We need more barefoot days. And a beautiful Mean Mary song.

We need more barefoot days.

(April is poetry month. New poetry number ten.)

I feel in love with the Pacific Ocean in 1992. I was very lucky.

The Army send me to Fort Ord, California and the great sea stole my heart.

I re-joined the Army after my second brother committed suicide.

On a cold Winter Day night in 1990, I held a 30-30 rifle in my hands and was saved by a kind friend.

The Army took me back and I learn. I had something left.

After the war ended, I was sent to Fort Ord., and I remember when I saw her.

She stole my heart and my mind. The waves were kicking and the sea sang to me.

Please come and dance with me. I took off my shoes, and I danced with the cold ocean water.

I sat by the sea for many hours releasing my heartache and sadness.

I was station near Monterey and Big Sur.

I befriended the writers, poets, artist and painters on the Monterey pier.

The pretty artist caressed my face and she told me. You are so young and

you carry a lifetime of sadness. Dear Johnnie, we need the sea and we need more barefoot days.

I told her. Thank you dear Helen.

Today I am far away from the Pacific Ocean and I do miss her.

Maybe in June. I will go to Monterey and Big Sur.

Take off my shoes and dance with the sea.

I told my grandchildren, we need many barefoot days.

Johnnie