The Island. Chapter 8-13.
The Island- chapter eight
The two women came to me and they embraced me. Lana told me. While we are gone, the Island wine maker shall keep you company. At the door, a man in his late fifties with dancing dark eyes stood smiling with a bottle of wine. Lana introduced Jerzy to me. She told him, the best storyteller on the Island. You will love him. I stood-up and he came to me, took my hand and he told him. The ladies need many hours to perfection, their perfect beauty. A wise man never complained. He just waits. I have some Ambrosia wine. We will drink the wine of the Gods, and we can talk near Lake Superior. I love the Big Water. I lived in dusty cities and places in Europe. Lake Gichigami, a blessing to this old man. I followed him to some benches near Lake Superior. She was dancing boldly this day, the waves rolling deep into the sand of the small beach. He brought the wine glasses and the wine opener with him.
He smiled and he told me. A wise man always prepared. We can’t drink wine, unless we open the bottle. He watched his eyes, his eyes were ancient and I saw the hidden sadness in them. He asked me. Are you enjoying Idyllic? Morningstar told me, a special person had arrived. I told him. This land blessed by the Ojibwa and the lakes, a God miracle made. I am enjoying my time in Idyllic. He smiled and he stood-up. He pointed to where Lake Huron and Lake Superior meet. He told me. The land of the lakes, the Ojibwa believe the lake is one. Connecting source of water create a safe haven for the ancient people. I believe, where Lake Huron and Lake Superior meet. The place is a blessed place. If you listen. You can hear the song of the old ones. The song is wonderful and forever. He opened the wine and he poured the wine into the wine glasses. We touched glasses and he told the sky, thank you for the beautiful day, the warm sun and good company.
We sat down and he touched my face. He told me. You have an old face and you believe, you have seen terrible things. Us, who are living in Idyllic. All of us had lost everything and more. You have begun your journey and you will lose more. You will learn the Hemingway curse and the Salinger quiet. I was found by Luna. I was alone with a plastic bag on my head, praying for death and she took off the bag. She kissed me a thousand times and she wouldn’t allow me to die. She embraced me into the midnight hours on the floor of my room. I told her that day. I was so tired, so damn tire. My dreams are nightmares and I am seeking quiet death. She told me, dear epic writer, blessed man, we need you alive. You saw the worst in men, and we need you to teach us. We can be kind, we can be brave and we can be saved. I followed her and she took me to the Island. I have been here almost fifty years. I write still and I became Salinger. My new writing, hidden away to be never read.
I asked him. Why do we hide our words? Are we destine to welcome death? He smiled and he whispered. I don’t welcome death no more. My life was difficult and I learn. I wasn’t alone. Lily lost her daughters to Rome, her people to war and she had saved thousands Ojibwa people and the wanderers, like you. I know she carried her sadness deep in her heart. I heard her cry to the full Spring moon. I go to her and we cry together. Once I had a large family, in World War two. They hid their Jewish sons and daughters in Poland, and I never saw anyone from my family again. Killed by hate. I roamed Europe as a child and I became a ghost. I wasn’t ever right, how could I be? I loved the USA. I fell into her arms and my words saved me for many years. The Jewish boy found reason and purpose, but he could not forget the dead. Here at Idyllic, I found like-people who swam in death and we became healers. I believe Johnnie, healing is the way the heart-broken people can heal.
I had great respect for this man. He told him. I read the books of Jerzy Kosinski, every book he written. He was a genius, he learned English in eight months, he went to the best University and his books. An American legend. Jerzy tapped my back and he laughed. He told me. Best honor for a writer, to be read, to be remembered. Today I will answer two questions for you. Only two. I do my best to forget the past. Nicole tells me daily, life is today, tomorrow. The past, just education to make us appreciate the good days.
I looked at his face. A face of a man who lived a thousand lives. I asked him. Are men destining to kill everything that is good? Is war, the balance of men? He looked at Lake Superior and he told him. I believe men hearts, are never content. Always wanting more and more. Men run the world. All through time and we allowed greedy men to run our world. The men who love pride, envy, anger, sloth, greed, gluttony, and lust. Look at the history of men. the good men are murdered, Jesus, Martin Luther King Jr. and Gandhi.
I asked him. Is men soul, so black. He will not be content till everything beautiful is gone? He told me. When I was young. So many people tried to save me. A Polish woman shaved my heard daily to hide my black hair. They hid me and they fed me. I worked their farm and one evening. I watched them murdered her for helping the Jews. I tried to return their kindness, by being a good man. You have demons and I have demons. I believe we can’t change our world; the Devils are controlling the world. All we can do, is kind, save who we can and if we are lucky. Found a place to rest and know peace. I was lucky dear Luna saved me. I pray to the moon daily. Please dear moon, make the leaders learn. Every life had value, war is not the road to peace and the children. They are the future. We must teach them well. I embraced Jerzy and I thanked him for the words. I asked him. I bury two brothers, one year apart. My heart became dead. The kindness of Nicole, Lana and Luna showed me. There is more than me. Jerzy, can we forget the sadness or do we learn to live with?
