NO MAN'S LAND

by James Michael Taylor

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REMEMBERING BABE 092110 - NO MAN'S LAND

Uploaded September 21, 2010 1:05pm.

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There is nothing like the presence of a horse. The quiet understanding. The gentle strength.

Woodlake, California…1961. I had a horse. She was my friend.

There were times in my teens when Babe was the only being that did not judge me.

REMEMBERING BABE

The air conditioner would click on about every thirty minutes. It made so much noise I could get out of bed, put all my clothes on and climb out the window. Babe could hear me coming. The rattle of the bridal. Eyes bright. Ears sticking straight up. I’d lead her out the drive way, passed the olive trees. I’d hop up on her. The mist on the street lamps looked like big blurry dandelions.
Woodlake, California is a little town at the foot of the Sequoias. It was 1961. I was a senior in high school that year. Keren lived across town. I’d say, “Let’s go.” Babe would lean into it. I’d grab her mane. Push myself back on her rump. Just enjoy the rhythm, the power. And then, when I could tell she was getting kinda tired I’d jump down and I’d run along beside her.
We’d take the road out around town, past Gard Harris’ house, the water tower, around the lake.
I’d tap my finger nails on Keren’s window. She’d climb out and we’d go round back to the guest house. We’d hold each other and talk. I don’t remember what we’d talk about or how we ever knew when we were finished talking. But before the sun come up I’d hop back on Babe and head for home.
One night there was a full moon shining on the lake and it seemed the fish were all gathered down at one little shallow corner, laying on their side, reflecting the gold in their scales, back into the night. Tails flapping.
I’ll never forget that. It was like I was stoned.

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James Michael Taylor said January 12, 2024 4:01pm

Love. Love. Thank you for sharing. I'm sharing it. - LeAnne M Christian

James Michael Taylor said January 12, 2024 2:33pm

That was beautifully written and played. I mustn't forget to say that it's beautifully narrated in your song. I was there! Bravo! P.S. I know where your namesake got his style. - George Garner

James Michael Taylor said July 24, 2023 10:13pm

Rosemarie Kempton wrote: Just finished listening to your memories of your horse Babe. Your words painted such a vivid portrait of your night rides that I felt like I was riding Babe, too. Beautifully done!

James Michael Taylor said April 25, 2023 7:06pm

Laurie L. Ward James, loved it…interesting where you chose to end it…but somehow…just perfect.

James Michael Taylor said February 7, 2023 5:46pm

Dee Hill James Michael Taylor I love this

James Michael Taylor said October 5, 2022 3:46am

Rosemarie Kempton Love reading what you write!

James Michael Taylor said October 5, 2022 3:46am

Judith Ellen Lopez - that's magic

James Michael Taylor said October 2, 2022 10:04pm

Tony Desmuke That was some mighty fine prose there James.

James Michael Taylor said October 1, 2022 10:37pm

Gwyn Henry James Michael Taylor Oh, yes, this is beautiful,Jim.You should do more of this... spoken word,to music. I'm thinking that you have,tho! Or spoken word mixe w/ sung.

James Michael Taylor said August 19, 2021 12:45am

Visions and emotions that I haven't felt in a long time. Thank you so much. Jere Reiser

James Michael Taylor said December 2, 2020 4:11pm

REMEMBERING BABE: I had NOT heard this one! I'm glad I insisted!!! Gotta be among the best of... my favs... I don't have to tell you, this is poetry. And your delivery... refreshingly original. In "stand up" readings, or "slam" poetry, there is a "style" of cadence that hearkens back to the Beats, and most poets fall into it, and it always annoyed the hell out of me. This is DRAMATIC ACTING, folks, c'mon! I like the slow, unhurried, thoughtful way you spoke as the poem's Voice; how you mixed up the rhythm, unexpected hesitations, and rapid rushes. And esp the long pauses in unexpected places, as tho the Voice was thinking about the exact right word to use next to express what he wanted to say. I've been trying to work on my delivery for my planned re-entry (after covid) into the local poetry reading community. It is terrible... isolation in quarantine can do that! So I've been practicing w/ video and putting music behind me for good measure.Anyway, I found some good tips here. Thank you. 🙂 I really love R.BABE The ending works really well, something that's sometimes difficult. Gwyn Henry

Guest said September 18, 2020 10:02pm

beautiful

James Michael Taylor said August 1, 2017 7:10pm

Gwyn Henry Trying to think of words to express how beautiful i find this to be. The ending image is a brilliant metaphor for the narrative... full of the night, and glittering with otherworldly magic and things that are truer than true. I would love to dance this, even in my 7th decade.

James Michael Taylor said January 16, 2017 2:53pm

Jon Hogan said - You are a master of your art. It's the auditory equivalent of a bracing Charley Russel, or a fine Rembrandt, or a poem by Keats or a short story by Hemingway; like these, you have become a master of your art.

James Michael Taylor said January 16, 2017 10:50am

Jon Hogan said - We were speachless after it was over, up to about the count of ten. We were staring at each other, such a mix of feelings.... then we both laughed out loud to keep from crying. Mindblowing is all I can really think to say, simply mindblowing.

James Michael Taylor said January 16, 2017 10:49am

Maria Moss said - Oh yeah. We stopped typing on our laptops and just listened. And then we both went "oh yeah!"

Guest said February 11, 2015 3:52pm

How very beautiful, James.

Guest said July 8, 2014 3:14pm

What a moving, visually evocative memory of your youth, your mare, and an early love! Your storytelling and music never fail to draw me in, Jim.