For James

James- it's nice to talk to you, it has been too long.
How's life treating you? You look well. Things OK? You sure? You know if you ever need anything I'm here for you.

Are you thirsty? I could sure go for a chocolate milk right now- I've got lots of things to say and I hope this conversation takes a long time. Get two, it's always a bit better after you've carried it around in your pocket for a while.

Remember that time that we were walking around? The hundreds of night walks we went out that one year? All the dreams and things we were going to do?
Fishing boats to Europe, then walk until our boots wore out? You seemed to think that your Army surplus combat boots couldn't ever wear out, so you'd be walking Europe forever. Why didn't we do that? Girls. I blame the girls.
What about the day we fell asleep on the sidewalk waiting for the sunrise? Falling asleep just in time to miss it? A whole lot of waiting around for nothing I think you said. Your sense of efficiency is admirable.
My parents still talk about the time that you came over and acted out Khrushchev's "We Will Bury You" speech. That was classic stuff. Good effect with the shoe pounding on the table.
You still reading those fairy tales? I just don't get it. I mean, don't get me wrong, but I just don't see the appeal. You did get me to read The Hobbit. Cool stuff. I wish you had told me that there were 3 more books to finish the story. Sheesh- what a marathon. You tricked me.

James, you know what I think is the best thing about you? Your perceptive intuition. You have such a fine ability to look at someone and know exactly what they are about, to know what they need. Some people call it mind-reading, some call it mind-games. I just think it is just amazing. You taught me many years ago that it was possible to be sensitive to hints, feelings and body language. Your non-verbal communication skills are second to none and I thank you for sharing some of that with me.
Remember in the olden days when we used to listen to music and occasionally you'd get so excited by what you were hearing that you'd jump out of your chair and start exclaiming, singing and dancing? My favorite part of that was the aftermath: you would walk around for days with that song in the front of your mind and occasionally you'd burst out into song. Awesome.

Speaking of music, I've been listening to a band lately that reminds me of the old times- a bunch of memories tied to this one- it seems that you and I listened to these guys more than any of my other friends- I think it was because they were all out on missions at the time we saw something on MTV. Anyway- the band is called James- remember them? They have been doing some new stuff that's pretty good. Stuff that makes me jump out of my chair and start singing. They're coming to Salt Lake pretty soon, I have a ticket for you if you want to go.

Then there was the day I joined the Acappella Choir in 1988- you took me under your far more experienced wing and gave me the skills training necessary to sing that abominable high part in the Hallelujah Chorus. In fact, I vividly remember taking our newly polished skills on tour and doing a trio version of the whole Chorus for our families and you insisting that everyone stand up when it was performed. Who else was there? Was it Joel Hill? Anyway- thanks for helping me out and making me understand that no matter what I did I was never, ever going to hit those high notes without cheating.

Then there was the time(s) standing on the stage during "The King and I" and singing the lyrics to Bauhaus and Bunnymen songs to the tune of the monk's chant? Brower had no idea. Tee hee.

Lyrics- that's really the whole story isn't it? I am very open and vocal about my stunted communication skills, but am able to express with great accuracy by using lyrics. You taught me that.
And can you remember the first time we heard the 'new' Echo and the Bunnymen with the imposter singer? I don't think I have ever seen you look more disgusted.

My passion for all things black and white, for the contrasts and shadows, this love was refined and developed during the years we spent together, pontificating upon everything. What a great time we used to have. I resent that life has interjected her cruel time-sucking tentacles into our playtime.

I could go on all night. But you have somewhere to be. I have places to be.
Any chance we can do this again soon? I really enjoy your company and really could use the recreation from time to time.

I'm really bad at walking away at the end of a conversation- so I usually have to walk away in silence. But right now I don't want this to end. I can spare a bit more time.

You need to take off? OK. Cool.

Please let me know if you need anything. It's great to hang with you as always, and I mean that. Please let me know if I can do anything for you.

Take care.

Walking away. In silence.

really.

i swear i will shut up eventually.