The Poet’s love. Chapter 13-15.
The Poet’s love. Hummingbird highway… Please remember Susana Chavez. A brave poet.
It was nearing the Midnight hour. Rose told everyone. I must rest. Me and Johnnie have a date at 3 am. At 8 am, you must be on the Hummingbird highway heading toward Mexico. You have 2700 to go. Me and Don Carlos believe if three drivers. You can be in Cuidad Juarez in two days if no problem. I believe this is necessary for Johnnie. You will rest in San Luis Potosi. I have a friend who can treat Johnnie illness. She knows you are coming. Seven people looked at the peaceful Gulf of Mexico. Johnnie told Rose. You live in paradise. She smiled and she told him. I know and I will never leave her. Belmopan is my home now. Now dear friends. Good night and I shall see you all off in the early morning. They exchanged hugs and Lawrence whispered to Rose. Thank you for the kindness dear friend.
At 3 am sharp. A light knock at the door of Johnnie and Paloma. Johnnie kissed Paloma mouth and her forehead and he told her. Please sleep baby and I will see you at the truck at 8am. Johnnie laid on a table and Rose use the acupuncture needles in needed place. After the needles were put in. She gave him Don Carlos plants and herbs. She handed him a big class of mango juice. He smiled. These herbs and plants are terrible but I feel stronger. He digest the herbal medicine and Rose told him. The drugs of Don Carlos are old medicine. He was taught by a ancient teacher and he is teaching his replacement. They say Don Carlos can be in two places at one time. Year ago. Don Carlos stayed with me. I remember his words. You left a hell-hole in North Korea. You are a skilled doctor and if you like. I will show you the herbs. Herbs and modern medicine can work together. Natural herbs will strengthen the body and the mind. Trickery of a kind. I accepted his friendship and we have worked together for many years. I’m telling you Johnnie. We can’t stop the dying. Me and Don Carlos are just added time to your life. The body is weak. One day. The body won’t work no-more. Johnnie took her hands and he kissed them. He told her. I know dear Rose. I must make Cuidad Juarez. I appreciate the kindness. Rose smiled and she asked. Please tell me the story of the time, you saved Paloma, the second time.
He looked at the open window and the Gulf of Mexico was in view. After Leo and Paloma left me in Mexico city. One of the men told me. I was dead and he would ensure Paloma would be raped for days and cut into pieces. The bitch would be another example like your dear friend Susana. I stomped his face into the cement and the other man begin to move. He had fear in his eyes. I did the same to him. I had tie-up seven other men. I went to the first one. He laughed at me. He told me. You will die you bitch gringo. My father will make you wish you can die quickly. I took out my hidden cat knife. I put the tool on my right hand. The cat knife. five four inch blades. The man spoke less and he asked. What are you doing? I punched his face and neck till he did not move no-more. I took out his wallet and kept his license. I did the same to the other six men. I did the quiet death. At noon the city went silence. The body of nine men made the bad men scared. The police showed no concern to find the killer. I cleaned-up and I found a quiet motel. The address on the license was the Father’s house. I waited three days. I was watching the house and the house was in a safe area in Mexico City. He posted two guards. One at the entrance and one in the house. Was a car driving in a regular circle. Ensuring no odd car or people came near. I was dressed in jean and t-sheet. I waiting to the midnight hour. The first guard was easy. He was playing with a cell phone. I used a silencer on my 45. This silencer costs me plenty. Old Vietnam war Veteran made me drink, sing and talk for two day for this gift. I entered the house. The second guard was making coffee and he turned and he asked. Juan, need a espresso? I put one bullet into his head. I went up stairs. A long man was working on some documents. I walked quietly toward him. He turned around and I was face to face with him. He looked at me with great fear and he asked. You killed my son, did you? I smiled and I told him. Yes. He yelled at me. I’m Don Luis. I will ensure you are killed and killed again. I whispered to his left ear. This is for Susana Castillo Chavez and Paloma. I punched the cat knife into his throat four times. He fell on the ground. I cut-off his hand and his feet. I cut his eyes out. I spread them on the four corners of the room. His eyes on the table. I looked at my watch. I had three minutes before the car returned. I left the house in silence and no-one noticed me. I went back to the motel. I cleaned-up and tossed my bloody pant and shirt into a burning can fire near. I stayed in Mexico City three days. Me and my Vietnam friend Phil. Enjoyed the fear in the street of the Mexican gangsters. I could not see Paloma now. I saw a bloody killed looking back at me. I left Mexico for Michigan. Took me time to understand what I did. Rose went to him and she kissed his forehead, She whispered. You killed dirt. The men you killed were murderers, rapist and sick. Your myth is still alive. Old woman and young girls pray the burning man returned. Paloma walked-in and she asked. What is this dear Johnnie? Rose smiled and she told her. Johnnie is telling me about bad dreams and nightmares. Please help me clean-up Johnnie. In one hour, you will be driving on Hummingbird highway. The most beautiful highway in the complete world. You will be blessed by the gifts of the gods. Central American. Paradise for the lucky.
