Me and Bobby McGee

 

 

Me and Bobby Mcgee

 

 

 

 

I was acclimated to

the proverbial sound

of speakers, hissing

 

the stylus needle

gliding effortlessly across

the ingrained vinyl

of Janis Joplin,

“busted flat in Baton Rouge”

lamenting her liaisons

all the way to New Orleans

 

Her uninhibited, wailing style

slayed me

making me wish

it was our song

 

making me wish

it was your body I was holding

next to mine.

 

Author's Note

As many of you might already know, I used to work in a record store in the mid eighties, back when LP’s were just beginning to phase out and make way for the CD. It was, undoubtedly, the very best time of my life…introducing me to musical icons I may never have known. I remember hearing this song, in which my poem is in tribute to. I was wowed by Janis’s incredible bluesy voice, and simply had to write something in an ode to it . I can still hear Janis wailing, in reading this. I hope you can, too!

Reviews

[dan]

Kelly, Reading this moved me to go to YouTube and listen to the song, Janis' soulful and plaintive voice taking me back to the days when this song came out and enthralled me. "...holding Bobby's body next to mine..," invoked in your write as a paen to a loved one is an incredibly artistic touch. Unbelievably powerful piece! take care...dan

[Alfred Kukitz]

Janis continues to ring in my ears. I heard her wailing recently on the radio. Your poem feels like Janis, her sound and songs. There will never be an era like the sixties. Thank you Kelly for this beaut!

Regards,
Al

[Kelly Scheppers]

I am flattered you enjoyed it so much, Alfred. Einstein Noodle told me that he saw her in concert twice! I had to hear all about it - can you imagine? Thank you, sweetie!

[Ted Kniffen]

At one time I had a collection a thousand strong. Loved the whole process of laying an album on the turntable and cranking the speakers open. Janis was gone too soon, as were a host of others from that era.
We were always shocked, but I guess half expected it. Believe it or not, Roger Miller recorded Me and Bobby McGee first. This was a good write, Kelly. Well done.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I believe her version is the one you could hang a star on. It was that bluesy tone she had that made her who she was. Heaven truly has one hell of a band now!

[Ted Kniffen]

Hers was the definitive version

[C. M. Miller]

Your poetic brevity has created yet another pearl of a poem, stealing another piece of my heart. This is not another ball and chain type of writing, where we get poetically dragged down familiar verses. Indeed, in your third verse I got a sense sexual possession from you, like you know that your summertime is coming to an end, realizing that when it is time to love somebody, you do not pout like a cry baby for what might have been but gently share your hearts desire in your final verse.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Your insight always warms my heart, just like your friendship has over the years. Thank you, Charles! x

[Coyote Poetry]

One of the great songs my friend. The best days. Road trips to the unknown. Thank you Kelly for sharing your amazing poetry and thoughts.
Coyote

[Kelly Scheppers]

It was a pleasure having you here, thank you!

[Coyote Poetry]

My pleasure to read your words and you are welcome Kelly.

[Lisa Lindsey]

Another stellar tribute to a legend. Bobby McGee was a song that slayed me too, along with Piece of My Heart. That is one of the best pictures of her too. You know how to pick 'em Kelly!

[Kelly Scheppers]

I looked long and hard through many images, but I knew this was the one as soon as I laid eyes on it! What a thrill it is to see you, Lisa...thanks so much!

[Kelsey Ann]

Love the song and love the poem!!!! Also I appreciate the intertwined lyrics. They were placed perfectly in the poem without seeming forced or cliché. Great job!! :D

[Kelly Scheppers]

I appreciate that Kelsey, thank you!

[Einstein Noodle]

just your title and her pic gave and is still giving me chills ...saw her and Big Brother on both coasts in the 60's ... a hard living woman ..never should have been lost so soon (like many) and vinyl is making its come back ..isn't that funny how life rolls around .. loved everything about your tribute ..such a great and heart felt artist ...
E.

[Kelly Scheppers]

You saw her in concert...wow! Too many were lost before their time. Yes, life has a way of turning everything around, and boy do I have a mess of LP's. You simply couldn't beat the art on them! Thank you, Gene! You'll have to write me and tell me all about the concert - what a rush! ; )

[andrew mitchell]

She certainly was a belter when it came to singing . How lucky to work with music LPs and cds. A nice tribute and so many pieces out there are just classics!

[Kelly Scheppers]

There are a few of her's that should NEVER be covered by another artist. "Piece of My Heart" is one that automatically comes to mind. Yes, working in a record store was the best. I reaped many benefits, from concert tickets to all kinds of promotional items. My assistant mgr., at the the time is now my sister-in-law, so I am truly blessed! Many thanks, Andrew.