The Poet’s love. Chapter seven to nine.

The Poet’s love-  The long journey to Cuidad Juarez begin.

The five old friends sat together. The people of Trujillo were drinking, dancing and having great fun near. Lawrence didn’t tell them the reason for the Festival this night. He told them. A night to celebrating life and a grand wedding. Johnnie loved the people of Trujillo. They treated him like a lost son. He made many good friends in the city.  He assisted many with their businesses and ensured the Church had enough money to help the homeless children. He knew they must wait a month. The paperwork of marriage even with the new tech would take some time. He told Paloma.  We won’t leave till your name is my name and I know you will be safe. She understood. He was in good spirit tonight. Lawrence did some testing. He told him. The cancer was dormant. The cancer is still in you. Just resting. I don’t know for how long. Elena herbal medicine is stalling the cancer. Giving your body the strength to fight back. You may live a year or maybe a week?

Paloma took his hand and she whispered in his ear. thirty years of dating and you shall make me a honest woman? He turned to her. Yes my love, my dear, my sweet and I know. Good things take time and you are worth the wait. Leo smiled and he got-up and brought Elena to him. He told them. Time for us to dance, sing and make wild love. The Golf of Mexico demand payment. A dance for her or a hurricane for us. Johnnie and Paloma got-up and the two couples wandered to the dancing people on the beach. Lawrence sat alone and he did a silence prayer. Please god of life and death. Let us survive the hard days coming. Please allow Johnnie to die at Port Austin. Home is where he can know peace finally.

The Priest demanded quiet from the 300 Trujillo men, women and children on the beach. They obeyed  Juan with a proper silence. He told the gathering. Tonight we combine two lives as one. Tonight we combine two people into a permanent place in the eyes of God. We are blessed by the warm night and the kind sea. Tonight Johnnie and Paloma will be blessed by God and swear to love till death take. Johnnie, do you take Paloma to love and hold  till death do you part. Johnnie smiled and he said. I do. Dear Paloma, do you take Johnnie to love and hold till death do you part. Paloma with tears flowing. She said. I do. Johnnie put on her ring of gold on her tender finger and she put on a ring of gold on his finger. The priest raised his hands and he told the people. Tonight we joined two people and Johnnie, Paloma. You are marry in the eyes of God.

Paloma and Johnnie left the beach and they went to the motel room. Lawrence and Leo had bought some Spain wine and left many flowers in the room. She asked him. You know we must go to Cuidad Juarez. Not Mexico city. He smiled and he told her. I know. I went to the her site in Cuidad Juarez.  She isn’t forgotten. She was stole from us by violence and people like us. Must keep her alive. We will leave as soon as the documents show-up. I pray Elena’s  herbal cures keep working. We have a long and hard trip. I made plans for us to see many places. We will stop in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala for a meal, visit Dangriga and Belmopan in Belize and drive across Mexico till we reach Cuidad Juarez. It will take two months till we reach Houston. Houston to Detroit and final road trip to Port Austin. She looked sad and she questioned him. Can you survive his journey? He smiled and he brought her near and he sang.

“Dear Paloma, you and I. Wandering Gypsies. You are my song, my love, my muse. The Poet’s love.
You and I.
Fearless and brave.
With you near. Death shall stay at bay.”

The month went quickly. She saw some improvement in Johnnie. He was walking better and he was writing again. Elena came four times daily. Force down a ounce of cat claw twice a day to him. She served him  the graviola soup and the Buckhorn tea with every meal. She didn’t allow him to have coffee. She told him. Coffee takes more than she gives. Lawrence did weekly testing. The gastric cancer was present and stable. He went to them and he told them. The paperwork is here. Tomorrow we leave for Guatemala.  My good friend Doctor Roberto had a medical center in Puerto Barrios. We will rest a few days and leave for Belize. Belize is the safest entrance for us.  The border guards are few and the roads are open to Mexico. We shall go quietly into Mexico. Do what we must do and to Houston. Paloma went to Lawrence and she gave him a hard and warm hug. She whispered to him. You are my blessing and my friend.

Leo rush-in and he told them. The painting is done. Lawrence told him. Please God, I hope so. You made us sit in the hot sun for weeks. I hope we are a masterpiece? Leo took then to his private studio in the city of Trujillo. Paloma started to cry. Leo had painted twenty paintings of them. Each one different and so beautiful. She went to Leo and she whispered. You are my brave painter. I love you. I thank you for saving my life twice and I did nothing for you. Leo held her tighter and he told her. You made the weak man, the quiet painter come alive. You are my muse. You made me strong and brave. I love you dear Paloma.

In the early morning. Four a.m. A loaded truck left Trujillo. Johnnie held Paloma hand tightly as the bay and Trujillo disappeared in the distance. He knew.  He would never see the city again.

