Saturday, April 28, 2007

Things of Consequence Large and Small


Thirty winters of neglect left him as rusty as the abandoned metal automobile shells currently occupying the outer reaches of the large hillock behind his shack. A quick glance out the kitchen window revealed the cancerous advances of corrosion upon their surfaces. Although the thick translucent plastic he’d duct-taped to the window’s exterior to serve as insulation against the cold tended to obscure his view, Thurmond Ledbetter learned to accept the distortions as the necessary result of economy and failing eyesight. Besides, the cars served as rabbit burrows and impediments to hillside erosion, so he figured they served a purpose, even if the county regarded them as an eyesore. He made mental note to remove them just as soon as he received notification that the county was now paying his property taxes… and he smiled broadly, his teeth resembling an octave of piano keys, with a-sharp and b-flat right in the middle.

His new string had arrived yesterday along with John Barnes and his mail sack. John hadn’t cared to step inside, he was a little strapped for time given the fact that his car would never have made the trip up Thurmond’s hill and he was forced to walk. Still, Thurman figured, it would have been neighborly of him to set a spell, but it would have been rude to insist, so he accepted the small parcel with a nod and a smile and shut the front door, although he did watch the diminutive postman walk back down the hill, stepping around and over the mud puddles that formed in the road ruts due to last night’s deluge. This particular part of Kentucky got lots of rain and with the county’s current attitude toward neglect of the less-used gravel roads, it was a small miracle that the route still existed at all, not that Thurmond gave a shit either way; past cousin Purdy’s semi-annual pilgrimage from Elizabethtown and Nellie Freeman’s occasional bouts with Satan and his demon rum, he got very few visitors. And he considered that to be okay, too, even if his songs did have to wait awhile before reaching the ears of anyone except Spottie’s.

Now that he had the sixth string back on his guitar, maybe he’d be able to spot the key change that was screwing up the refrain in his new song and properly figure out if he needed to capo that D-flat diminished to make the lament resound in proper fashion without giving the impression that someone had just castrated Spottie without the benefit of anesthesia. Quietly, he flipped open the aged case that held his glasses and with all the precision his long fingers could muster grasped the thin wire frames and lovingly placed them behind his ears, flicking the tops of his earlobes down to allow their passage. Once in place, he tapped the nosepiece to ensure that they didn’t slip off his face and picked up the copy of his song that he’d labored to write down. Thurmond didn’t really read music, although he understood what to play if he saw the chords written down, so he’d taken the time to write ‘a-flat’ and ‘C-minor-diminished’ and whatever notes were called for atop the words. Most musicians would have laughed at him if they’d ever seen his ‘music’, but Thurmond filed their derision in the long mental list he’d already compiled for anyone who didn’t like what he did, his list of people who could go straight to hell, never once stopping to pass ‘Go’.

With patience derived from years spent in practice of lethargy, Thurmond worked the new string into its assigned position alongside the others, carefully and meticulously tightening the tuners on his guitar’s neck with a strum on the appropriate string. After satisfying himself that his instrument was properly tuned, he stopped to once again familiarize himself with the song:

Loser’s Blues

Ain’t nothin’ in the world for me,
I don’t fit in, as you can see,
I couldn’t even steal
some piece of mind…

I’ve got glass cuts ‘round my mouth
from something layin’ ‘round my house,
I’m a lightheaded loser
burned out from all that booze.

(refrain)
So please don’t bury me
down in that cold, dark ground
while hairy spiders check me out,
they’re crawlin’ all around…

I don’t care what they said,
I just may not be dead,
appearances can be deceivin’,
liquored up from Shayna’s news.

Ol’ Black Jack’s my only friend,
the only one I don’t offend,
he don’t talk back or
leave me for another’s arms.

He won’t walk out on me,
and as you can plainly see,
ain’t much left to imagination
or, for that matter— charm.

So please don’t bury me
down in that cold, dark ground
while hairy spiders check me out,
they’re crawlin’ all around…

I don’t care what they said,
I just may not be dead,
appearances can be deceivin’,
liquored up from Shayna’s news.

Now there ain’t a day goes by,
I don’t get by just gettin’ high,
Eatin’ tater chips and
Sleepin’ in my clothes.

While it certainly may be true
I’d take a bullet just for you,
It also could be argued
You also took a few for me.

So please don’t throw my clothes
out on that cold, wet ground,
you know I love you just as much
as we pass the bottle 'round…

I don’t care what they said
Shayna’s love just isn't dead,
Appearances can be deceivin’,
When you sing the Loser’s Blues.

There’d be no supper tonight. Song followed song like summer follows spring as Thurmond Ledbetter did the only thing he really enjoyed doing, oblivious to time and space, ignorant of all things outside his shack and blessedly so. Spottie didn’t care one way or the other.
Bob Church©4/27/07



12 comments:

Anonymous said...