He whispered. I told you two questions, but I will answer this one. Nicole is correct. Love is a blessing; love make our heart grow and when the heart is alive. The possibility of heartache is near. We are taught by our parent, our grandparent and our mentors. To do the right things. We love them and one day. Death will take them from us. Break our hearts. I lost everything before my tenth birthday, took a thousand days of healing for me to know. I had to find new country; new family and I held the misery of war. Death isn’t the answer my new friend. Morningstar whispered to me. An up-and-coming poet need the great wisdom of the wine maker. I told him, thank you Jerzy and we heard the voices of the three women. Lana, Nicole and Isabella were walking toward us. They wore the Summer colorful dresses, and they were blessings for our eyes to see. Jerzy looked at me and he whispered. I told you there are miracles. You and I are seeing a miracle my friend.
Dancing Coyote
The Island- Chapter nine
I looked at Jerzy and we watched the three women walked toward us. I told him. You are right Jerzy, there are miracles left, if we open our eyes to see. Lana, Nicole and Isabella laughed at us. Lana told us as she embraced me and she asked. Were you falling in love, Johnnie? I told them, more than love. They wore their summer knee-high dresses and allowed me to see their bare shoulders. I begin to believe this to be a sweet dream or heaven. Isabella whispered in his ear. Sometimes dreams are real life, places where we gather our strength and find people to save us, maybe we can save someone in hopeful dreams. We shared embrace and Nicole whispered into Jerzy’s ear. I love you my dearest friend. We walked toward the center of the park. We heard voices and I saw three women and one man. The man was yelling, please wait for us.
After many words and hugs Lana introduced me to Delia, Celeste and Magdalena. The young man with wild hair and big smile, took my right hand and he told me. I am Nick, the Island song writer, lousy poet and leftover singer. I am glad to finally meet you. Delia told me. A poet had arrived. He will be the Island poet one day. Delia took my hand and she walked in the front of me. He loved her black dress, strong body, her flowing long black hair and the darkness in her eyes. She told me. Nick talks a lot and sometimes, too much knowledge can be dangerous. Nick is wonderful and rarely liked the strangers. If you can. Maybe we can talk after the concert? Me and my two sisters Celeste and Magdalena had requested the company of Jerzy, Lana, Nicole and Isabella near the open beach. We will have a small fire and we will watch the moon fall into the west. Jerzy will bring the Spring wine and Captain Jack homemade gin will keep us warm. Lana kissed Delia lips and she looked at me. Be careful, Delia was a Druid priest once. Delia and her sisters. Rumor has it. They can begin life, can spin the thread of life and can end life. I fell in love with Celeste and Magdalena. Both were beauties for the ages. They wore colorful Summer dresses and their beautiful smiles made you smile. Delia eyes watched my eyes and she told me. Later, we can talk and now we must hurry. The music will begin very soon and we don’t want to miss Ayla opening. Her voice make the angels, the gods and the demons know peace.
I took a large bag away from Jerzy. He smiled and he told me. Thank you, Johnnie, we need many bottles of ambrosia for us to enjoy. Need good wine when the moon is rising and the music is sweet. We arrived and Ayla Nereo was almost done setting-up the stage. Lana told me. Only Ayla is allowed at the Island who have free-will. She was a student of Delia. I was told. She taught her to shape-shift. Ayla is a blessing and she gathered the strength of the ancient gods. We do love her. Ayal looked up and she told Nick Drake; you know my payment. I want my songs. My favorite song “Cello and Pink moon.”
Nick went to the stage and the captain arrived. He gave me a bottle and he told me. Some rosemary tea to keep your mind working. I don’t drink the bad spirit; I do make the bathtub gin for my kindred friends. Nick begins to sing his songs. His voice soft, wonderful and the words, so good. Nicole held his hand, interlacing her fingers with his fingers, ensuring he knew, I wasn’t alone. He sang the two songs, and Ayla hugged him and she whispered in his ear. I love you Nick and thank you my dearest friend. Nick rejoined us and I told him. You are amazing. He smiled and he told me. Maybe tomorrow we can gather at the rocks. I will tell you a story of how the song can break your heart and to know. Life is more than us. We need friends, we need companions, so we will know. We are not alone. We drank the wine and sat in silence as Ayla sang her beautiful song. I fell in love with Ayla, she was barefoot and she danced for the raising moon. Her positive energy overtook us. After her last song, she greeted the many people and she came to us. She hugged and kissed everyone. She came to me and she kissed my neck, my face and my lips. She was so beautiful and I felt her heartbeat when she embraced me. She whispered in my ear. Live, learn, live some more and go forward. No easy life dear poet. You must save yourself and you can save someone else. I watched her walk away and I told Lana. Thank you for this day.
