The Poet’s love. A story. Chapter one-three.
The Poet’ love.. A story
The old Poet loved the country of Honduras. He had came here often in his life and he loved the Honduras coastline. Trujillo and Tela had been his safe haven for 30 years. He had lived his best and worst days near the Caribbean sea. Now he came back to die. He was at the American motel in Trujillo sitting with three old friend. They were enjoying the view of the Caribbean sea, drinking sweet red wine and discussing the Poet’s ending.
Paloma, a writer and poet from Spain, she told him. You are drinking the Honduras rum as your pain killers. Slowly fading away my dear friend Johnnie. Johnnie told her. There are worst ways to die. I can slowly die drinking the Honduras rum and I have my three best friend near. Lawrence, a retired doctor from Honduras, told him, with sadness in his voice. You have been waiting for death. You treat death like a welcome guest. My old friend. Death is the end. I know of no-one who have seen heaven or hell. Leo, a painter of the sea, women and the landscape whispered. Paloma and Lawrence. I left my home in Mexico with deadly cancer 10 years ago to die in Trujillo. Today I’m alive because of the kindness of kind Trujillo women and the fresh and clean air. If Johnnie want to die. With death. We do not decide. Better to lived a life, free of fear. Some comical god-like thing made man. Weak, foolish and dumb. Men don’t appreciate the gifts given. Just create havoc.
Johnnie smiled and he asked the group. Remember when we found each other in 1986. Paloma, you were the most beautiful woman I ever seen. I remember you at the nightly festival sponsored by the Doctor in Trijillo. I saw you standing alone and I was memorized by your long flowing auburn hair and your long perfect tanned legs. You awoke me with a sweet whisper. Your dark brown eyes made me weak and speechless. I still remember the whisper. You asked me. Was I in love or in lust? I told you. Both. Leo smiled and laughed. He told them. I remember them days. Paloma was my first nude paintings. She was a dark skin goddess and I asked her to pose. She asked. Cloths or nude. I told her both. Paloma smiled and she told him. I have one of those paintings still. You made me perfect and feel wonderful and beautiful. I was a college girl seeking reasons to live. Johnnie taught me poetry and you taught me the beauty of the world. You never attempted to touch me. I learn years later. You loved another.
Lawrence smiled and laughed at the conversation. He told them. Those were the good days dear friends. I found Johnnie first in Tela. I was the village doctor and I loved to speak English or French. I saw Johnnie sitting alone drinking the Honduras rum and he was watched the water dance on the shore from the hotel tavern. I invited him to my table. We were joined by six Tela young women. Tropical beauties with wild eyes and who loved to dance. Me and Johnnie talked till dawn. I remember Johnnie was escaping a broken heart and I told him. We have six Honduras beauties near us. I believe men are not suppose to love one woman. Woman are something to behold. Can’t hold too tightly and you can’t hold on too loosely. When the gift of love, embrace and kiss is given. Just be thankful. I remember when you met Rosa that night. She rested on your shoulder and she waited for you to see her. I remember you looked at her and you learned I was right. When a woman pay you attention. Be thankful.
Paloma smiled and she told them. Men rarely know what they want. Once, me and Johnnie were suppose to get marry. Johnnie left for some war and I went home. I learn a Poet’s love. Male or female. Just addition to a journal to be locked away and re-read when needed. Johnnie, we tried three times and now I found you again. Are we destiny or just finding dead-end? Is our love real or just some fantasy for a poem or tale?
Johnnie took her hand and he told her. You were my first and you shall be my last love. I remember the night I met you. You stole my heart and my voice. We danced till the music was no-more. I still can see your Summer dress and how your eyes made the moon and stars seem so small. We stayed in the hotel for three days. Coming out for food and drink only.
Leo told them. No-more love stories today. Tonight the moon is full and I can hear the Trujillo songs by the beach. Me, Lawrence, you and dear Paloma will dance, drink and sing till we cannot no-more. Tonight is for living. Not for dying.
Chapter two.
The Poet’s love- Trujillo, Spring 1986
Lawrence enjoyed the night life. He was a skilled Doctor with many opportunities. He decided Teja and Trujillo would be his places of healing. Less money for him to be made but the appreciation of the people in the two cities made him content and okay with his life. He left the coastline once to go to the University for 12 years. He came back to her and he never left the coastline again. He was well-liked and he never marry. He had a pretty companion once. She was a long haired and dark eyed beauty. She got the cancer in 1982. After her death. He decided. Old heart couldn’t accept another heartbreak. He found joy and peace near the young people who danced and sang till dawn. He found Johnnie in 1986 and they became great friends. They were inseparable till Paloma showed up.