Don Carlos told them. I will drive for 5 hours and Lawrence/Leo will take turns driving five hours each. We can make San Luis Potosi in 20 hours. More than half way to our final destination. We will rest for one day. Ensure the truck is okay. My dear friend Sharon, a nun and a doctor is waiting for us. My herbs should make Johnnie feeling content. I added some of the finest and secret herbs to make his death a good death. Johnnies asked. I feel the energy of the plants. He liked the large Mexican man. His eyes were soft brown and powerful. Paloma held Johnnie tightly. Lawrence drank some water and he told them. Twenty hours in a car. Time for some stories. Johnnie told them. I have the best story. The first story Lawrence told me so many year ago.
“Trujillo
My delusional mind and forsaken dreams seem so far away.I console myself with Honduras rum and I roamed the discos and nightclubs.I’m fatigue from suffocating in goals of work and money.I have volunteered for every mission since I rejoined the Army in 1991. I got lucky and I’m on a medical mission in Honduras. Assisting military medical team and Doctors with water, food and fuel for giving treatment in the mountains.
Today I’m in Trujillo. Me and one Soldier got stuck in the beautiful city for a few days because of rainy season. All the roads were damaged and closed.We stayed at the American Inn. The Hotel is on the mountain and you can see the Caribbean sea for miles. A beautiful young woman brought food to us. She told us. “Un gran fiesta en la cuidad en la noche.” She poured the flesh juice into our glasses. She smiled and looked at me. “You may be able to enjoy yourself.”
Trujillo is a old city. So beautiful and so much history. The people of the city don’t seen to see us. They are busy with their lives. As always I roamed alone into the city. Night was coming and I heard music being plays on the beach. I saw the people were dancing and celebrating being alive. I’m being waved over by a young woman. She is standing by a fire on the beach. She ran to me and she took my hand. She brought me to the fire and she puts me into a chair. The woman is wearing a light dress showing a young and beautiful body. Many more woman are near by talking and laughing.
I asked for a rum and coke. She came back and her dark eyes were sad. Her hair flowed down her back and her body was young and strong. She puts a mosquito net over me. She whispered.”The mosquitoes are muy malo en la noche.” I thanks her and tried to give her money. She wouldn’t accept it.
She told me. “Un gran fiesta hoy in la noche. Un fiesta de Libertad. Ignoro como explicarlo. Encantado. Estoy a sus ordenes.” I sat alone and drank my rum and coke. The moon appeared and the night begins to overtake the day. Many people on the beach now and everyone was kind to a misplaced American. A old man came and sat with me. The same young woman brought a mosquito net and put it over his large chair. In perfect English the man told me. “Welcome to my party. I’m a Doctor. My name is Roberto.” I shook his hand.