Isabella told us. The moon is rising and we must be near Lake Gichigami before nine. The group walked slowly to the lake. I notice Delia wasn’t with them. I liked her. She was shoe-less, a beautiful mystery and he saw the madness in her eyes. Nicole reached over and she kissed my neck and she whispered. Maybe if the clouds will stay away, so the goddesses of the Island can dance. The big lake can be temperamental and remember. the dance of light can be enjoyed by all. We arrived and I saw Delia near a large fire with many chairs on the side of the falling sun. She came to me and she told me. The chairs are in the west so we can see the moon raise from the east. She whispered in my ear. Tonight is the liar’s moon. The half-moon allowed us to use trickery and magic with due payment. I asked her, how did you arrive so quickly. She smiled and she told me. The raven never tells her secrets. She left me and she greeted the other nine people. Nicole was to my right and Lana to my left. Nick had Magdalena to his right and Celeste to his left. Jerzy had Luna to his right and Delia to his right. Captain Jack was at the Lake Superior burning his sage and praying to the stars. Jerzy smiled and he told us. No wine glasses, like the Gypsies of the old, one bottle of ambrosia each. We will drink and talk till we cannot. We opened the wine, everyone except the Captain. He had his bottle of rosemary tea. Luna stood up and she toasted the moon, the stars and the opportunity to know a new friend. We tapped the bottles and we talk as the moon rose above us. It was a good night. Talk of the lake, Lana’s paintings and the new days to come.
I felt a soft hand on his right shoulder and I turned and Delia was looking at my face. I look away and then I looked down at her pretty feet. She smiled and she asked. You like my legs and feet? I told her, prettiest days are a barefoot lady, the lake near and the blessing of kind eyes of a lovely woman. She laughed at his words. Morningstar was right, you are a master of words. You could make the unbeliever believe everything. The poets are dangerous. They will steal your heart and leave you with wishes and heartbreak. Nicole whispered to me. Johnnie, go with Delia. This is your last chance to speak with her. She is the watcher, the raven the coyote and sometimes the needed stranger. Tomorrow Celeste and Magdalena had invited us for an early brunch. Delia loved the night. Delia took my hand and we went to the meditating rocks. She sat close to me, the Lake Gichigami was sending a soft cold breeze. I wrapped my arms around her. She told me thank you my new friend. I am glad we have time to talk. My name is now Delia and I had many names. I was Delos once, I was Artemis. Been accused of being Lachesis. I was a Druid once and Rome try to kill off the old religion. The Druids are still abounding in the world, and I do support them if I can. I was a Gypsy storyteller, and I told the future for coin for a hundred year. Many years ago, I found western America. I found a Nagual who accepted my sleeping heart. He taught me the peyote magic. Morningstar found me in the mouth of the Mexican mountain desert. My friend, my teacher left my world. The nagual Cuauhtemoc taught me the herbal cure, to expand my spirit and to learn. Our body, just something, we use for a time. Morningstar found me crying and she brought Luna to me. Luna brought me here. I do leave the island to do what I must do. I asked her. Why are you being kind to me dear Delia? She took my hands and she kissed them. She told me, Johnnie, you have much to do. Each of us are here to accomplish something. You will change names, your face and your location often. I cannot tell you your journey. I see you are surrounded by love, and you will learn the taste of blood, the taste of love and the taste of sadness. We decide our life; we decide our destination. Don’t worry dear Johnnie. I will save you if you fall. All of us must be saved and a blessed life. We can save many. We sat in silence as the moon rose above us. She turned to me, kissed my neck, kissed my face cheeks and my lips. Her dark eyes told me. I would be okay.
Dancing Coyote
The Island- Chapter 10
Delia held the embrace and I felt safe in her arms. She released me and she touched my face. She told me. You will touch soil on every continent. You will befriend many. You will be many people and one day. You will find your proper place. Life can be hell and life can be sweet. The gun, the rope or the pills are the final dance. You must learn to dance on shit and smile. Hope tomorrow the world can smell better. I laughed at her words. She kissed my face and she whispered. Be brave. I heard voices and Nicole and Lana told us. It is very late and time for our goodbyes. I joined the group and everyone was joyous. The good ambrosia wine and the bathtub gin make everyone feel cozy and loud. I greeted each person and we hugged each other. Jerzy whispered to me. Tomorrow night. A rare visit from a California songbird name Alisa Fineman. Come to my home early and we can talk and you can help me carry the wine. He smiled and he told me. I will be at your house at 7pm. He tapped my back and he told me. We need a good day Johnnie. Your last day with us for awhile. We must ensure it is a wonderful day and night.
Nicole held my right hand and Lana held my left hand. They were weaving and dancing. We walked slowly to his cottage and Nicole sang to the night.
“Lovely moon,
do you hear the mockingbird song?
