I’ve talked about using music as inspiration before, having words and lyrics move you to pick up the pen and start writing. I’m not sure I’ve shared some of my favorite music with you which seems silly, especially since I’ve talked about it inspiring me!

Perhaps my favorite musician is the folk artist William Fitzsimmons. The man is amazing. Seriously. I’ve seen him live three times and will see him every time he comes to my city. I’ve also met him twice and he’s kind and cool in person – even though I got flustered the last time I met him…

William Fitzsimmons & I, all smiles

William Fitzsimmons takes my nervousness in stride.

Getting flustered…

One of his songs, Candy, contains a line that I used as an epigraph for one of my poems. Here’s the song, it’s worth a listen.

Here’s the poem:

Consternation 

“She faces me with consternation / in her eyes / though she’s facing some direction / I can’t find…” from Candy by William Fitzsimmons

Lying with you,

your rooftop and the dark sky

vacant, save us.

Glass in hand,

sipping burgundy red

and your lips.

Spying our majestic capitol

in the distance,

its white dome shining,

my eyes never leaving you.

***

What musicians inspire you? Who are your favorites?