Leo was a famous Mexican painter. He loved Mexico but he hated the government. He kept his mouth shut and allowed his hands to create masterpieces. He loved Mexico city. He would paint the ancient buildings and scenery. One night at the Tavern. He met Paloma. Paloma was a fiery lady trying to create change. She was a Poet trying to show the world how the Mexican government and gangs abused the people, mainly the young women. She was safe for a second because she was a Spain citizen visiting and some what famous. Leo told her. Old wise words by Dryden. Don’t be a martyz. A dead poet can’t write no-more. She laughed at him and she told him. A silence voice accept the bad shit and they will become part of it. He fell in love with her the first moment he had met her. He watched her dance and she shared poetry with him.
—
Mistress love.
Removed veil revealed.
Perfection remembered and never forgotten.
—
The harmony of the dance.
The amorous emotions of being alive known.
Treasured memories and places dear artist.
—
Leo met her often at the Tavern. One day she quit coming. He researched her and he learned. She was locked-up in a Mexico city prison. He had painted many paintings for the Judges and law enforcers in the city. He had painted their wives and their children. He would do something he didn’t want to do. Make a deal with them. He knew if he didn’t get Paloma out of the prison. She would die. He went to the head police officer. Senor Lopez. He requested a meeting. Senor Lopez met him and he asked to have Paloma freed from prison. Senor Lopez told him. I want all your painting in your studio and one more. Paint me now! Leo painted him with skill and perfection. He made the officer look honorable and powerful. Senor Lopez told him. Many want her dead. Paloma must leave Mexico city and Mexico ASAP or she will be killed. A large bounty on her head. Leo had his car and he went to Paloma hotel. He gathered all her belonging and he took his few items he held important. Everything was packed and ready for a quick escape from the city. Senor Lopez met them at midnight at the prison and he told him. Leave the city now and I will report her escape in the morning. You will be hunted and killed with her my friend. Paloma was brought out by the guards. She had bruises on her arms and her neck. She didn’t raise her face-up to face to the guards. Was a deadly silence in the car till Mexico City was in the far-distance.
Paloma looked-up and she begin to cry. Leo stopped the car and he held her. He told her. You will be okay honey. We will leave Mexico and we will never look back. Paloma looked at him and she asked. You risked everything for me dear Painter. Why? He smiled and he told her. You made me feel weak and hopeless. Today I feel wise and strong. Your words spoken in the Tavern made me want to be brave for a second. She looked in the back-seat and she told him. Thank you dear Leo for saving me and my work. What do I owe you? He smiled and he told her. I want a forever friend and the knowing. I saved a beautiful and wonderful woman. She asked him. Where do we go now? We go to Teja, Honduras. A place for the poets, painters and the singers. We will fade away on the Honduras coastline and be forgotten. Leo had many friends. They escaped into Belize and they found a safe passage into Honduras.
Leo took Paloma to the Teja Doctor Lawrence. Doctor Lawrence told her. A lot of bruising and no internal bleeding. You will be okay my new friend. He gave her some codeine for the pain and some penicillin for the healing. He gave her a bag of rosemary tea and he told her. You must rest and relax dear Paloma. Here in Teja, us people wanting to play hide and see. Can. You and Leo will be my guest for as long as you need. My home is your home. In five days. Trujillo is having a large festival. You and Leo will be my guest. Now Paloma, take a long bath. My nurse Liliam will add some plants and herbs to the warm water. Make you body heal and become strong. Dear Paloma. You are a brave lady. It is time to be less brave and gather your heart and mind again. You saw hell, you need to find some kind of peace.
Johnnie sat in the back seat with Paloma on the way to Trujillo. Leo and Lawrence. They talked and talked. Johnnie knew her and her work. He visited her daily, brought fresh fruit and tasty meat to eat. She ate little and he sat with her. Holding her hands and caressing her face. She spoke little. She asked his name on the second day. He told her. Johnnie, just a helper of Lawrence. He saved my life often. Paloma looked better. The herbal baths and the rosemary tea healed her quickly. Dr. Lawrence told her. You are a strong lady and please stay strong. Paloma looked at the Honduras coastline and she begin to cry. Johnnie brought her near and he whispered. Release the tears and the pain. You had lived and you can fight another day. Life is hard and life will become harder. He loved her from the first moment he saw her. Her face was gentle and her eyes filled with anger. She was a Spain lady. Tall, long legged and beautiful. Paloma asked Leo. What is my payment for you saving my life. Leo smiled and he told her. I want to paint you. All my old painting were traded away for a Spanish goddess. She smiled and she asked. Clothed or nude. Leo told her both.
