Let It All Be

I see an advert at the bus stop.The open road of the USA,highway stretching through Monument Valley.Nah, I’d rather be here.On the bus,headphones alive,listening to something real —like Traquair and the Tranquilizers,or Steve Adams singing,“Have you washed your hands?”Heading to Irvine beachin the peelywally Scottish sun.The kind of dayyou need sunscreen and a hoody,just inContinue reading “Let It All Be”

Rain and the Black Crowes

The rain fell steady that night. He opened the window and could feel the moisture in the air. He turned the lights down low and listened as nonfiction drifted out from the speakers. The acoustic guitar, bass and harmonica all drifting in together. He put down his phone and sat on the floor at theContinue reading “Rain and the Black Crowes”

The Bridge

** Contains strong language and themes of mortality and violence. ** Section 1 It started here, on this bridge. A December day with the temperature falling. Away from the crowds, the shoppers, the revellers spilling out of the pub. The cold waters of the Kelvin running beneath me: timeless, endless. A police siren sounds asContinue reading “The Bridge”

Pawn Shop Guitar Man

I’m a pawn shop guitar man.They don’t let me in uptown.I don’t get around downtown much either. I’ve been waiting for the bus,but the buses don’t run. It’s okay.It could be worse. I’ve got this guitar. Paint’s a little worn. Six strings.Twenty frets. A universe. Lift it from the case.Start to play. Testifying beneath theContinue reading “Pawn Shop Guitar Man”