It's Too Late Now

The week is pushing against itself in a frustration of hours rubbing up to hours too quickly. It is constrained, tied tight in a corset of minutes that it can't wiggle out of. I could let it out, take the last few steps running and then stumble to a walk, but instead there's the possibility of lacing more and more in. So I make some calls. A stamp on the hand, ushering me in, disaffected but thrilled. I want to name drop, event drop, time and place drop all over the floor and let you see, we'll see. I can tell you things that sew flaring skirts around it without ever naming names. There was my wrist, held out and flashing a stripe of blue bracelet that disagreed and said no, I am really with the band, I swear. Wandering up stairs to stand awe and star struck by the men with guitars, standing out being outstanding, holding tight and lofty court with the people all playing at being people who are playing. Musicfest, once more, I have entered your pricy chambers unscathed. And then the band, oh, the darling band. Coming home early morning to the french boy asking if I'd like some herbal tea. Who would say no, really? They were only briefly here, sleeping on our floor and sofas, filling the living rooom with the warm stink of tired boy. In the small checkered cafe, yellow sweatered minors stomping at invisible spiders in a caffeinated dance to the sweet small percussion and recorder accompanied beats. The band was good, so good. In the morning I made them thick carrot raisin pancakes that we spread with light cream cheese and ate, standing around the absence of a table in the dining room. Walking home after shows in parts of town that would kick my ass if I didn't have my donut held high and a paper carton of milk square in my hand as I walk bold booted through too many blocks on my way past doorways and winos, gutterpunks crumpled black leather in shadows. Week of September 4-10th. Bands Seen: Crooked Fingers, Careen, Robyn Hitchcock, Train Go Sorry, Colin Meloy, Dolorean, Kid Francois, Chad Bault, Arctic Circle, Reclinerland, Laura Gibson. Actual Performances Seen, Thus Eliminating From the List Bands and Members Merely Glimpsed While Hanging Around Other Band's Shows:Crooked Fingers, Robyn Hitchcock, Colin Meloy, Kid Francois, Chad Bault, Arctic Circle. Groups Accidentally Missed: Hot Air Balloon Ride, Jean Grae. Bands Shaken Hands With: Crooked Fingers, Kid Francois, Arctic Circle, Chad Bault, Laura Gibson, Hot Air Balloon Ride. Performers Briefly Lived With: Kid Francois, Arctic Circle. Singer/Songwriters Trapped In Stalled Cars With Until The Tow Truck Came: Laura Gibson