He pointed at the young woman and he told me. “She is my daughter Rosa. She is my joy and pleasure in my world.” I asked did he want a drink? He gave me a kind smile. Told me. “I’m a old man and I can see you are not a well. The rum won’t fix your problems. You are twisted up and looking for the wrong things.” He ordered us a elixir of fresh fruit. Told me taste the gifts of the spirits. I drank the fruity tasting drink and I told him the drink is amazing. He told me ” Look at the old city.We have been here awhile. A lot of bad times and the people of Trujillo overcame them.”
“The tropics bring the fruit and food of Nature’s gifts to us. The drink is the combination of the fruit of life. You must release the darkness. Celebrate a new day to do something worthwhile.” Rosa ran to us. Told her father. “It is time to dance.”
Her soft brown eyes begged me to dance. She picked me up.
The soft drums are playing. I tried to follow her movements. She is young and filled of life and I just tried to keep up with her. Many people are on the beach now and Rosa brought me to a group of people. All are very kind. I shared my cigarettes. Rosa smiled and told me. “Hoy es un buen noche.”
I sat with the old man and he ordered us coffee. He told me. “All things have a purpose. Somehow you wandered into my Trujillo. I’m thankful for a new friend.” Rosa brought the strong coffee.
He told me.”I have a story for you.”
“There was was young man.
He thought he had nothing.
He fell on the beach crying.
The Sky Spirit came and told him.
Look up.
He looked up and saw the banana tree around him.
The mangoes growing in the back of him.
He reached for the fruit.
They were sweet and good.
He still cries sitting on the beach alone.
The Spirit of the sea came to him.
Told him look at the ocean.
The man saw a net for catching fish.
He worked all morning.
He caught many fish.
He ate what he needed.
He went into the village and gave the
extra fish away.
He sat down and started crying again.
The Spirit of the mountain came to him.
Told him to look up.
The man looked up and saw a beautiful woman
bringing him bread and coffee.
She thanked him for the fish.
She asked why was he so sad?
He told her I’m alone and
do not know my reasons for life?
The woman smiled and sat with him.
Told him he could work for my uncle.
My uncle always need strong men who can fish.
She took his hands.
Told him.
We are all family in the end.
The man realized the spirit had taught him to see
that life can be good for him.
The young woman and the man walked together back into
the city holding hands.”
I smiled at the old man. Told him. “My ailments ain’t so easy to fix. I’m contaminated by bad decisions and my exhausted spirit saw the fraud in my way of life. I can’t find discarded dreams of youth. I’m defaced love with my greed. I’m here for consequences of many poor decisions.”
Rosa is at my feet now. Watched my eyes. The old man laughed and told me. “You are young and many mile to go.
Just try to learn yesterday was just education.To teach us right from wrong. Stay with me in Trujillo for a few days.Your spirit will become strong again.”
I accepted his offer and kindness. Rosa is behind me. Caressed my head and hair gently. She sang a sweet love song in Spanish. The old man smiled and she told me. We don’t need a lot in life. In the end we take nothing with us. You need to figure out what is important.
Rosa is dancing barefoot on the beach. I left my chair, Danced on the beach of Trujillo with a beautiful woman. The old man smiled and I can hear his laughter.
Coyote
1994″
Lawrence smiled and he told him. I remember this day. You stayed with me for many days and you returned often. Now I will share a tale my dear friends.
Parable of Celia
She sat alone by the peaceful lake. Her pale legs and bare feet being sun-kissed by the late Spring sun. She was wearing a sundress of white showing soft and tender shoulders. She was a young man’s wish and a old man’s dream.
She seduced me with simple glances and eyes of ocean blue. She knew she held my attention and I was falling and becoming lost in her natural beauty.
I knew she was a wild and careless child, wanting my attention and she was trying to capture my mind and heart. She showed me her long legs and moving feet. She allowed me to be taunted by her perfect body and smile.
