HOW THE BLACK STALLION FORGETS paintography by Michael (miguel) Forbus INTRODUCTION TO PABLO NERUDA'S POEM BY MICHAEL (miguel) FORBUS THE BLACK STALLION FORGETS SHORTLY AFTER THE FIGHT THE PALOMINO THAT HE HAS RUN FROM HIS HERD, HE SOON FORGETS THE SCARS OF BATTLE, THE PAIN OF HOOF PRINTS ON HIS FLANK. HE SOON FORGETS WHICH MARE HE TOOK IN THE MOONLIGHT LAST NIGHT AND WHAT IT FELT LIKE TO HIM. THE WILD STALLION HAS LITTLE MEMORY AND ONLY FEELINGS OF THE INSTANCE. SOMETIMES I FEEL THAT HUMANS ARE LIKE THIS. THAT WE LIVE IN A DISPOSABLE SOCIETY. OUR FRIENDS, FAMILY, MEMORIES, THE LOVES OF OUR LIVES, CAN BE FORGOTTEN BY THE SLIGHTEST DISTRACTION. THE WARS WE HAVE FOUGHT, THE DEAD WE HAVE BURIED, WE GO DAYS WITHOUT THEIR MEMORIES. FOR SOME REASON I CANNOT LIVE LIKE THIS. I REMEMBER EVER WORD SOMEONE SAYS TO ME IN ANGER AND LOVE, I REMEMBER EVERY TIME THERE IS DISCORD AND THE DISAGREEMENT OF NO ACCOUNT. I RECALL THE BEAUTY OF LOVE'S FIRST BLOOM AND THE DEPTH OF THE FIRST MEETING OF LIPS ON LIPS AND THE FIRST ROSE AFTER WINTER, IT'S PERFUME RESTS IN MY NOSE AND IN MY MEMORY. I REMEMBER FRIENDS THAT HAVE CALLED ME BEST FRIEND AND HAVE HUGGED ME CHEST TO CHEST AND I WILL NEVER FORGET THAT FEELING OF CLOSENESS. THESE ARE ALL THINGS THAT I ONCE FORGOT AND NOW HAVE COME BACK TO BLESS ME. I CHOOSE TO REMEMBER ALL THINGS IN MY LIFE, GOOD OR BAD. THEY ARE ALL PART OF MY SOUL AND PART OF WHAT MAKES ME MIGUEL AND ALL OF YOU WHO READ THIS, I WILL REMEMBER THAT ON THIS DAY, A SUNDAY, YOU READ MY POEM AND I WAS HONORED THAT YOU DID AND I WILL REMEMBER EACH BRUSH STROKE THAT YOU PAINTED AND EACH WORD, EACH GRACIOUS WORD THAT YOU UTTERED ABOUT MY PAINTINGS AND MY WORDS. I WILL NEVER FORGET. WRITTEN BY MIGUEL IF YOU FORGET ME written by PABLO NERUDA I want you to know one thing. You know how this is: if I look at the crystal moon, at the red branch of the slow autumn at my window, if I touch near the fire the impalpable ash or the wrinkled body of the log, everything carries me to you, as if everything that exists, aromas, light, metals, were little boats that sail toward those isles of yours that wait for me. Well, now, if little by little you stop loving me I shall stop loving you little by little. If suddenly you forget me do not look for me, for I shall already have forgotten you. If you think it long and mad, the wind of banners that passes through my life, and you decide to leave me at the shore of the heart where I have roots, remember that on that day, at that hour, I shall lift my arms and my roots will set off to seek another land. But if each day, each hour, you feel that you are destined for me with implacable sweetness, if each day a flower climbs up to your lips to seek me, ah my love, ah my own, in me all that fire is repeated, in me nothing is extinguished or forgotten, my love feeds on your love, beloved, and as long as you live it will be in your arms without leaving mine
28 Comments
Anonymous Guest 08 Dec 2015
I like this image. Even more, I like your words...Gordon Christie 30 Jul 2011
Very powerful, Miguel.Hanna Stawska 23 Nov 2007
Great story and very wonderful work!!Anonymous Guest 22 Nov 2007
I had not read what Neruda had written and I am truly shocked! His poems of passion, love, devotion, tenderness, magic......all based on possessive, conditional love? Sounds it to me and if so, my shock is joined by a profound disappointment. If only I could go back in time and find out from the very source himself. Thank you again, both for your story and my "Neruda education" tonight. aothea walstra 21 Nov 2007