Lovely stars,
can you hear the whispers of the big lake?
Secret songs for the blessed to know.
We are just Gypsies souls dancing upon the earth,
just people seeking some joy, a place of peace.
Lovely moon,
Do not forget me.”
I told her. You have a voice of an angel. Lana laughed at my words and she told me. Rumors had it. Nicole was a siren once. They all laughed and they went to Lake Superior. Lana and Nicole released his hands, and they tossed off their shoes. They danced with the lively water of Lake Superior. I tossed off my shoes and I went to them. I joined them. We danced till their feet needed to be warm and Nicole told me. A busy day tomorrow, Johnnie. We must rest and we must wake-up early. Lana demands your appearance at 9am. Never make a goddess wait, ever.
Lana went to her cottage, and Nicole dragged me to my cottage. She told me, wash-up and I will prepare our bed. I brushed my teeth and he washed my face. I told the face in the mirror. Maybe I am dead already? I was so damn tire and if this is a dream. I need this dream to last forever. I heard Nicole whispered. You am not dead yet. I won’t allow you to die tonight. I went to the bedroom Nicole had lite many candles. The candles smell of wildflowers and lavender. She stood in my cotton white t-sheet only and she held a lotion. She told him. My special lotion, made from the free rosemary. In my home of Greece, a massage is the reward for a good day and good company. The massage must be gentle and enticing. Both of us must know the pleasure and the tenderness of the kindness of the hands, the fingers. Real passion must be arisen and be a blessing. Love and kindness given need to be slow and easy. Do I go first Johnnie?
I told her. My greatest wish would be to massage your tender skin dear Nicole. I will go first, if you allow. She smiled and she released the t-shirt. He adored her face, the womanly curves and her smile. She asked. Back or chest first? I told her, her back first. She reached over and she turned on a cassette recorder. The song of Gypsy violin was released, and she laid down on the soft bed. I released my pant and I took off his shirt. Tossed off his socks and I went to her. She looked up and she told me. Keep them boxers on. Remember a massage for a massage.
I started with her feet, rolling my hands over tanned legs and I moved each toe with softness, rotating each one softly. I loved her strong legs, her butt and back. A tattoo of a rose. Rolling from calf to upper back. I massaged her slow and hard. Ensuring to move away the tightness of life from her. She held silence and smiled. I loved her womanly body and I teased her. Moving slowly to her butt and her back. I spend time on her upper legs. My dancing fingers felt the energy of her body, and she moved her hips in pleasure. I massage her shoulders long and softly and I moved to her hair and her neck. I rolled his fingers through her hair and put pressure on her neck. Gently stealing away, the stress of life burden from her. I asked her to change position. She turned around and her eyes were soft and dancing. She whispered. You have the hands of a God. I told her, I love the curves of your body and you are my ambrosia. This is my greatest dream I ever had. She rose-up and she kissed me. This is no dreams. Just us seeking some peace and calm in a hard and wild life. I started with her feet, rotating each foot and caressing her calves. Moving slowly to upper leg and stomach. I wanted to touch her breast since she ate topless in the morning. He caressed her upper body, slowly and she didn’t care. She didn’t complain and she forced my face to her face. She kissed him deeply and sweetly.
She smiled and she whispered. It is my turn, Johnnie. She was a wonder and a miracle. She worked my legs and his back. Her gentle hands torn away old pain and her hand danced upon my skin with skill and authority. She moved her hands seeking hidden skin and hidden pain. She asked me to roll over and I turned. Her eyes were wild and so damn beautiful. I told her. Why are you so kind to me? She smiled and she laughed. I see Johnnie liked my massage. Your soldier standing tall and brave. She massaged my legs and my chest. She teased me with her warm hips against my groin area. She moved slowly and easy. She rested her nude body against my body and she whispered. This is what passion should be. We need to be kind to each other. The body does need and want. But we need to tempt the heart first. She rotated her hips and my penis fell into the warmth of her vagina. She moved slow and easy, then hard and demanding. Last things I remembered was her warm kisses. I awoke with the sun rising. Nicole body was still connected to me. I caressed her back and she whispered. It is too early for me. Please allow me to sleep some more. I kissed her many times and pushed her off me gently. I covered her-up with the soft blankets and I got dressed. I looked at Lake Superior and I saw a man sitting near the big water.
