4.5.24
Heidegger and Sartre
Drinking poppy tea
I could’ve sworn last night
I passed out in my van
And now these guys
Are pouring one for me

People are in a tizzy.

More so than usual, I mean.

My (possibly crackpot) theory is that the upcoming eclipse has us on edge. Where I am in northern Vermont, totality will be achieved directly overhead at around 3:30 p.m. on Monday, April 8.

The anticipation and accompanying media hype have driven some back to grocery shopping frenzies unseen since the early days of Covid. Others are acting as though the thousands of visitors from out of state are invading hordes of Visigoths. And of course, there are the zealots who are absolutely convinced that a total eclipse in America has to be a sign of the End Times, Rapture, an alien invasion, or the impending return of JNCO jeans as a cool fashion statement.

The nuttiness of it all made me think of tonight’s song, an absolutely wild juke-joint journey into slapstick pretentiousness and psychedelic visions.

I’m Writing a Novel is a track from Father John Misty’s debut solo album, Fear Fun (2012). It’s a perfect gateway song for anyone initiated with Father John Misty, the nom de plume of Joshua Tillman. He’s a master of crafting deeply satirical lyrics and catchy tunes.

But back to the eclipse …

Six months ago I was looking forward to it. Now, as with most things that are hyped to the max, I just want it to be over. I’m still looking forward to experiencing totality, but I’m sorta looking forward even more to the calm that will settle in after.