I’ve often used poetry to illustrate my emotional journey as a songwriter. This, celebrating the pain that in many instances accompanies and?should accompany our quest for artistic sovereignty.

Kill the Fatted Calf
by Jeff Hartman
Originally published May 1, 1989

I speak my piece through versitude
Of such I’ve scrawled in solitude
I’ve kissed women in gratitude
Still each one ends in wrangled feud

I’ve hurt
I’ve bled
I’ve feared
I’ve fled
Renown me with the virtue of death

My quota
My life
My solitude
My trite attitude
Only from my solemn aptitude

How must we kill the fatted calf?
With altitude