I went to the man, and it was Nick. I know he was Nick Drake. The singer who overdosed in the late sixties and somehow, he landed on the Island. I told him, good morning, Nick. You can’t sleep either? Nick turned to me and he told me. I wanted to talk to you yesterday. I liked your face and you didn’t ask dumb questions. The girls are greedy. Mush prettier than me and I wanted us to talk. I don’t sleep much either. I am one of the new people at the Island. Rarely the Island allow a stranger to touch her soil. Idyllic is a miracle. Luna found me laying in my piss and shit. She held me and she sang to me. She asked me. Do I want hell or a better place? I told her. The better place. Celeste and Isabella adopted me. We share a cottage. They are wonders and they are miracles. I quit singing for a while and the girls. Made me smile and sing again. Nick handed me my 32 pistols. He whispered. The gun, man-made to kill and murder. I want us to destroy the gun, Johnnie. For me and for you. I never told death, fuck-off yet. I have this need. Maybe I can help you and you can help me? I smiled at Nick and I asked him. How are we going to destroy the gun, Nick? He reached for a large hammer on the grass and he smiled. He told me. We will beat the shit out it. I need to release some anger, and you will toss the dead metal into Lake Superior. I agreed. Nick took the 32 pistols; he rested the gun on a large rock. He beat the gun till you didn’t know. It was a gun. The noise awoke Nicole. She watched from a distance us two crazy folks. She was wearing the white t-sheet, showing concern. Nick hugged me and he told me. One day, you will return and we can play chess and we can talk forever. You can write new song for me. We will be good friends. I look forward to this day. I must go, I know you must eat and Lana expect you at nine pm. I will see you tonight. My sweetie, Alisa Fineman is singing. I watched him walk away and I looked at the Lake Superior. I told the big water. My mind had turn to madness kind lake.
Dancing Coyote
The Island- chapter eleven
I watched Nick wander off and I thought. A crazy and wild man. I went to the cottage and Nicole was sleeping again. She laid on the top of the blankets. The early warm days of May had the sun shining bright and 75 degrees already. I observed her and adored her for a few seconds. My eyes wandered from strong long legs to firm and trim woman body. I saw the clock read 7:30 am. I went to her; I caressed her legs and squeezed her butt. I kissed her back and her neck. She whispered to me. Johnnie, be careful. Don’t start a flame, we don’t have time to put-out. She turned over and she brought my face closer and she kissed me long and sweet. She whispered, we are late, get dress first and I will prepare some fruit and toast. I smiled and I whispered. Thank you, Nicole. She took my hands and she kissed them. She told me. We need to feel like we are the one and only. We must know pleasure and many dances; listen to many songs to know we had lived.
I went to the shower and I touched my face. I asked himself. Was I dreaming? I finished the shower and I got dressed. Brushed my teeth and I smiled for the mirror. I whispered to the god of life and death. Thank you for giving me some hope and kindness. I went to the patio and Nicole, bare-ass and all was setting up his coffee and her tea. The fruit and toast was on the table. I went to her, held her breasts and I whispered. It is 8:10 am dear Nicole. She smiled and she told me. Please drink the coffee and eat some. Back in a second. She ran away and I wrote in my journal.
“Idyllic
Mystic place,
a hidden place.
Old bridge lead you to safe place.
where broken people are repaired by generous goddesses.
Maybe a dream? Maybe just mercy to the dead hearts.”
Nicole returned in her colorful summer dress, showing her tan legs and gentle shoulders. I told her. You are so beautiful dear Nicole. She laughed at my words and she whispered. We must eat quickly and my hair is still a mess. Maybe Lily will fix me up? She is keeping you company while I do some tasks that must get done. Lana will be waiting and we must rush. They finished the toast and fruit quickly and she got up and took my hand, and we rushed to Lana Cottage. Lana was waiting and almost at 9 am. I was sitting in the chair. She smiled and she told Nicole. Lily is the kitchen making us tea and coffee. She can fix your hair before you adventure out to the Idyllic city. Nicole just smiled and waited for Lily. Lana started to paint and Lily came to them. She gave me coffee and she gave Nicole some tea. She touched Nicole hair and she smiled. She whispered in her ear. Come to the kitchen and I will fix your wild hair. You look like my children did in the good days. She turned to him and she told me. Give me 20 minutes and I will break the silence. The painter does not speak with the brush in her hand. I watched them wander to the kitchen.