                           Chapter eight..

The Poet’s love — Puerto Barrios

The trip was long and very odd. There was no direct route to Puerto Barrios. Paloma knew the reason the true reasons for the road trip to Puerto Barrios. She believed Johnnie didn’t know. Lawrence told her. Most talented herbalist  in the Central Americans made her home there. She was consider a Nagual. Her birth place was unknown and no-one asked. Most of the best Herbalist trained with her from Central American and Mexico. Including Elena for two years. Her name was Rosa. Mexican people came from Mexico city for her treatments. They called her the Nagual of hope. She would cure you or make your death softer and less painful. She prayed she could help her Johnnie.

Was a long silence. The darkness made the five people keep silence till the morning light. Johnnie asked Lawrence. You told me you never left Honduras? Now we are a giant field trip to find a miracle cure. Lawrence smiled  and he told him. I can’t trick the Coyote. The trickster cannot be tricked. You know my friend. I won’t give-up. I gave-up on my dear wife and I sweared never to give-up again on someone I love and care for. You shall meet the most beautiful woman in Central America. Her name is Rosa. The people of Central America and Mexico, they call her the sweet flower. She is very beautiful and she understand the plants. They say she talked to them. She had made powerful medicine that had cured and extended many people lives. Johnnie laughed and he whispered. I believe she bewitched you my friend with her beauty, her eyes and her belief people can be cure. Dear Lawrence. Maybe she bewitched them and the  patients mind, cured the cancer? With hope and prayer.

Leo told them. The mind is more powerful then you believe. Elena took me to Rosa and she is a goddess. She made me bathe in waters with unknown herbs and I drank her teas. She massage me with natural oil. In two weeks in her clinic. The cancer was dormant and hidden. I was lucky. I caught the cancer early. I lost my voice and Lawrence called Elena.  Johnnie, you waited too long. I know you. You felt like shit and didn’t pay attention. You told me often. Don’t need doctors. Like most old fools. They learn too late. You will love Puerto Barrios. A twin city of Trujillo.  Kind people, the sea near and the best drink I have ever tasted in my life. I made this city. My second favorite. Johnnie reached over and kissed Leo’s neck. Don’t be too easy on me. Us old Fool’s are many in this truck. Paloma was looking at the long road and she asked Lawrence. Do you believe Johnnie’s cancer can be cured? Lawrence looked very serious and he told her. I have seen a few miracles. I’m praying for one more.

Fifteen hours in the truck and the five people. Legs, backs and minds were tire of the truck. Johnnie took Paloma hands and he kissed them. He told her. Leo didn’t lie. Puerto Barrios is beautiful. Puerto Barrios was in their view now. Lawrence told them. Tonight we eat, drink and dance. In the early morning. Johnnie will begin his treatment with Rosa. Paloma looked at Johnnie and she told him. Tonight we sit by the bay. All of us. Allow Leo to take some photos. Maybe handsome Leo will paint a masterpiece for us in his free time.

The hotel was beautiful, it sat on the bay with the Gulf of Mexico in view. It was old fashion and modern at the same time. Lawrence had rented three rooms facing the bay. You could see the open beach and the fishing boats. The night was cooler and after 15 hours in the car. All of them needed to wander. To move their feet and their bodies. Paloma and Johnnie walked the quiet city. Friendly faces greeted the new strangers. Puerto Barrios was guest to many people seeking healing. The city people were polite,and kind to the people seeking healing. They sat by the bay. Just holding hands, allowing the silence to overtake them. She whispered  into wanting ears. I wanted us to do so many things. We surrounded our life with so many things that didn’t matter. You found your wars and you learn to seek peace and non-violent. I fought and lost my many battles. Now I accept no-one can change our world. He wrapped his arms around her and he told her. My love, your words are like a running river. They had expanded and so many are listening and paying attention to you. We may not see the changes, but we are lucky. Susana Castillo Chavez words will be scream-out and stop the abuse of the children on the Mexican border. You stood with her for justice and you watched your friend murdered and butchered. People need you. You need to keep the memory of her alive.

I stood at Susana Castillo Chavez mural in Cuidad Juarez. I stood where she was found in the city. I burn sage and I pray for her. I pray she had found peace and her words are never forgotten. She was a martyr for girls who could not speak. I found a painter and a poet. We drank to her and we cries for her and the young girls lost on the border.  I want you and I.  Together to face her final place. Maybe some kind of healing dear Paloma. She looked very sad and she  fell into his arms and she cries. She whispered. I won’t  never know peace or understanding. My friend was killed alone in some back alley.

Lawrence and Leo appeared. Paloma clean-up her face and shared a fake smile. Lawrence told them. Come dear friend. Best sea food, best drink and the prettiest women are waiting for the beautiful Paloma and the famous Johnnie. The four walked slowly to the cafe. Paloma put on a fake happy face. She was thankful to be with good friends and Johnnie near. She released Johnnie hand and she went to Leo, kissed his cheeks and face and she held him tightly.