I went to her and whispered. “Dear sweet Celia. You are breaking my heart. You are my Aphrodite and my siren. You make a man want to dance with your body near and dare to dream to have you forever, knowing your love is fragile and fickle.”
Celia smiled and she told me. “Dear Poet, you dark writers need forbidden dance, unrestrained journey into passion and selfish woman. Without us, what would you pen?”
I sat near her, caressing her feet and calves. I looked into her eyes and I told her.
“Captured. Unrestrained. Perfection reached.
The nakedly dance leading to midnight hour splendor.
Is it worth the payment?”
Celia took my hands. Kissing each one with soft and tender kisses, she raised her eyes and looked at me and she whispered, “The night is for love. We are young and need dangerous places and the illusion of a forever love. Love is like a volcano. Burst into great flames and will die down to nothing again. We are young and we don’t need the restraint of forever. Just enjoy today and tonight.”
I reached over and kissed the sweet lips of my Celia and I whispered her some words.
“Celia, Celia.
My sweet rose.Dear Celia.
My paradise and sweet dream.
Celia, Celia
If we make no promises, we will create no lies.”
Leo and Paloma clapped their hands. Paloma told them. I didn’t know I had Donne and Dryden with me. I have presents for you Leo and Lawrence. I wrote some poetry in Spain. Four books. Two books are for you Leo and Lawrence. She handed them the books. Leo smiled and he told Paloma. I love the cover. A barely covered Paloma. I do like the title. A honored life and honored friends. For Leo and Lawrence. Kind angels in a life filled with chaos. Silence overtook the truck. Hummingbird highway was so beautiful and amazing. Free forest, free birds and animals were everywhere. Paloma whispered.
Hummingbird highway
Thank you Gods of life and death.
Thank you for good friends near and the gift of Hummingbird highway.
The long road take us through the middle of Belize.
Allow our eyes to see the wonder of the tropics and
allow us know.
We need kind nature more than she needs us.
The Poet’s love — Cuidad Juarez
Johnnie loved the view of the Hummingbird highway. He watched the five friends sitting in silence and he felt great pain in his stomach and in his legs. He reached into his pocket and took one codeine pill. Don Carlos saw his face and he open a small container of his herbs. He opened a jar of mango juice and he put a handful of the herb into the juice. Paloma was caressing his forehead and she asked him. Johnnie, are you okay? Don Carlos helped him drink the mango juice and he told her. I’m okay dear Paloma. I need to sleep. The medicine of Don Carlos took effect. Lawrence told them. We must stop and rest. Johnnie awoke and he told Lawrence. I’m okay my dear friend. Don Carlos peyote mix will keep me alive. He rested in the arms of Paloma. Elena caressed his face and she sang.
“Death be not sweet.
Death be not near.
Please kind sun keep death at bay.
Just one more day and then another.
Life is sweet and the sweet kisses never forgotten.
To live is joy and to die. Is sadness”
Johnnie was in a deep sleep now. Soft tears fell from Paloma’s face. Leo reached over and touched the tears. He whispered. Dear Paloma. He is fine now. Don Carlos can put a elephant into a coma sleep.
4 hours into the drive. They see the Mexican border. Don Carlos told Leo to stop before reaching the border gate. He left the truck and he talked with the two guards for 10 minutes. Paloma saw him give the guard some small bags of medicine. The border guards hugged him and he returned to the truck. They drove-up to the border gate and the taller of the guards stamped the visas and the passports. He told them. Be safe and enjoy your time in Mexico. Johnnie did not awake till they were five hours into Mexico. He smiled and he told them. I feel good and I need to pee. I’m hungry too. The six laughed and Lawrence said. My ass is sore and my stomach is empty. They drove for ten more miles and they found a small gas station and restaurant. The six ate the fresh cooked pork and chicken. Fresh tomatoes and onions with homemade tortillas. They ate in silence. Almost 12 hours of driving left them hungry and the legs needing some movement. Lawrence, Leo and Paloma took a long walk. Elena and Don Carlos talked in private behind the restaurant. Elena looked afraid and she told Don Carlos. He can die at anytime. Don Carlos wrapped his arms around her and he said. Not easy to kill a Coyote. They are mean as hell and he will hold his ground. I will increase the dose and you must make some of your special soups. She left him and she talked to the waitress. The waitress took her to the kitchen. The father of the girl heard the story of Johnnie sickness. He told Elena. Cook dear lady and do you need any help? She opened her purse and took out two small bags. She requested some water. The waitress brought two water bottles. She boil the water into two small pots and she watched the water boil. She added the natural herbs and she thank the herbs for helping her.