I watched the Lake Superior. She was alive and dancing today. She was called the Michigan ocean. She was a secret keeper and even the big ships were careful in her arms. If she took your ship, no-one is left to tell a story. I thought about his brother and I wondered. Did he do enough? I tried to help him. Found work for him and they lived in my house. I don’t remember any kind words I said to him. I felt a tear falling from my eyes. Someone touched my face and she kissed his forehead. Lily whispered as she kissed the tears away. We can’t save everyone Johnnie. I know. I saw my daughters raped and I saw my daughters die. I saw 100,000 men and women die for the cause of free-will. I was saved by kind Luna. Took me a long time to know peace. I found peace by the great water. I asked Luna, why did you save me? I wanted to die and join my daughters, my people. Luna told me, dear Boadicea. You are not done and the world need your strength. I remembered I laughed at her. She cradles me like a baby, and we cried together for many days. I knew who she was. The rune stones told me story of a woman who was kind and she tried to save our world. Even Luna had learn. You can’t save a world that don’t want to be saved. We must stay strong and help the people near us. I remember she brought me to the Island. We built the first cottage near the big water. For 100 years, I didn’t speak. I remember hearing a young Ojibwa woman crying near the water. I went to her and she told me. My daughter is dying. The woman took me to the child. She was suffering and I touched her stomach. I told the woman I would return and I gathered some wild cranberries and some dandelions. I cooked the dandelions roots and I made a soup. I broke down the cranberries in liquid form. I knew the child had a sick stomach and needed a clean-up of the poison in her stomach. I took the soup and the juice to the Ojibwa camp. The child drank the juice and she ate the soup. After 10 minutes. She got-up and she ran for the nearby forest. The mother and her grandfather looked very scared. I told them. Please wait and she will return. We heard laughter and a child playing outside the shelter. The child ran in and she hugged me and told me. Thank you shining star for saving me. She kissed my face many times and she ran away to play. I left them and I joined Luna. I told her, what I did. Luna smiled and she hugged me. We heard a sound and the grandfather came to us. He bowed and he thanks me for saving his granddaughter. He told us. I heard of you two ladies on our land. The men told me, you were kind to nature and didn’t destroy the land. I believe the big water liked you. I want to give the Island to you till you die. I feel you are naguals and healers. We need more healers and medicine women. We will build you a bridge and I hope you will befriend us. Luna and I went to him. We embraced and I thanked him with a kiss on his forehead and face-cheeks. Luna told him. if you need someone with healing skills, we will gladly help. He gave them a big smile and he told them. You are part of the Ojibwa tribe now. That was a long time ago and everyday I still pray for my daughters, my people. I was glad to learn. My country outlasted the devils from Rome. You can outlast the sadness Johnnie. You will be saved and you will save many too.
Lana spoke finally and she asked for some coffee and some food. Lily smiled and she ran to the kitchen. Lana told me. Thank you for sitting for me. I know many of the Island people are seeking your attention. I was told by a bird. You made Nick talk and laugh today. You are the first stranger to the island, he spoke to. Celeste and Magdalena adopted him. He is an easy going soul and the Island is blessed to have him. It is almost 12 in the afternoon. I must get ready for tonight and you and Nicole have a brunch date with Celeste and Magdalena at one this afternoon. Lily returned with coffee and sandwiches for Luna. Luna turned to me and she told me. The Captain, me, Nicole and you will burn some sage by the big water at four this afternoon. Don’t be late. Those two ladies are very tempting. They could steal your heart forever. Lily came to me and she kissed my face and lips. She whispered, I will see you at the concert tonight. Please have some fun today for me.
Dancing Coyote
The Island- Chapter twelve
I watched Lily walk away and I loved how she moved. She moved her hips very gently and her bare feet embraced the grass softly. She turned to me and she smiled. Gave me a wave and she wandered away. Lana had escaped already and I wandered to the painting and I heard Nicole voice. She told me. Lana doesn’t like people to observe her work till she is done. I turned to her and I whispered. I didn’t look dear Nicole. She looked so beautiful. She changed to white cotton Summer dress, showing off tan shoulders and beautiful tan strong legs. She smiled and she told me. This is a good thing dear Johnnie. I hope you are hungry. Celeste and Magdalena always create a wonderful meal. They are the Island’s chefs. They use the Big Water fish and the produce they planted with their own hands. Always a treat. He held silence and he looked at her face. She had the face of the ancient goddesses, who stole men hearts. Gave some men salvation and some men hell kiss.
She walked toward him and she kissed his face-cheeks first and his lips last. She questioned him. Are you seeking question? or are you seeking the vast sea of the unknown? A quiet poet. This is very dangerous. Do you have a question for me? He wrapped his arms around her and he whispered to her. Wise men don’t ask questions. If this is a dream, I want this dream to last forever. She smiled and she whispered. A wise poet. When we appreciate the good days, the good dreams, we can taste utopia without seeking the payment of too much knowledge. Time to go. The ladies like timeliness and they want long talk, not silence dear Johnnie. On the Island. We need the kind strangers allowed here, to befriend us and show us the view of our world today. Few of us leave the Island. We learned, many moons ago. The new world. Messy and ugly. The Island, safe place for us who became forgotten and orphans.
