Following this fascinating discussion on trains (so symbolic!), sounds and the double meaning of the rodeo scenes (tpe, wonderful connection!) I was reminded of how also certain words or phrases have been doubled or used repeatedly.
We see "cowboy" used a lot: a term of endearment between Jack and Ennis, as a come on by Lureen to Jack, a brush off by the rodeo clown to Jack.
Of course, the boys are always calling each other "friend" or "bud".
What strikes me as spooky though, I will admit, is the line "so, here I am".
We first hear those words from Aguirre's lips, when he rides up to tell Jack about his Uncle being sick. "Your ma wanted me to tell you ... So, here I am". He's looking up the mountain with his binoculars, and Jack turns his gaze up there, too, seeing what he see; Ennis riding among the herd of sheep, unaware that he's being watched. Ennis is in blissful ignorance of how there can indeed be prying eyes even in the sanctuary of their mountain, so is able to continue their relationship through the rest of the summer, without the fear of exposure inhibiting him.
Then later, in the dreaded divorce misunderstanding Jack says to Ennis "Got your postcard your divorce had come through ... So, here I am". He even says it with same kind of rhythm that Aguirre used. A few seconds later and he realizes his mistake, as Ennis is stumbling over his excuses and looking off toward the distance. Jack follows his gaze, too, and this time sees that truck passing by and understands that Ennis is fearing being seen with him. Ennis doesn't KNOW if he's being watched, but he is fearful that this is the case, and his suspicions are enough to further fuel his withdrawal and set new bruises on their relationship. Bruises that will have heartbreaking consequences later on.
There is also the phrase "Tell you what ... ". Jack may have picked this up from his father. He uses it that last camping trip .. "Tell you what ... truth is, sometimes I miss you so much I can hardly stand it".
Then of course, John Twist uses it with his last words spoken to Ennis after Jack has died, "Tell you what ... we got a family plot, and he's goin' in it".
Both times, "Tell you what .. " is followed by things that Ennis would probably have preferred not to hear, because each pronouncement is a blow to his heart, I think, though in very different ways.
Hearing it from Jack, it's confirmation of the depth of Jack's feelings, the hurt he's been enduring all these years, what Ennis knew he was doing to him but couldn't - or wouldn't - change. Here, finally, put into simple words and sent out into the night air, can't be denied, can't be ignored, though Ennis surely does try.
Nor can he ignore after John Twist's words at the end that Jack isn't going to have his wishes answered in death either, and Ennis has no power to change that. Except, as we believe, through the guardianship of the shirts that represent their history and their love.
I may be reaching on these, but as we've come to realize ... there is little in BBM that isn't there for a reason ....
