The Shadows And The Suitcase Filled With Broken Picks And Stage Setlists

April 2, 2025

The old suitcase lay forgotten in the corner of the dimly lit attic, layered in dust, as if the shadows themselves were protecting it from the light. I had stumbled upon it while searching for old keepsakes, driven by nostalgia for my childhood dreams of becoming a musician. The moment I opened it, the musty smell of aged paper filled my nostrils, and my heart raced at the sight of broken guitar picks and crumpled stage setlists. Each item told a story, a fragment of the life of an artist who had once stood in the spotlight, pouring their soul into their music.

As I sifted through the contents, I uncovered a faded note that had been buried beneath the wreckage—a heartfelt message from the artist to their fans, speaking about the struggles and triumphs that shaped their journey. It reminded me of the nights they spent playing in small bars, chasing dreams under the flickering lights while facing countless rejections. The pick, cracked and worn, was a testament to the hours of practice and the passion that fueled their desire to create. It represented the resilience that comes with following one’s dreams, even when the world seems to conspire against you.

The artist had faced numerous setbacks, including a disastrous performance that nearly ended their career. I could almost hear the echoes of that night—the empty venue, the missed chords, and the harsh reviews that followed. But instead of giving up, they gathered their strength and poured their heart into their music, refining their craft. It took time, but the perseverance paid off. They wrote more songs, each one infused with the lessons learned from failure. That suitcase, with its broken picks and forgotten setlists, was a symbol of their journey from darkness into the light.

Holding the items in my hands, I felt a surge of inspiration. This artist was not just someone I admired; they were a reminder that every setback can be a stepping stone to something greater. Their willingness to embrace the failures and keep moving forward ignited a fire in me. I understood now that pursuing my own dreams would mean facing challenges and overcoming doubts. Just like the artist, I could turn my fears into art and use my voice to create something beautiful.

With newfound determination, I began to write my own songs, channeling the spirit of resilience I had discovered in that dusty attic. I took the broken picks and setlists as a reminder that imperfection didn’t define my journey; rather, it enriched it. The artist’s triumphs and trials became my motivation, urging me to share my own story through music. I imagined performing on stages where lights would shine bright, the notes flowing like a river, connecting me with an audience that felt the raw emotion behind the lyrics.

As I closed the suitcase and placed it back in the attic, I realized that the shadows of the past had given me a precious gift—a lesson in perseverance, creativity, and hope. I vowed to stay true to my passion and to remember that while the road may be filled with broken picks, it is also paved with the echoes of songs waiting to be sung. After all, just because the journey is tough doesn’t mean it can’t lead to something incredible, and I was ready to find out where my own music would take me.