At first I was sad for him and the
way he was living and then
I read 'he has music'
what else would you need?
Other than food.
I like this a lot.
It he had a cat this would be
perfect, I would have said
dog, but you left the last one
all alone in the night with
no food, So I do not think
you should give him a dog.
Very good work on this,
way to go!!!!

Kay lee

Bubba said...

I don't think Thurmond would have appreciated a cat... unless, of course, the cat had a Gold Card. Ha!

Thanks for the read...

Anonymous said...

Howdy
NEW JERSEY Moving Checklist
Furniture Movers
Best Moving Company
Apartment Movers
Atlanta Relocation
Find Moving Companies
Last Minute Move
National Moving Company
New York Moving Services
NY Movers
Office Mover
Overseas Moving Service
Philadelphia Mover
Manhattan Moving Company Van Line
Preparing A House For Sale
Rental Moving Vans
San Francisco Mover
Shipping Container
Van Line

[url=http://www.amatteroffax.com/itempagey_invid_1526859_d_xerox-xdl-23.html]Xerox XDL-23[/url]
[url=http://www.amatteroffax.com/itempagey_invid_1367002962_d_brother-mfc8480dn-p-c-s-f-laserpr-32ppm-64mb-duplex.html]Brother Brother MFC8480DN[/url]

Anonymous said...

Hello
NJ Local Moving Service
Furniture Movers New York
Best Mover
American Van Line
Atlanta Movers
Choosing A Moving Company
Local Movers
Moving Services
New Jersey Movers
North American Van Line
Office Mover
Overseas Moving
Van Line
Piano Mover
Professional Moving Service
Relocation To Florida
San Francisco Moving Service
International Shipping Companies
Usa Mover

[url=http://www.amatteroffax.com/itempagey_invid_1526859_d_xerox-xdl-23.html]Xerox XDL-23[/url]
[url=http://www.amatteroffax.com/itempagey_invid_1367002962_d_brother-mfc8480dn-p-c-s-f-laserpr-32ppm-64mb-duplex.html]Brother Brother MFC8480DN[/url]

Anonymous said...

Peace Everyone
new jersey Local Moving Service
Self Storage
Best Moving Deal
Apartment Mover
Vanline Movers New York
Find Moving Companies
Movers
Moving Service
New York Moving Services
North American Van Line
Office Mover
Overseas Shipping
Phoenix Movers
Manhattan Moving Company Van Line
Preparing A House For Sale
Relocation
Self Storage
International Shipping Companies
Van Line

[url=http://www.amatteroffax.com/itempagey_invid_1526859_d_xerox-xdl-23.html]Xerox XDL-23[/url]
[url=http://www.amatteroffax.com/itempagey_invid_1367002962_d_brother-mfc8480dn-p-c-s-f-laserpr-32ppm-64mb-duplex.html]Brother Brother MFC8480DN[/url]

Anonymous said...

House Movers
Choose a mover
The relocation consultant is the first person you will come across with. He is salesperson of the moving company you are dealing with. You will be advised by him on all parts of secure and planned moving.

A survey of all the goods at your house will be done by him and he will give you the feedback on which articles can be carried and which can't. He will make you aware of the many services the company offers. This survey lets the counselor of the company to get an idea to present the estimate of costs for moving your goods to your new home. Once you decide upon one pricing options out of many and sign an order for the service, the company will start its service.
Packing and Loading
In case of packing being done (obviously if you have ordered) by the company the concerned persons will drop in to house in the morning of scheduled day of move or day before it. It depends on how much packing has to be done.

Driver or van foreman is the next man who will play a role as more that of his professional post. In fact the van foreman is in charge of all the process. Besides driving, they play multifarious role in terms of getting the goods loaded, and carrying them absolutely safe to you new location. Helpers are there to assist him in loading and unloading process.

Protecting your home from untoward and pinching harms while loading is also the prime responsibility of the van foreman. He makes sure that the floor runners are laid down to save carpets and floors from scratches or anything like that. Railing and doorways are also padded to protect the walls and woodwork from any kind of damage.

In case you are not able to be there at the time of loading, you must give the charge to responsible person who can ensure things going on smoothly and sign the bill of loading and the list of inventory.

Cloth pads are wrapped around the furniture to protect it from scratches and dirt. All the items which can get dirty and severe damage are packed properly to avoid any misshapenness. Arrangements are made for protecting even a futile thing like gardening tool.

Make sure that nothing is left behind once the van is ready with the articles loaded on it.


[url=http://aaamoving-store.com/home_services.php?catid=70]Moving Estimate[/url]

[url=http://www.peacemovers.com/services/commercial_move.html]MOVERS[/url]

Anonymous said...

Choosing a Professional Movers
One thing in life that demands utmost care and planning is moving to another place and get settled. Probably it is one the most adverse moment of one's life. However, proper planning and management could take this stress out of your mind. What you need to do is that you research on the options available and get your prized possessions moved to the new place safely and without any hassle.