They arrived in Trujillo and the party had began already. Lawrence told them. We will stay at the American Hotel. You have single rooms and I ensured you have the clothing of Trujillo for you. We will become part of the city and the heritage tonight. Paloma found a sleeveless blouse and a cotton dress of many colors on the bed. She looked down and she loved the sandals of Trujillo. They reminded her of Spain. Johnnie and Leo had shirts with too many less buttons and cotton pants. Johnnie laughed at the appearance in the mirror. His hairless chest showing like a tango dancer and pants like a sheep herder. Paloma stood in front of the mirror. She was herself already. The five days in Teja was needed. She had deep thoughts and she knew. Her fight had just begun for equal rights and stopping violence. She liked the image in the mirror. She felt sexy and beautiful.
Johnnie saw Paloma come out of her room and he ran to her. Almost falling down. Paloma caught him and she whispered. Are you in lust or in love? He told her. Both my Spanish beauty. Tonight we dance, drink and sing. Forget the past and celebrate the beginnings. She looked sad and she asked. I’m beaten and sad dear Johnnie. I thank you for the care and the silence in Teja. Do you really love me? He smiled and he kissed her bare shoulders and her lips many times. He whispered. You are my first wish to the stars and last wish to the evening stars dear Paloma.
Chapter three..
The Poet’s love-Paloma
At the late Summer festival in Trujillo. Four friends found their reserved seats. Doctor Lawrence was treated with great respect and kindness. Most of the people of Trujillo had been treated by him throughout his 40 years as the coastal doctor. Lawrence told his old friends. It is the year 2016 and I’m glad we are all together for the seventh time in 30 years. I’m thankful we have kept our friendship alive and well. You have been my dear friends since Leo and Paloma joined us in 1986. Me and John were alone and needed some good company. We have lived a wild life and now John came back to die in the city of Trujillo. But John will learn. The ancient Trujillo medicine and herbs will keep him alive and steady. Central American is blessed by the gift of nature. Us foolish men believe we need man-made drugs when the simple coconut, the rosemary and free tropical herbal plants can stop the cancer.
Paloma told Lawrence. You can’t stop death. When death comes for you. You must go willingly. Lawrence smiled and he laughed. He told her. Leo support to be dead and gone. The tropical wisdom is simple. Make the mind believe and allow the plants to change the blood. Cancer, like all things can be changed by diet. Some clinics in Mexico packed the cancer patient with garlic and the desert plants. Don’t cure the cancer. Stopped the cancer from expanding.
Paloma smiled and she kisses Lawrence hands. She told him. I love you dear Lawrence. I love you my dear nagual of all things. We owe you everything. I remember the first day I met you. Leo brought me to you. Broken and wounded. You and dear Liliam treated me like a child. You knew I was beaten and weak. I remember dear Liliam singing me soft lullabies to me when I relaxed in the bathtub. She knew I needed quiet and time to think. On the second day. You came to my bedside and felt my forehead and you told me. Dear Paloma. More demons than angels. You are a brave and courageous woman. You were a kind angel to many. You stood for strangers and you learned. The devil seem to always win. But beautiful Paloma, you did not lose. Your words are being screamed-out in Mexico and people are paying attention to the women of the Mexican border. The Spain government had demanded to know where you are. I believe better for you to laid silence till you can fight with 100% strength. Don’t allow the Mexican terrorist to win. When you show your face again. Be the fearless Paloma, not the beaten. I remember I begin to cry. You caressed my forehead and you sang a lullaby for me.
“Don’t cry my baby girl.
Don’t you cry no-more.
Please allow the tears to fade to anger.
The anger to strong heart and mind.
Make the world see a woman.
Who won’t cry no-more.”
He introduced Johnnie to me this day. You made me laugh when I saw him. A high and tight military hair cut and a soldier. I asked him. A soldier nurse? More men who want to kill and destroy all things that are beautiful. You told me. Johnnie is a re-formed soldier. Only killed for a pretty Spanish Poet and the Honduras rum. Johnnie sat with me and he spoke a few words. He told me. Please take this journal and please write dear Paloma. He gave me a new journal with art on the cover. I hold this journal more precious today. The artwork of the doves can still be seen. Johnnie never left my side. He sat with me in the day and he slept near me in the night. Honduras was very hot. Johnnie would hourly wipe my face, shoulders and legs with cold water. He served my medicine and he wrote holding silence. On the third day. I asked him. What are you writing. He smiled and he answered. Just story and poetry. I asked him to read to me and he did.