Johnnie was writing.
Paloma
Don’t be sad, don’t become a ghost or shadow.
We must be born and we must die.
The miracles of life are the kind people we had known and loved.
The love , we had shared and the songs we had sang are what we are.
I don’t fear death, I fear losing you.
You are my forever muse.
I will never forget us dancing nude to the song of the night.
You and I.
A miracle and a blessing to a man who understand..
You shall be the Poet’s love forever.
—-
Dear death
I see you near and you are whispering.
Life is pain and sweet death is peace.
In my sleep.
I see dear Father and loving grandmother’s waiting with open arms.
I whispered in the ear of death.
Later my friend.
I have one more appointment.
I have one more dance and one more farewell.
I will walk the final walk with you soon kind friend.
—–
Paloma
My Spanish beauty. I remember us.
My dark-skin beauty who stole my dreams and my heart.
I was wood and you were fire.
You made dead heart and mind.
Burst into external fire that could never be put out.
You are my love and I will be waiting for you.
You and I.
Are true blue and hard-learned.
Love is for the crazy and the brave.
—–
Elena came to the table and she served him the two soups. He smiled and hid the small notebook. He told her. My favorite tasty herbs. He ate them without a complain. Elena asked could she read the new poems in the hidden journal. He smiled and he gave her the book. She read them and she asked. Is this you final words dear friend? He smiled and he whispered. Dear Elena, can’t stop death. He will come when he wants. She handed him the book back and she asked. When will you give the book to Paloma? He smiled at her and he told her. You will. Allow me to read the first poem.
—-
The Poet’s love
Once upon a hot Honduras night.
I found you, weak as a kitten.
I gentle caressed your face and your skin with cold water and I held silence.
I saw the gain strength and your will to live was stronger than the want to die.
I remember you studying me.
You could not understand how someone wanted a beaten woman.
You never knew.
You made me gain strength.
You fought and was almost killed for strangers.
I never left you for three weeks.
You became the Poet’s love and I never forget your face.
I never forget your sweet and gentle voice.
I would live and die for you dear Paloma.
—–
Elena told him. Beautiful words dear friend. But when you die. Do you believe the words in this book will give Paloma peace? He told her no. If I lost Paloma. I would suffer till my last breath. Don Carlos sat down and he told them. When we arrive in Cuidad Juarez. We will meet some friends of Susana Castillo Chavez. Rumor had it. You met her once Johnnie? I did. So long ago. After the Iraq war in 1994. I heard her read in Cuidad Juarez. I was station at the Army base across the border in Texas. I talked to her about writing for a second. I knew she was talented and wonderful. Her death broke my heart. A kind and sweet woman. Don Carlos looked very serious and he told them. We will receive a journal of her own words and some documentation. Letters and notes from her friend. These are for Paloma. After Port Austin. She will return to Spain and write the book. Paloma knows this already. We must work quickly and be very private. Mexico liked to keep her secrets. She had many.