At the Cafe. A nice set-up for them. You could see the bay of Puerto Barrios and the people were very kind. The food was waiting. They drank the fruity wine and enjoyed the food. Leo did most of the talking. He told them. I had all my painting returned and a living legend. Now I’m old and thank you dear Elena accepted a old man invitation. Elena dancing eyes looked at Leo and he told him. I had no option. You moved in with me and you wouldn’t leave. I got use to you. All of a sudden. Lawrence looked up and he stood-up. He went to a beautiful woman. Maybe forty years old and she was wearing a dress of her native city. Showing perfect curves and dangerous smile. Johnnie and Paloma went to her. She hugged Paloma first and she told her. I’m so glad to have met you. The Mexican people talk of a Spanish woman with a heart of gold. Please my beautiful Paloma. You did so much for the silence women and girls. I’m Rosa. She went to Johnnie. She touched his face and then his hands. Dear Johnnie. The black night you are called. They say one man killed off ten men in one night. He returned again. You are myth and tale for the new heroes. The rumor was. If you hurt the Poet’s love. You shall die. She held his face and she kissed him warmly. Forcing her body toward him. She held him for a minute. She released him and she told him. I can slow down the cancer. The cancer is in your blood. You will need the Native American healing. Covered tent with herbal smoke to heal outer skin. You will need long baths and many herbal lotion massage to make the body come alive. I will pack you with my herbs. I will try to change your blood. I can’t cure you. Only extend your life for maybe three month to a year. Your cancer is dangerous. We will start treatment at three a.m. You and I will become very close dear Johnnie. Maybe you can write a poem for me. Johnnie smiled and he kissed her forehead and he told her. Thank you Rosa. Paloma hugged her she whispered. Please Rosa. Save my Johnnie please.

Chapter nine..

The Poet’s love — Last grasp at a miracle

At three a.m sharp. Rosa knocked gently on Paloma and Johnnie room. He rose up and he open the door. She came in and she smiled. Need more than your boxers to go to my clinic. Paloma awoke and she walked nude to the bathroom. She came out and Rosa went to her. She touched the scars on her back. She told her. I have gentle lotions to make the scars fade away dear Paloma. She turned to her and she whispered. Some scars and marks are needed reminders. When I see them. I remember Mexico city and I remember who did this to me. Rosa thought a second and she told her. Sweet baby.No-one goes through life with scars and pain. Johnnie came from the bathroom dressed in jeans and t-shirt. Rosa embraced her and she whispered to her.One day I will tell you my story. Today Johnnie will learn because. Him and I will become closer than honey and tea.

They walked slowly to Rosa small clinic. He loved how Rosa looked. Brownish red hair, darkest brown eyes he ever seen and a body of Aphrodite, the goddess. She was tall and long legged. He asked her. Who are you dear Rosa and where are you from? She took his hand and she told him. Today when you bathe in the herbal bath. I will tell you my tale. You know I wasn’t born here. I found Lawrence many moons ago. He led me into the right places.

The water was prepared. Had the smell of many flowers and many herbs. He asked her. I will smell like Summer’s new flower after you are done with me. She smiled and she him. You will drink the dandelion root tea and the essiac tea. I will pack you with a heavy load of garlic in the soup and food I make for you. Dear Johnnie. I cannot cure you. The blood had been attacked. I will strengthen your body to fight against the deadly bacteria. Stomach cancer cannot be control for long. I will need you to be positive, accept what I do to you and please don’t complain. He loved her eyes and the strength of her words. He stripped down and he slowly went into the bathtub. She left him and she came back with some tea. She whispered. Drink quickly and a lot. We have a long day planned.

He watched her work. She was delicately harvesting some plants and he loved the color of her skin. He asked her. You told me, You shall tell me a long story. She came to him and she sat on a small wood chair near the bathtub. She begin. You can tell by my hair, skin color and body. I wasn’t a native. I’m half Iranian and half Irish. Years ago I stood with the revolutionaries in Ireland. We lost, my friends killed and I was wounded. I went into hiding and Leo found me. My heart and mind bleeding. I remember Leo. He was so pretty and young. He told me. My new friend. You don’t need this dreaded place. Here in Mexico, you will die alone and forgotten. He forced me to go to Trujillo. I met Lawrence and Liliam. Both true saints. They gave me a place to live and gather my thoughts. I went to the market in Trujillo and I gathered plants. I create a ointment for my bruising and pain. I started planting a herb garden. Lawrence came to me often and we talked. He told me. I’m a natural herbalist. The herbs of Central American can save the world. One day a old woman from Puerto Barrios came to my home. She was almost seventy when I met her. She took my hand and she told me. My name is Maria. I’m a 60 years creator of herbs and plants for curing pain, sickness and sadness. I know your story dear Rosa. Please come with me. You and I could create the natural herbal plants. I’m old. I will teach you many things and maybe you can laugh and sing again?