I held her hand and we walked to Celeste and Magdalena cottage. I saw two beautiful young women. Hair of darkness and eyes of gold. They hurry toward them. Nicole stopped and she whispered. Be careful. Jerzy called these girls the forest Nymphs and we love them so. I heard Zeus beloved them by the Greece sea and he blessed them with the taste of ambrosia. They danced for him, bare-ass and free. Luna found them alone near the sea. They were praying for death. Their world was gone. Rome killed off, Greece lost, the old world became cold, and men had created so much war and hate. Luna sang to them for days. She promised them safe place and beautiful lake. They could dance and sing to the old gods still. Both women embraced Nicole and me. Nicole introduced Carina, our wild hair blessing and she introduced Jayne Saschia. Jayne liked to be called. Wild rose. He told them, I am glad to meet you ladies. You are a afternoon blessing to see. Both were lightly dressed, showing rebusts bodies, bare-feet and smiles of angels. I fell in love with the both of them. Carina told Saschia, I told you the poets, can make you fall in love with them. The sad part. the poets don’t seek love, only kisses and knowledge. Saschia touched his face and she kissed his forehead and she told Carina. He tastes okay and I believe, he is safe. They laughed and smiled. Carina told him, tonight at midnight, we will steal you for a hour or two. We will share some coffee, and we can have great conversation. Tonight a good moon and a clear sky. The early Summer is so wonderful, and we love to dance with the Big Water. I smiled and he told them. I look forward to this kind ladies. They laughed and they embraced Nicole and him. They wandered away. Nicole told him. They never walk; they dance. I watched the beautiful women dance away and I told her. You are right dear Nicole.
Celeste was waiting for them at a large table loaded with cooked fish, cut vegetables and homemade sauces. She saw them and she rose-up. She went to them and she gave them both a long hug. She told them. I am so glad you could come, I know you are busy and you must leave tomorrow, Johnnie. Me and Magdalena wanted to share some food and we could talk. Celeste told me last month. The dark poet is coming to us. I told her, not the dark poet yet dear Celeste. Just seeking peace in the madness. I felt a touch on his shoulder and a hard and kind embrace. I turned and Magdalena was standing nearby. She had long black hair, coffee brown eyes and the sweetest voice. She wore a light cotton dress, braless and the sunlight showed her perfect body. She said hello dear Johnnie. I hope you are hungry and ready to talk. Time with Lana, the painter, should make you need some conversation. She loved her silence when she is working. I told her. I am hungry and I looked forward to our brunch.
We sat down. I had Celeste to his right and Magdalena to my left. Nicole sat across from us. Nicole told them. As always, food fit for a goddess. The two women smiled and Magdalena told her. Dear Nicole, please come see us often. We love your company. Jerzy and Nick lack good conversation sometimes. We need a woman voice and her song. Please bring Lana too. Please tell Lana. I will poise for her if she come to my cottage and we can drink the ambrosia wine. Nicole told them. We will come more often my dear friends. They turned to me and Celeste whispered. Time to eat the fish when hot, we can talk after. She poured the wine and Nicole told us. I will do a prayer.
“Thank you dear earth,
for the good food, for the good drink.
Thank you for the good company.
Allow us to live a thousand years,
having the Big Water near,
be able to hear good song and know peace.
We do appreciate you kind water, earth and the sky.”
After the prayer. They ate in silence. The food was fit for a God. Perfect use of spices and the boneless fish melted in your mouth. After the meal. I told the ladies. The greatest meal, I ever ate. They laughed at my words and Nicole told them. Time for us to go to the Big Water. We will burn some white sage by old rocks. If you are lucky Johnnie. The ladies will sing a song or two for you. Magdalena told him. Johnnie, we only sing songs if the new storyteller, tell us a tale or two. He smiled and told them. I will do my best.
They sat on the ancient rocks. Nicole prepared the rocks, she set-up the small tipi of clay and the sage. Magdalena brought tea and some cups. I observed the three beautiful ladies. All were strong in face, and you could see they had lived a long life, and they understood more than he did. Celeste came to me. Please shared the reason you are here. Nick found your gun and he told us. You guys destroyed the gun. With Nick, no secrets. He liked few people; he is a quiet soul. He told us. You were cool, didn’t lie and you had true face. He is looking forward to the day; you can return to the Island and stay with us. I asked her. Why can’t I stay now? I am in chaos and confusion. I have created only sadness and I had greed tightly. Celeste hugged him and she whispered. Once I believe I could create change. I learn by cutting and adding to fabric of life. Life will fall where life supposed to. Me and Magdalena had danced upon the earth for a long time. Life is doing our best and we must save, who we can. Dear Johnnie. Your thread of life caught Morning star attention. We hope we can befriend you and you can dance upon the earth awhile. Your story had just began. The Island accepted you and Luna brought you to us.
I told her. I have caused more pain than sweetness. I have been tunnel vision in my goals. I bury my second brother without a goodbye. I feel the burden of speaking hard words only. I learn too late. All men and women are not like me. They need more or want less. I should of been, a place of safety, a friend. Not a teacher only. Celeste kissed his face and she whispered. Life is lesson, more lessons and more lessons. Maybe now you have learn. Be kind, listen and find the places of love. I believe you will save many and you will be saved often. Morningstar told us. She will keep you on the right path. He laid his head into her breasts and tears fell. She caressed his hair and face. She sang a quiet song.
“Little coyote,
always seeking, always looking.
