I keep waiting for something to happen, I can't grow younger

Patrick Rickelton (prattle on, rick), taught high school history and German for nearly seven years which he left behind to take up a busker’s approach to performing, “focusing instead on art shows, cafes, restaurants, museums, houses, etc.” Maybe he stopped waiting for something to happen and set out to make things happen.

How well has it been going for him? If we take his lyrics at their face value, perhaps not as well as he would like.

lately I walk on a lonely road
it's the only road I know
lately I talk with my shadow
no ear to hear my groan
no dwelling to call home
no shelter from the snow

lately I sing on a broken stage
no words upon my page
lately I stroll on an empty lane
it's easier that way
no one to see the pain
or to break my heart again

Perhaps we shouldn’t take the lyrics as reflecting how is career is going. Perhaps some of it is that he’s not playing the music industry game the way it is currently rigged and not enough people have discovered his music.

Patrick’s music resonates with me. There is something to be said about taking on the busker’s attitude and going on to share one’s music. Patrick was one of the first people to respond to my request on Sonic Bids. I liked his music right away and tried to find the right time in my schedule to review it.

As luck would have it, today was the day I had scheduled to write my review. As I started relistening to his music, I received a couple emails from family members. An old close friend of my mother just died as did my cousin Doug.

Although, the song ‘lately’ does not stay on a sad lonely theme. It ends with a sense of a promise.

someday we'll sing a perfect melody
in perfect harmony
we'll worship perfectly
see what we've longed to see
where everyone we meet
is long-lost family
no reason more to grieve
no need no more to leave

So, I stroll down my empty lanes, waiting for something to happen. Along the way, I will mourn the death of friends and family, but I’ll also keep listening to groups like prattle on, rick. It will make the road a bit more enjoyable and keep me reminded of the beauty in life.