The very first step towards it the selection of a professional and expert mover. There are many aspects which need to seen before finalizing the deal with a mover. After getting a list of movers you need to verify their credibility in the market. You are required to inform them about the place relocating and your preferred timing to move. Ask for a copy of the details of estimate and the services they are offering. You can chose the best suitable for you out of them by comparing their details.

You must go through and understand the things written in the document that explains everything about their services and the customer's rights and responsibilities.

Especially in case of moving to a different state you will be given a booklet entitled "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move". You will also be made aware of the program regarding dispute settlement and mover's participation in it. Dispute might arise in case of any loss and damage to the household goods in course of transportation.

FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) has made the distribution of this document necessary as a step to lessen the number of disputes concerning losses and damages to the articles. Understanding the terms and conditions and dispute settling program properly can help a lot in a move which is devoid of any stress whatsoever.
[url=http://aaamoving-store.com/legal.php]Moving Services[/url]

[url=http://www.peacemovers.com/mini_articles/New_Jersey_Moving_Company.html]Movers[/url]

Anonymous said...

Choosing a Professional Movers
One thing in life that demands utmost care and planning is moving to another place and get settled. Probably it is one the most adverse moment of one's life. However, proper planning and management could take this stress out of your mind. What you need to do is that you research on the options available and get your prized possessions moved to the new place safely and without any hassle.

The very first step towards it the selection of a professional and expert mover. There are many aspects which need to seen before finalizing the deal with a mover. After getting a list of movers you need to verify their credibility in the market. You are required to inform them about the place relocating and your preferred timing to move. Ask for a copy of the details of estimate and the services they are offering. You can chose the best suitable for you out of them by comparing their details.

You must go through and understand the things written in the document that explains everything about their services and the customer's rights and responsibilities.

Especially in case of moving to a different state you will be given a booklet entitled "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move". You will also be made aware of the program regarding dispute settlement and mover's participation in it. Dispute might arise in case of any loss and damage to the household goods in course of transportation.

FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) has made the distribution of this document necessary as a step to lessen the number of disputes concerning losses and damages to the articles. Understanding the terms and conditions and dispute settling program properly can help a lot in a move which is devoid of any stress whatsoever.
[url=http://www.aaamoving-store.com/open_houses.php?state=NJ]Relocation Help[/url]

[url=http://www.peacemovers.com/services/hotels-restaurants.html]Movers[/url]

Anonymous said...

[url=http://flatratemovers2.wetpaint.com/]Flat Rate Movers[/url]
[url=http://nationwidevanlines.vox.com/library/post/about-nationwide-vanlines-dial-866-668-3748.html]Get Van Lines[/url]
[url=http://movingservice2.blogetery.com/2010/01/25/great-movers-new-jersey-b-b-b-members/]Moving Services[/url]
[url=http://njmoving2.onsugar.com/7168862]New Jersey Moving Services[/url]

[url=http://www.peacemovers.com/services/office-furnitures.html]MOVERS[/url]

Anonymous said...

[url=http://flatratemovers4.blog.friendster.com/2010/02/hire-nyc-movers-njmovers/]Flat Rate Relocation[/url]
[url=http://vanlines1.blog.com/2010/01/24/find-nationwide-vanlines-call-1866-668-3748/]Find Van Lines[/url]
[url=http://movingservice2.bravejournal.com]Moving Services[/url]
[url=http://quizilla.teennick.com/stories/16099865/expert-moving-service-new-jersey-bbb-members]New Jersey Moving Services[/url]

[url=http://www.peacemovers.com/services/arcade-games.html]MOVER[/url]

Anonymous said...

[url=http://flatratemovers2.wetpaint.com/]Flat Rate Relocation[/url]
[url=http://cid-4b8de27c2f459797.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!4B8DE27C2F459797!106.entry]Get Van Line[/url]
[url=http://movingservice2.blogetery.com/2010/01/25/great-movers-new-jersey-b-b-b-members/]Moving Service[/url]
[url=http://njmoving2.onsugar.com/7168862]New Jersey Moving Services[/url]

[url=http://www.peacemovers.com/services/office-furnitures.html]MOVER[/url]

Anonymous said...

[url=http://flatratemove4.jimdo.com/2010/02/08/about-nyc-international-movers-moving-flat-rate/]Flat Rate Moving[/url]
[url=http://vanlines3.xanga.com/720631892/about-van-line-agent--dial-866-668-3748/]Get Van Line[/url]
[url=http://njmoving3.ning.com/profile/VanLinesServices]Moving Services[/url]
[url=http://quizilla.teennick.com/stories/16099865/expert-moving-service-new-jersey-bbb-members]New Jersey Moving[/url]

[url=http://www.peacemovers.com/mini_articles/New_York_Mover.html]Movers[/url]