writing this piece around a month ago. The memory of the car ride with my mom and sister Stephanie needed to be written. I began this piece by really thinking about the differences between my mother's and grandmother's worlds, and ended thinking about how our most memorable moments come equipped with soundtracks.
When I write, I try to portray my experience as universal, hoping that people will recognize that incarcerated voices contain universal insights. Your comment is beautiful. I love Tool, I still learn things about myself and the world when I listen to them.
Also, thanks for sharing about your experience with music, I love hearing from those who connect with my work. I appreciate your thoughtful donation, music in here is so important. The last several days have been especially hard, there are constant fights and violence is becoming so prevalent. In this kind of environment, music is so vital.
I would love to hear any suggestions you (or others) have for good music. My "wishlist" for songs now includes U2, Boyz 2 Men, Cyndi Lauper, Rush, and Gordon Lightfoot.
Yes! Share a meal, a song, and a story. Can' t wait. Thanks Virgil.
Brother you are succeeding beautifully in conveying the universal insights coming from incarcerated voices. And your message in the outro of Over/Under has helped me understand that insightful voices such as yours are not an anomaly in the U.S. prison system. That hit hard.
I’m sorry to hear about the especially hard days. I’ve been holding you in my thoughts and sending prayers up for your safety. And wishing for some semblance of ease for you and those amongst you.
As for good music- I tend to bounce all over the place with what I listen to. But a majority of my listening these days is made up of a variety of west-African artists, hip hop, reggae, funk, soul. D Smoke is one hip hop artist I’ve had on repeat lately. “Top of the Morning” is a good one. And Sona Jobarteh from Gambia. “Kambengwo.” Just a couple for starters :)
Please share with us when you get your hands on an iPad and what you listen to. I hope it hits just right.
-Virgil