The little coyote,
will sing to the moon,
dance for the stars.
He must seek peace in the storm of life.
Brave heart, strong mind and kindness.
We must know.”
Nicole spoke aloud. Time to burn the white sage. The Big Water is dancing for us. She took the sage, lite the sage. She moved in a dance-like movement around us. She told the water, the sky and the earth.
“Thank you Big water for befriended us.
Thank you kind earth for feeding us the gifts of the green,
thank you kind sky, for the warm sun and the dancing moon.
Please help us know peace and understanding.
Thank you for my good friends near,
thank you for create safe place for us to gather.
As one. Seeking calmness and hope.”
She put the sage into the tipi. She smiled and she asked. What are your plans ladies? Celeste told them. We will drink Jerzy’s ambrosia wine and gather together at 8 pm. Tonight the gift of Alisa Fineman beautiful voice will bless our hearts. Magdalena looked at him and she told. Don’t worry dear Johnnie. One day, you will return to us. You will have the greatest stories to tell us. You will learn the great lesson. Save one person, you find your heart. Save many people, you will find your soul. Nicole told them. We must leave kind ladies and thank you for the wonderful meal. We must get dress and Jerzy expect Johnnie early. Jerzy love the conversation. I thanks Celeste and Magdalena and they came to me. Gave me long hugs and many kisses. He was bright red and he held silence. Magdalena said. We create a miracle; a quiet poet and they escaped back to their cottage.
He walked hand in hand with Nicole to their cottage. She asked me. Are you okay? He smiled and he told her. If this is a dreams. I hope the dream is everlasting. She embraced him tightly, kissed my face and she whispered. Dreams and real life. Dancing on a thread of hope. Maybe we can have more hope dear Johnnie. I whispered. Thank you my dearest Nicole.
Dancing Coyote
The Island. Chapter thirteen.
It was very late and I told Nicole. I must leave by eight o’clock. She smiled and she told me. Let’s find some sleep and I will take you to your truck after Luna create a good meal for you in the morning. I hope you are feeling better? I told her. Nicole, you and the kind people made me come alive again. I am honored to had talks with the amazing people on Idyllic. I learn. No-one had a easy life and we must be kind to each other. We must fall down to find the daylight of hope. She took me to the bed and we fell together. She held me like a child and she sang to me.
“Hush little soldier,
the wars shall end.
Hush my soldier,
we shall find sleep.
Hush my little soldier.
You do not walk alone.
I shall be with you always.”
We fell asleep and I awoke at seven. I left Nicole in the bed and I cleaned-up. I came out of the bathroom and Nicole was dressed and waiting. She told me. Luna had the food ready and Lana is waiting with her. We walked slowly to the small down-town area. She held my hand and she told me. One day, in a sweet dream. I will find you Johnnie. I will here at the Island, waiting for the poet. We arrived at Luna’s restaurant. She had bread, fruit and cake waiting on the table. Me and Nicole joined them. Lana took my hand and she whispered. Remember us in sweet dreams dear poet. Luna told them. Please eat and enjoy. Thank you John for stopping here. Idyllic needs new faces and remember. If you become afraid. Pray and dear Morningstar will find you.
Nicole walked me to my truck. She kissed me often and she told me. Always go forward and remember. Idyllic can be found where Lake Superior and Lake Huron kiss. When you are ready to join us. We are here.
I drove back to Ann Arbor. My heart was still sad, and I didn’t want death no-more. Nicole and Lana were right. I had a good life. I found and lost love, I found my wars and I had many grandchildren. Today I am old and I will find Idyllic. I left my home in good situation, and I need the Island now. I pray the Island will allow me in. I am tired, I am very tired.
I drove toward the Bridge near Lake Superior. I saw the sign.
“Welcome to Idyllic, a place where no-one is rushing and the lake is around us.”
Tears came to my eyes. Maybe I was still dreaming? I drove my Honda over the bridge and I adored the artwork again. I had to stop and because I saw my face on the bridge. I was dancing with Nicole, Lana and Luna near the water. The moon was above us. I drove into the city, and I saw Nicole waiting for me. She was still young and so beautiful still. I went her and she hugged me in a big bear hug. She kissed my face and she told me. Johnnie, Johnnie. I love your old face and when Luna appeared. She will make you, young and pretty again. I told her. I thought the Island was a dream and you. Just a wish. She smiled and she laughed. she told me. All we have sometimes are wishes. Luna came to me and she caressed my face, my back, my legs and my stomach. She kissed my face. Nicole and Luna took to the restaurant window. I was young again. Lana appeared with Jerzy. Jerzy told me. The bar poet had returned and I can rest now. Hard to be the lonely poet. Please Johnnie, tonight we drink the ambrosia wine, and we shall dance with the pretty ladies by the lake. You can tell us many stories now. I fell in Nicole arms and she held me up. She told me. You are home now and you are safe.
Coyote