Dear Trujillo
Lovely land blessed and wild still.
One locked-up people have known true freedom for 500 years.
Dark skin beauties and strong men will steal your heart and soul.
The old soulful ways still held tightly and lovingly.
The old medicine, the old ways still are honored.
The kind and gentle people willing to share their smiles and their beautiful ciy.
Dear Trujillo, sweet paradise by the sea.
I’m thankful for you.
Johnnie
—
The Spanish beauty
Silence lady fighting a fight she couldn’t win.
She wrote a 100,000 words for the helpless women of the Mexican border who couldn’t fight no-more.
She learn the devils seem to always win.
The brave poet will understand.
Martyr are many and heroes are few.
The Spanish beauty stood her ground and she learn.
Love is life and life is love.
Every life had value and
sometimes we must give-up everything to learn.
We must never give-in or give-up.
A strong and righteous voice will be heard even when surrounded by hateful men.
Today the words of the Spanish poet are being sung by the people who understand.
Every life had value.
Johnnie
—
She told him. Now you and Lawrence said I did something. Johnnie told her with sadness in his voice. How can you stop a hurricane? How do you stop a thunderstorm? You can’t. The men who control the Mexican borders. Cold, heartless and don’t value life. I wish I know the cure. My grandfather told me. Making men change, like spitting into the wind. The spits will return. Maybe words are the same. Maybe we are doing nothing or maybe we can save one life? He asked her. Did you write? She smiled and she whispered. You showed me your words and I will show you my words.
—
Tijuana
More dead on the dead.
Babies forced to be whores.
Sin city, a bloody hell.
The hell expanded to the deadly borders.
Young girls, used, abused and tortured.
Just profit for sick men.
Who is crying for the little girls?
Locked-up, screwed and killed.
Silence and dead.
Leave no witness.
Blind police officers.
Protect profitable business.
leaving poor parent with questions and bad answers to be learn.
Please God. Where are you?
Do you see what they are doing to the babies?
Paloma
——-
Maria and Adel
A tearful mother came to me.
She begged me to help her find her daughter.
Her 14 year old and 15 year old daughters kidnapped from their private school.
I found them.
Bounded and chained to some beds.
They were nude and barely conscious.
I talked to them.
Poor girls were drugged and they could barely talk.
I offered all the money I had to free them.
Ugly Mexican man with a death tattoo on his face told me.
The girls are money makers.
Still wanted and young.
The police told me.
Can’t do a damn thing.
Five months later.
Police found Maria and Adel nude and dead behind a empty building.
I and the mother cried a thousand tears for her babies.
They were dead and I was defeated.
Paloma
—-
No!
You stripped me.
You beat me.
You took away my pride.
I didn’t die.
You made me stand nude for hours
threatening beatings and rape.
You told me often.
I would die and be forgotten.
After seven days.
I prayed for death.
You wouldn’t allow me to die.
I remember your dirty hands on my skin.
I remember you looking at me like a piece of meat.
I was saved because of my citizenship.
A brave man risked everything for me.
He risked his life and he gave everything away for my selfish life.
I didn’t die.
Today I remember everything.
I have forgotten nothing.
Once a great Poet Dryden said.
“Don’t be a martyr for some cause. Dead writers cannot save the world.”
I believe Dryden was wrong.
Blind people with no concern for the children.
Uncaring eyes who allowed abuse, rape and murder.
They become part of the problem.
A thousand girls missing on the Mexican border.
A thousand girls missing on the Mexican border.
Do you care?
Paloma
—————-
John had tears in his eyes and he held silence when she finished reading. She looked at him with falling tears. She asked him. If the world is so cold and worthless. Why do we try? Why do we live? He took my hands. He kissed each finger and he wrapped his arms around her and he told her. You have seen and known beauty and the ugliness of this world. We must forget the ugliness and the good days last longer and forget the bad days. The bad days are just education for us to be wiser and stronger. Please Paloma, rest and gain strength. You are safe here in Teja. You touched my face, shoulders and bare legs with some cold water on some damp cloths. She watched him and she wondered why this young man was sitting with her. He slept on the floor and he awoke when she was alert. He ensured she was safe. I was happy knowing there were men like Lawrence, Leo and Johnnie. I knew I would be okay.
Johnnie kissed her and he told her. Enough sad talk and memories. I only remember I loved you from the first second I saw you. I loved your face and your long legs. Your face already filled with life and story. You were a natural beauty who wouldn’t give-up or give-in. Now it is time for the rum and the song. We will save the world tomorrow. Four people rose up and followed the sound of the song.