The six gathered and they loaded into the Truck. Don Carlos added his herb to some mango juice. Johnnie drank the mango juice and he fell quickly asleep. He laid against Paloma breasts. He awoke one time and he took two codeine. The next 8 hours were quiet. Only the driver stayed awake. They arrived in San Luis Potosi at darkness. Lawrence and Leo carry Johnnie to the motel near the clinic. Sharon was waiting at the motel. She brought her medicine with her. She did some testing and she told Johnnie. Your body is running okay. I have nothing here to help you. Between Don Carlos herbs and the Elena soups. They are keeping you alert and alive. You will leave early in the morning. You will be in Cuidad Juarez at the next daylight. I’m honor to meet you. You have many names and many faces. Many women were saved because of you. Many became you. You and Paloma made men and women brave in Mexico. Including me. She turned to Paloma and she stood-up. She whispered dear Paloma. I pray God keep you safe and be brave. Don Carlos gave him the mango juice and herbs. He told him. Take before you sleep tonight. Elena brought the two soups and she watched him eat every bite. He got-up and he hugged Elena. Thank you sweet and beautiful friend. Elena left the room and she closed the door. Tears fell from her eyes. She saw and knew how cancer killed. Heartless and quick. Elena saw death in Johnnie face.
Johnnie locked the door and he stripped down to his boxer shorts. He laid on the soft bed and Paloma came out of the bathroom. Only wearing a t-sheet. He smiled and he told her. Please don’t move and please allow me to see you dear Paloma. She laughed and she smiled. Death is near and you want be nude and sexy for you still? He smiled and he told her. Please take off t-shirt and dance for me. He turned on the radio and soft Mexican love songs were playing on the radio. Paloma released the t-shirt and allowed her silky underwear to fall slowly. He loved her. Her body, still robust and beautiful. She was still tempting and her eyes. Like perfect resting sea or morning sky. Make you wish to fall into them forever. She asked. Dear Johnnie. You want me to kill you tonight? I believe my love. You are dying? He smiled and he drank the mango juice and Paloma took off his boxer shorts. She laid on top of him. Gave him warm and sweet kisses till they fell into a deep sleep.
The Poet’s love– Port Austin, Michigan
Lawrence knocked on the door at seven am. Johnnie awoke and Paloma was still laying on the top of him. He saw she was holding on for dear life. He knew she was scared. The cancer and facing the city of Cuidad Juarez. He went to the city Susana Castillo Chavez after Mexico city. He had burn sage for her and he had prayed she was in a better place. Paloma open her eyes and he told her. Lawrence told us. Time to move, eat breakfast and get on the road. She ran to the bathroom. He watched her with happy eyes. He felt very bad this morning. His legs were gone and his head was spinning. He reached for the codeine and he took two. He knew he was in trouble. He didn’t want to scare Paloma. He massage his legs and the codeine was working. Paloma came out and she asked. Why are you still in bed? He told her. Please go get Don Carlos and Elena. Her eyes went cold and she ran to him. She told him. We can skip Cuidad Juarez and you can go into the hospital. He looked at her and he told her. I will be okay. I need Don Carlos medicine and I will be fine.
Don Carlos, Lawrence and Elena came quickly. Paloma was holding tightly to Elena with tears falling. Don Carlos forced down some pills into Johnie and he helped him drank the prepared mango juice. Johnnie told them. Give me a minute and I will be fine. Paloma, please pack the bags. Paloma obeyed and Don Carlos sat with him. He told Don Carlos. Lawrence knowed my wish. Be burn and tossed into Lake Huron. He smiled at Johnnie and he told him. I gave you my last known medicine. It a plant that grow from the dead tree roots in Death Valley, California. It is deadly and it will make the body react. May give you two minute or six months. You are my first test subject. Johnnie smiled and he told him. Legs are working, the mind is working and I can get-up. Thank you Don Carlos. He stood-up and he wasn’t dizzy and he went to Paloma. Kissed her often and he whispered. We will make it my sweetheart.
The 20 hours drive went quickly. They saw the signs for Cuidad Juarez. Paloma asked. What will we do first? Don Carlos told her. We will visit some murals and we will meet her family and friends of Susana. Don Carlos gave Johnnie the new medicine and he held Paloma tightly. The six people went to five locations. Four of the murals were large and one was small. Paloma touched each one and she prayed.