A wonderful story Michael and beautiful work. Ted thought that this was a by hand pained artwork.Barry Huyett 21 Nov 2007
great story.......wonderful!!Izabella Pavlushko 21 Nov 2007
wonderful work, Michael... well done !!!Tabitha Borges 21 Nov 2007
what a great strong momentLinda Bertiaux 21 Nov 2007
This i s just wonderful!!Minnie Shuler 20 Nov 2007
There is a comfort in knowing the strongest survive. Real life has to be fought for with all of your heart and memories. To love deeply and not have it returned, I am afraid could not easily be forgotten. Does the horse fight for love or just for survival? I am sure I would fight for my love, and if it is not returned...am I able to turn away and seek another like the defeated stallion. I do not know. Some never can. They do not forget. Today's actions are tomorrow's memories...we should make them the best we can. Beautiful piece, showing tremendous talent.Jan van Baarle 20 Nov 2007
Breathtaking artwork Michael!joe valcourt 20 Nov 2007
wonderful rendition--love Neruda--Poets are often our finest inspirationsAnonymous Guest 19 Nov 2007
DEarest Michael, I had words that I was writing but now all that has left me. I have been focusing on your reply to Jeanie........reading it over and over. I hope the Black Stallion's eyes return to their beautiful soft nature, that his snorting fury subsides and that he is peacefully grazing again. Beautiful words in the story and in your reply to Jeanie.....Tonight, a special bow to you....aoKathie Nichols 19 Nov 2007
Fabulous Michael, great works in art and words!Jeanie Chadwick 19 Nov 2007
So deep...such heartfelt, bittersweet words. I'm happy that your love is more unconditional than Neruda's, for friends and lovers alike Miguel. The image is not nearly as powerful as the words, nonetheless beautiful and very strong. The red eyes intrigue me.Gerrie Olly 19 Nov 2007
Michael, You never seize to amaze me. I would say you are hitting your stride. Curiuos is that a book you are writing along with your paintings, poems or daily ranting (thoughts)? Great job! xoxoxCindy Lemoi 19 Nov 2007
Fantastic artwork Michael !! Powerful imagery.annette steens 19 Nov 2007
lovely work Michael!jamie winter 19 Nov 2007
bold and powerful amazing image and a wonderful poem wow this is so incrediblemarisa reilly 19 Nov 2007
A powerful love poem, and a truly perfect image to accompany it. I am moved by the thought of it all. I especially like the blues, greens, and lavenders in the black stallion and the sienna of the other horses coat... it's just great michael..!!!Lucia Stewart 19 Nov 2007
Fantastic and awesome image Michael!! Touching and beautifully done!Hui Zhu 19 Nov 2007
very very c^o^ol !!! powerful...Karen Cash 19 Nov 2007
beautiful and moving MichaelNira Dabush 18 Nov 2007
Superb composition..in a very pleasing colours...SOFT YET POWERFUL ! Goes beautifully with your splendid text,Michael.Lior Goldenberg 18 Nov 2007
Great image, great title and great idea behind it!Emily Reed 18 Nov 2007
HOW BEAUTIFULLY YOU ILLUSTRATED THIS! IT SO REMINDS ME OF WALTER FARLEY'S SERIES, THE BLACK STALLION, WHICH I READ AND LOVED AS A CHILD!Joanna Jungjohann 18 Nov 2007
a touch of melancholy adds flavor to this beautiful narrative, Michael, and your image is spectacular!~ love joJoke Schotting 18 Nov 2007
Great work Michael!!!!!