The Poet’s love-life, death and the good wine..
The four good friends sat near the Trujillo bay.
Lawrence told them. Trujillo was touched by God. The bay and the gentle people. A blessing for the few to had known her. I’m glad we are together once again. Even with old age and sickness. Johnnie came to die and find his Poet’s love. Paloma. She smiled and she laughed at the words. Dear Lawrence. Johnnie wanted war and travel. I was just a memory. Leo touched her face and he whispered. John would kill and die for you. Remember the second time in Mexico. I told you stay away from Mexico. They hate people who tell the truth. You forgot when me and Johnnie saved your legs and arms from being on the four corners of Mexico.
She caressed Johnnie legs and she said. I remember those days Leo. I was praying for death and you and Johnnie were almost killed because of me. Johnnie wandered back in thoughts to the days of the war. His deployment was ending in Iraq and he received a letter from Leo. He told him. Paloma is in Mexico. She is hiding out in the church in Mexico city. He went to Mexico and met his friends. Leo/Lawrence had gathered 20,000 dollars to attempt to save her. Johnnie and Leo went into a gun and knife shop in Mexico city. You pay with cash and no questions are asked. He bought a set of assassins knife and a 45 automatic pistol. Leo asked him. Are we here to kill or help? He told him. Bad people know only bad ways. If Paloma is in trouble. Can fight or run? Leo bought a 22 pistol and some ammo. She was being hidden in the basement of the Basilica of our Lady of Guadulupe church. Leo’s old friend and fellow painter Roberto took her to the church in secret. He found her beaten and alone in a abandon building. The Mexican drug lords had put a bounty on her of 10,000 dollars. Dead or alive. She was captured and she escaped.
Johnnie remember the church was being watched. He counted 10 men. He told Leo in the car. Go three block north. If I don’t bring her to you in four hours. We are not returning. One by one. He took-out the men. He didn’t kill none yet. Seven men were silenced with tape and rope. He went into the church and the painter Roberto ran to him. He told him. We have 10 minutes. The morning prayer is almost over. Paloma is dressed in clothing of a old woman and you must change too. He put on some white pant and shirt. He put on a white hat. Was enough to cover his white face. Roberto took him to her. She ran to him and she begin to cry. He remembered her this day every day of his life. He remember how the hate and anger took over his mind. Her face bruise and barely could walk. She whispered to him. Johnnie, you were right. Can’t save this world. The world don’t want to be saved. He whispered. Silence dear Paloma. You must walk strongly and fast. We have three blocks to where Leo is parked. The Mass ended. He and Paloma joined the people wandering out the church. She held on to him tightly. They were not notice leaving the church. 300 morning people seeking the Sunday blessing gave them a easy first step. He notice the men guarding the church were nervous. They looked at every face they could. They escape the attention of the guards and they begin to walk to Leo’s car. At a distance. He saw two men had Leo against a wall. He told her. Go hide in the doorway and I will call you to come. He slowly walked toward the two men. He had the cat assassin knife. A five blade knife and the 45 automatic ready. The men were too busy hitting Leo and asking questions. One of the men turned around and the 45 was at his head. He pounded his head with the gun and the man fell. He stomped his face and neck. The cat knife was at the other man throat as he turned around. He called to her to come and he told Leo. Get in the damn car. He told Leo. Go now and I see you soon my friend. Leo knew Johnnie had no choose. Paloma kissed him and she left with Leo. He watched them drive away. The Mexican man was telling him. You are dead, you are dead. He turned to the man. Kicked him in the groin area and knee caps. He stomped his neck and face. He left two dead bleeding men.
Paloma awoke him and she told him. I’m sorry Johnnie. I made you do bad things. You are my savior and my sweet love. He smiled and he told her. You are the Poet’s love. I would live and die to ensure you were okay. Me and Leo. Last super heroes for a Spanish beauty. Lawrence told them. Enough of the talk of the old days. Today I have good news. My friend Elena is here. A healer from the deep mountains. She brought some Acronychia baueri, Atropa belladonna Deadly Nightshade and many more. She cured Leo and he offered to marry her even. She told Leo, he was too old. She liked the young men. Elena showed-up. A pretty Honduras woman around forty years old. She touched Johnnie’s face and she said. I can save you. Only the good die young and you are not young no-more. Lawrence told them. Tonight will begin the herbal treatment and now we will drink the good Honduras wine, forget death and celebrate life. Tonight we welcome our new friend Elena and we will pray for good weather and long life.
John Castellenas/Coyote