I went with her. I had no-one left and no place to go. I fell in love with Puerto Barrios the first moment when I saw her. I worked side by side with Maria. She was a patience teacher. She told me often. I talk to the plants. I thank them for the gift of healing. After four years and kindness. Maria told me. I had cancer now for five years. My medicine had found the dead-end. Your last lessons will be the many plants for curing and stalling the poison of cancer if you want? She taught me so much and I seek more knowledge. Us herbalist like Elena and I. We share the knowledge. I was lucky. Leo brought a old man from Mexico to me years, back. He was a skill Nagual. In three months. I learn about the power of the smoke and where to find the herbs needed to create the proper cure. Don Carlos was very kind and generous with me. My life was hard at the beginning and today. I’m very content. I’m treated well here in Puerto Barrios and this is my home now.

Johnnie learn great respect for this beautiful woman. His eyes caressed her with appreciation and kindness. She begin to sing.
———–

“I’m just a Irish girl
in the lost and found.
I love my whiskey and I love my song.
I love the wild men who want to dance and drink till we can’t no more.
I maybe not as pretty as when youth was my strong wine.
Old wine is  become  sweeter and kind.
Irish woman kisses become more  tasty.
Their eyes more beautiful with time and love
               Rosa
————–
Johnnie told her his story and Rosa cries with him. She told him. I believe we must lose everything to appreciate what we have. You are the poet who loved Paloma. A Poet’s love is never forgotten. You and Paloma. Myth and tale for the dreamers. The story of you and Leo. Fearless Leo. Saving of stray cats and desperate woman. She pointed at a painting on the wall. A nude beautiful woman was sitting by a open window.  Johnnie smiled. Dear Rosa. You are a eternal beauty. she smiled and left him. She brought some more dandelion root tea. She read Jack London’s book “When God’s laugh” to him. She added some more  hot water and more American white lily in the water. She whispered one more hour and my special hemp and mix herbal plant lotion for you.  After the soaking in the herbal bath. He wrapped a towel around himself and he laid on a massage table. There was two tables in the room. Paloma joined them. She stripped down and she rested on the massage table. Rosa came in and smiled. Dear Paloma will keep us company and I shall heal her scars on her back. They are very deep and dark. Need the special healing lotion. The key plant come from Bosnian. She slowly massage Paloma back, neck and her legs. She smiled and she asked him. Am I as beautiful as when you massage my back with medicine and caressed my beaten legs with healing herbs. Johnnie smiled and he told her. More beautiful and more wonderful. After Rosa finished with her. She told her. I need your help and after you leave Puerto Barrios. You must do what I do. The tea, the soups and the bath. If you don’t. He won’t make the Cuidad Juares. Paloma followed her orders and she learn quickly of the plants needed. Johnnie fell asleep and the two women went to the bay.

Rosa took her hands and she told her. I lost everyone once. I believed in something and my world became hell and I ran or be killed. You hold great pain dear Paloma. You are very important. what you seen and done.  Must be written. You must keep Susana Castilla Chavez alive. Please write the book that must be written. Write from a distance. In Spain, you will be safe there. Few people want to see the violence done to women. The border of Mexico, China and so many places use the young girl up. Leaving only shells of a person. I have contacts in Mexico and when you reach the border. No-one will touch you. Mexican men scared of the old medicine. I have a great friend Don Carlos. A herbalist and famous Nagual. Sweetest and kindest man I know. He was my teacher.  He asked to be your guide and your protector. Johnnie will receive one week of my treatment. You will leave for Belize. Dangriga and Belmopan will be two days stops. Natural and hidden springs for healing. For you and Johnnie. Remember dear Paloma. Be positive and strong. A woman’s love will a man forget pain and he will want love and her. Maria begin to sing.

—
Was a Spring flower.
So tall and so beautiful.
Was a Spring flower.
That reached for the sky.
The sky and the sun adored her.
She would dance with the wind.
The wind would whisper love songs to her.
Late Summer came and the flower slowly weaken and faded away.
The sky cries great rain/snow and the sun hid behind the clouds.
In early Spring.
The flower appeared again.
The rain and snow stopped.
The sun shined from dust to dawn.
The gentle wind danced with the beautiful flower again.
The world became beautiful and wonderful once again.
              Rosa
 ————————–
Paloma kissed Rosa face and lips. She told her. Thank you Rosa. I did need you. I need to forget my anger and regret. Because a storm again. Rosa smiled and she said yes.

                         John Castellenas/Coyote