——————
Susana Castillo Chavez
Dear friend. I cried a million tears for you.
I left you in the Spring.
I did not know.
Our last words were spoken.
You were murdered and I’m alone now.
Dear Susana.
I will not forget you.
My friend, dear poet.
I miss you so.
——————————–
Don Carlos told them. We have a 2 pm meeting. Johnnie was feeling like shit. He whispered to Don Carlos. Don Carlos gave him the mango juice to him and he helped him walk. At 2 pm. Many women and three men met at a open park. The women ran to Paloma. She knew some of them. They talked and cried together. A man, Paloma knew as a local Poet gave her a journal and some letters. His name was Juan. He told her. Here in Mexico. Her story cannot be written. You have letters from her friends and her family. Her family wrote of her youth and her friends.Wrote of her life and her struggle. Please return to Spain and write her story. Susana Castillo Chavez cannot be forgotten. The women went to Johnnie. One of the girls asked. Are you the ghost? No-one had seen your face. He told them. Killing doesn’t make things better. The ghost was a myth. He killed without thoughts of the men families. A thirty year-old woman name Rosa looked at him and she told him. The ghost shut down the biggest organization. Our men became brave and the women fought back. She kissed him and she whispered. God had forgiven you. You saved more young girls than you shall ever know. God bless you.
Paloma and Juan talked for two hours. She took some notes and she listen. Don Carlos told her. At 11 pm. Our freight from Houston to Detroit. We leave ASAP. Johnnie was very tire and Don Carlos told him. This is the last pill I can give you.
The herbs and mango juice must maintain you. The five hour drive to Houston was quick. They was no problems at the border. The last pill allowed his legs to stay strong and his mind to work. They left the truck at a parking area at the Houston airport for Elena, Don Carlos, Lawrence and Leo to get back to Honduras. The four hour flight was nice. Air condition and calm. Also room to move around. Johnnie and Paloma talked and talked. She had read some of the letters and part of the journal. Johnnie was happy because Paloma was thinking again. Her eyes turn sad and she begin to cry. She whispered. You are leaving me and I’m planning the things I can do in the future. He kissed her and he told her. We had many good days. I never regretted my time with you. You made me come alive and dream. You were a rare beautiful things I have known in my life. You are the Poet’s love. Today, tomorrow and forever.
After they landed in Detroit. Johnnie rented the largest bus they could rent. He wanted comfort for the last 5 hours to Port Austin. Leo drove the bus to the thumb of Michigan. Paloma made Leo stop the bus to touch a large cow and she ran through a corn field. Johnnie, Lawrence, Elena, Don Carlos and Leo laughed at her actions. She didn’t care. Johnnie danced with her in a corn field. She told him. Dear Johnnie. I should of came here. Open country and nice people. I would of loved it here with you.
The rented four rooms at Port Austin motel near Lake Huron. Johnnie felt okay. He watched Paloma shower and change her clothing. He put on jean and a t-sheet. He told her. I ordered food, some wine and we can set a fire.
We will celebrate our friendship and make the days sweet and kind. Thank you Paloma for coming to Honduras. You were my first and my last wish. Paloma came to him. Wrapped her legs around him and she kissed him till they fell into the bed. They lay in the bed till Leo knocked on the door and he told him. Time to go my friends. Lawrence and Elena are coming to your room. They will give Johnnie a check-up in a few minutes. Lawrence gave him the basic physical and he asked him. Are you Okay? He told him. No. Death is near. Tonight we drink, dance and laugh. Tomorrow the day could be sad. Don Carlos walked-in and he saw Johnnie face. He and Lawrence helped him to the pier. He told them. The pier goes on for almost two miles. I want my ashes tossed at the end of the long walk.
