Rock Star

That's what I wanted to be. Or more to the point, that's what I thought I wanted to be. And you're probably wondering why on Earth has Bennie brought this up at this very moment; the day after one of the most historic elections in history. A day that the hangover from shedding tears of joy, listening to two incredible speeches by two worthy leaders, witnessing a change for the better in America, and letting freedom ring still resonates within my heart and mind.

I tell you this because I'm on the verge of selling the oldest reminder of what life was like, what life could've been, what life wasn't, and what what life wouldn't be. She is an old friend who has served me well. She is a companion that gave me comfort and support on stage. She was loud and obnoxious sometimes but that was part of her job. She participated with me in my first recording experiences in a professional studio many years ago.

Together we spent many nights together, just the two of us alone in a darkened room. The lights of a stereo receiver being the only light in the room. We would listen to music together. After a few drinks and perhaps an herbal intoxication she would let me caress her, allowing my fingers to indulge in all of my creative fantasies. It was what she was made for.

Many nights we would part ways only to once again see her in my dream world. When my song-writing partner moved to Detroit she would always accompany me. There were, and have always been, "others" but she was the one. Even after all these years her shape and the long lost whispers of another "one of these nights" still beckons me.

Time has marched forward (as it always does) and my lady friend has been put aside due to other interests and endeavors. Although she has remained loyal her days and nights are now spent sitting around watching family life in our bonus room. Truly I still appreciate all she has to offer, and in fact not much has changed with age. After all these years her beauty and grace remain. But the time has come for us to part ways.

Even though I will soon say farewell to my B.C. Rich Mockingbird bass guitar, her memory will continue to tease me occasionally in my dreams. She is a part of me that has kept me feeling young. She will also always be special now, since she has become a collectors item - something that led me to this decision.

But I do have a secret...

I've always been a better guitarist than a bass player so I'm keeping my other "girlfriends." Just don't tell the Mockingbird. Shhhhh...