Sweet baby james

Sweet baby james

 

 

“The first of December

was covered with snow,

so was the turnpike

from Stockbridge to Boston…”

 

and my sweet baby james

played over and over again in my mind

from my second floor apartment

I was watering the propagation

of succulents,

wondering what Cape Cod looks like

in snow

 

wondering if your flat-bed ford

ever made it through

another winter

 

if the cold ever catches your breath

like that little black dress

Author's Note

I have on occasion taken lines from a favorite song and incorporated them into a poem. I hope you enjoy this one from James Taylor.

Reviews

[Lydia Shutter]

OH WOW!!! James Taylor...saw him in concert in 1970 and fell in love.....the songs bring us back to another time. We remember those flat-bed fords and who drove them....heavy sigh. Wonderful write, Kelly! Lydi***

[Kelly Scheppers]

I have a CD of his greatest hits...difficult to pick just one! Many thanks, Lydi!

[Dr. Wood ?]

yes, he blew hot and cold did James...luckily for us he was almost always HOT...Great song used with some skill

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you so much, David!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Carly could have written this..it has her tone...

yes 'there was a young cowboy who lived on the range, his horse and his cattle were his only companions"

he was missing her...

[Kelly Scheppers]

I never thought about it that way, but perhaps he was. Thank you for your perspective, Jacob. Very much appreciated.

[Tony Jordan]

James Taylor's singing is hard to whack.
You use his lyrics beautifully here Kelly to set this scene.
The sense of memories brought on by the song like a wisp of wind - the ending is extra special.
Magical piece.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I appreciate that, Tony...so kind of you to say! Ty!

[Alfred Kukitz]

I did this with the Boxer and Innocence & Experience. It worked well, so well, that when the song fell off I could James continuing to sing.

Regards,
Al

[Kelly Scheppers]

I think of his songs for rainy days. They seem to be most fitting. Thank you, dear friend! x

[Dara]

One of my favorite songs... a perfect melody to bring back those wistful memories. I read this and then just gave a soft sigh. Beautiful, Kelly.

[Kelly Scheppers]

...how wonderful for me, you enjoyed it! Thank you, Dara!

[Einstein Noodle]

beautifully said ..such melancholy in reminiscing ..love the use of song lines ..its the placement that spurs me on to enjoy this ride ... no hitch nor hiccup in it .. it was another world back then Kelly ..a treat in reading ..i feel the bounce and rattle of that old Ford! love it!
E.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I'm so glad it conjured up some memories for you, Gene. Thank you!

[Einstein Noodle]

just found out that Jim Croce's son, A.J. Croce is playing in our little tiny town .. we won't be missin' that one ... sahll i save you a seat? ;)

[Kelly Scheppers]

...and you thought of me, how sweet! ; )

[Einstein Noodle]

:)...................

[Ted Kniffen]

"I've seen fire
I've seen rain,"
First artist signed to a new company called Apple Records in 1968. A fine talent still. You've used the line beautifully to tell your story, well done, Kelly. Good write.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I think some artists were meant to be listened to when you're feeling a sense of nostalgia...and James Taylor always comes through. Thank you, Ted!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

One of my favourite artists of all times. Have seen him live twice and have his autograph. You also inserted a line from another of my favourites, The Eagles, 'Take it Easy'-"............"It's a Girl my Lord in a Flat Bed Ford - Slowin' Down to take a Look at me"
Funny how such songs and melodies play in our minds at certain times. Love the treatment you have given this one Kelly.

[Kelly Scheppers]

His voice is like the greatest healer...all you need is a dose of JT. I'm so glad you enjoyed this, John. Thank you!