They drank Michigan wines and talks and talks. Lawrence told stories how they met. I remember Johnnie. Young and strong. I saw him become a kitten for Paloma. Leo was so pretty. He would paint and pain only till Elena bewitched him with her meanness. The blessed man Don Carlos. He brought many people to me. A saint and a good friend. I was the safe house and he was the guardian. We did have fun. We have lived my friend. Leo laughed at Lawrence and he told him. You were my savior. You made your home, my home and dear Paloma called me a faceless man and I saved her and I saved myself. Elena gave him a kiss and she whispered. We fell together and we became one in many adventures. Lawrence is right. We have lived a good life. Paloma stood-up. She kissed Lawrence, Leo, Don Carlos and Elena on the lips. She told them. Us six will become five. What will become of us? I’m the Poet’s love and the poet is dying. Johnnie went to her and he whispered. I had a grand life. The best friends you could have, great adventures and I lived the Hemingway life but I got lucky. I marry my Beatrice, dear Paloma. Dear Paloma. You have great responsibility. You must write Susana Castillo Chavez story and live a happy life for me and you. Don Carlos stood-up and he said a loud prayer.
Lake Huron
Hear my words Lake Huron.
I’m thankful for this day.
I’m near the water and I have great friends near.
Please take care of us.
Make thing fall right.
Thank you for this day and thank you for another day of life.
Thank you for the blessing of allowing Johnnie to make it home.
His Ojibwa blood need his land, his water and his forest.
Everybody said their goodbye. Many tears were shared. Elena and Lawrence knew. This would be their final words to Johnnie. Lawrence whispered into his ear. I love you my friend. Elena kissed him 10 times and she said I will see you. Leo and Don Carlos helped Johnnie to the hotel room. Leo kissed Johnnie face and he left with falling tears. Don Carlos just watched and he told him. We will meet again at Captain Jack waterfall. He walked away slowly with a heavy heart.
Johnnie tossed off his shoes, socks, pant and shirt. Paloma washed-up and she came to him. She dropped her dress, her silk panties and she laid next to him. She laid her head into his chest. He told her. You are more beautiful than I first saw you in Teja. He was feeling great pain in his legs, head and chest. He reached over and he took three codeine pills. He caressed her shoulders and her face. He asked her. Please sing me a lullaby my love and he kissed her often.
Lover, lover, love
Love me sweet.
Love me lots.
Dear Lover.
Forget me not.
I love you so.
They fell asleep. In the morning. Paloma didn’t hear a heartbeat. She slapped Johnnie face and she screamed. Johnnie, Johnnie don’t leave me. She ran to Lawrence room and she was crying. She told him. Johnnie isn’t breathing. Elena came and took her to her room. Lawrence touched Johnnie face and felt his pulse. The body was silence and empty. Lawrence called the police. They came and he had Johnnie Medical records. They took the records and he was tested by the police department. Wasn’t a suicide. Leo and Lawrence went to the funeral home. His body was brought to the funeral home and he was cremated. Paloma was never left alone. Between Leo, Don Carlos and Elena. They babysit her with care and concern. Took three days for the ashes to be ready. The five went to every opening on Lake Huron. They fell in love with the private lakes. Everyday Paloma and Lawrence walked the long bridge. It was a Friday. Paloma held the ashes in a decorated container close to her heart. Five people did the two mile walk and Don Carlos did a final prayer.
Lake Huron,
A native son will come to you today.
He was a good man.
Please direct my Ojibwa brother to his brothers and to his family.
Please help us, who are left.
We missed our friend.
Paloma released the ashes into Lake Huron.
They drove back to Detroit. A quiet trip. Paloma was going back to Spain and Leo, Lawrence, Don Carlos and Elena were flying back to Houston. The five friends did not know what to say no-more. Don Carlos told them. No blessing in death. We must remember Johnnie. One day we will meet again. Remember we have few true friends in this world. Paloma begin to cry. Lawrence went to her, followed by Elena and Leo. All four were drowning in sadness and in tears. The four friend made plans to meet in October. Honduras is wonderful in October.
John Castellenas/Coyote