The crimson light– Poem 27 for April.

The crimson light…

Me and the barren sea, we need little and we love the silence. Damn life had left me bitter and deep in disappointment. Love didn’t break my heart, life did.

Once I loved the nightingale song, her song of wonder, her song of mystery. Made me believe life was fair and so sweet. I am in New Orleans, not seeking salvation, I am seeking the stormy sea and a pretty memory.

In 1994, me and Delia, we danced the lover’s dance. We made no promises and we told no lies. We wanted the whiskey, the kiss that would made us wild and crazy. We didn’t wanted to be saved, we wanted to be lost in the sweet Jazz songs and fall into the arms of New Orleans.

I called my dark skin lady from Michigan in April and I told her. I will be in the city of New Orleans in April. I need a bad, bad lady to show me I am still alive. She told me. I am older and colder Johnnie. My face, not so pretty no-more. I do need a drink of tantalizing Crown royal and someone to make feel beautiful, wanted. I told her. I am your man. I will be waiting on the 21 April at our favorite jazz club.

She laughed and she told me. Be careful what you wish for. Every kiss we steal, cost something. I told her. I will give you everything I got.

Ten years ago, I left her for some war somewhere and I am waiting for her and I see her. Dear Delia, in a lacy black cut dress showing her strong legs, her blackest of blackest hair down deep down into her back. She walked fast and her hips moved like a wonderful Jazz song. She came to me and she hugged me tightly. She whispered as her dark black eyes penetrated my soul. I am here Johnnie and the soldier’s life had made you old. It is okay Johnnie, we can’t stop time, at least the energy in our loins is still alive.

I told her. Delia, my Delia. You are a ageless beauty and I need crimson light tonight. I need to remember I was fearless and brave once. I need you Delia, I need you my Gypsy gal. She kissed my face many times and she gentle forced my face into her breasts. She whispered, I missed you Johnnie and I did pray for you. I prayed you stayed alive and you would come back to me. New Orleans is your city and we are kindred spirit. Today we drink the Crown Royal, we will make the Goddesses of fate to re-write the future.

You and I will dance for the sea, re-write our tale. April is here and the warm days are upon us. We will allow the sea to cleanse our minds, our hearts and our spirit. Yesterday is gone and today is here my wandering soldier. No more war, no more death for you. I will teach you to laugh again, I will teach you to dance again. I will listen to you and you can listen to me. Maybe we can find a piece of salvation in the messy world we live in.

I looked into her eyes and I told her. Thank you dear Delia. You are too kind to a foolish man.

Coyote