Blind in one ear

One of the things about being a renegade musician is I don't play songs people want to hear but only what I like.

That's why I'm not paid any money but I do have a good time.

So "Dead Skunk in the Middle of the Road" performed at the Nursing Home takes on special relevance to all the inmates who will soon die themselves.

It cracks me up when they sing and laugh at the finality of it all.

That's music connecting with people!

"Why didn't you come get me?" a white hair lady in a wheelchair demands as we're leaving.

"I don't know where you live," I honestly reply.

"I live it a freaking Nursing Home," she snaps. "It's not that hard to find anybody."

I have no idea how to respond.

Rolling her eyes, she squeezes my hand and says, "I'm in 222. You can come in anytime. If I'm asleep ... wake me up."

I remain speechless.

"Hey man," an old man says grabbing my hand and saving my ass, "I saw The Rolling Stones but I like you better."

"Really?"  I ask letting him lead me away.

"Yes," he emphatically states, "but ... I'm blind in one ear."

Stopping dead in my tracks I drop my guitar on the floor and stare at the jolly black Santa Claus walking me out the door.

"Blind in one ear?" I ask.

"It sucks," he says leading me on.

Home again, I strip and hit the outdoor shower, washing away the sweat of giving the inmates everything I've got.

Fixing a drink, I stroll naked to sunshine of the Beloved Back Deck, hit "play" on Spotify ... currently I'm listening to the Billboard Top 100 from every year since the year I was born in 1956 ... which is where I find the songs I like to play.

"Dead Skunk in the Middle of the Road" peaked at #16 on the charts in 1973.

Sipping my drink, I contemplate the wonderful survivors who pay to be incarcerated so their families can remain free.

"Blind in one ear," I laugh out loud to Goddess.

Holy Jesus! I've got great fans!