Trust your talent

The Bard and the Balladeer

“Leave the bottle full for others
Thank you kindly,” Desert Pete

In 1963, the Kingston Trio recorded what became a very popular song, Desert Pete.  A man “thirsty down to his toenails” comes across a water pump in the desert.  A glass of water sits atop the pump; the man’s challenge is to resist his impulse the drink the water and, instead, trust that there’s water in the well and prime the pump so not only will he enjoy all the water he needs, but he can leave a glass of water for the next needy person who comes along.

“You’ve got to prime the pump, you must have faith and believe
You’ve got to give of yourself ‘fore you’re worthy to receive
Drink all the water you can hold, wash your face, cool your feet
Leave the bottle full for others, Thank You kindly, Desert Pete”

The complete lyrics can be found at http://www.lyricstime.com/the-kingston-trio-desert-pete-lyrics.html

This catchy tune fits well with writing.  We must believe.  We must keep faith in our talents, even during those times when we feel broken by rejection or events beyond our control (reviews, bad timing, difficult market, etc.).

“You’ve got to give of yourself ‘fore you’re worthy to receive.”
It takes courage to write what’s in our hearts, but that fresh, cool magic pumped up from your soul is what refreshes your work, brings new life into your words. Trust your talent, and take that chance!  Prime your pump and go ahead, splash around and enjoy the abundance that comes forth.

Prime that pump. I’m wishing you a great writing day!