<p>While we’re here on our musical sojourn . . .</p>

<p>As I think I’ve made clear, I’m not one for treacle.&nbsp; I think music and poetry have much larger roles to fulfill than just supplying &quot;pretty.&quot;&nbsp; Verse, whether read or sung, allows the transmission of giant, important truths of existence, whether they’re nice or not.&nbsp; Terrible things need expression too.</p>

<p>I have my buttons, and one of the biggest, shiniest buttons says &quot;some fathers are terrible, and we’re allowed to say that&quot; on it.&nbsp; Of course I don’t think all fathers are bad.&nbsp; I lucked into a good Step-father, my big brother is an amazing father, and I’m surrounded by friends who have turned out to be wonderful fathers.&nbsp; I celebrate them.&nbsp; I do.&nbsp; </p>

<p>But the button is still there.&nbsp; Sylvia Plath found the button with &quot;<a href=”http://judithpordon.tripod.com/poetry/id302.html”>Daddy</a>,&quot; and I will love her forever for voicing something for me when I was simply too young to be able to express it.&nbsp; I can’t even think to count the number of wrongs that have been done to women I know by their fathers (I’m obviously including myself here–no weak attempts at cloaking necessary).&nbsp; And, as if having a crap father isn’t bad enough, we’re generally taught we’re not allowed to tell people when our fathers are jackasses.&nbsp; Well screw that.&nbsp; People who are nasty to their family members deserve to feel shame, particularly if they’re nasty to children or pregnant women.&nbsp; </p>

<p>Not that I have a strong opinion on the matter, or anything.&nbsp; Or that my opinion is bolstered when, every few years in spring, I have to fill out the security paperwork we contractors know so well, and then have to explain to some stranger that, no, I don’t have a phone number for my illustrious father and, no, I won’t seek one out but you’re welcome to, thankyouverymuch.&nbsp; </p>

<p>I’m coming to a point.&nbsp; Listening closely to <a href=”http://www.marthawainwright.com/”>Martha Wainwright</a> has been on my to-do list for a while.&nbsp; I’m a big fan of her brother, <a href=”http://rufuswainwright.com/”>Rufus Wainwright</a>, and I’ve always been curious about their family dynamic. </p>

<p>I’d heard <a href=”http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/marthawainwright/bloodymotherfuckingasshole.html”>Bloody MF A-hole</a> (I can’t believe I just censored that . . . it’s like I think there are kids in the room) before, but not listened that closely.&nbsp; So I didn’t know until five seconds ago it’s about her father, Loudoun &quot;I abandoned my kids but still use them as fodder for my songs&quot; Wainwright.&nbsp; &nbsp;She is lashing back at him for being so cruel to her in his songs for so long.&nbsp; </p>

<p><em>Poetry is no place for a heart that’s a whore.</em></p>

<p>Couldn’t have said it better myself, Martha.&nbsp; </p>

<p><em>I will not pretend<br />I will not put on a smile<br />I will not say I’m all right for you<br />For you, whoever you are<br />For you, whoever you are<br />For you, whoever you are</em></p>

<p>Martha, you’ve made my day.&nbsp; It’s anthemic.&nbsp; It’s a knee to that sanctimonious groin.&nbsp; It pushes the button down and holds it for just long enough.&nbsp; You’re a giant killer, and I love you for it.&nbsp; </p>

<p>Listen to <a href=”http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5325695″>Martha Wainwright</a> live at the 9:30 club (free legal download!).&nbsp; And then listen to the Neko Case show, available on the same page.&nbsp; It’s better for you than vitamins and roughage.&nbsp; </p>

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