Dust in the wind

Poem four for April, the poetry month.

                                                             Dust in the wind

Was the early Winter of 1992 and I landed In California. I left home to go to war in the Spring of 1991. I was tired and I wanted the good death and I wasn't brave enough for suicide. I saw dead men and they whispered to me. Death wasn't so sweet and I learned. I wasn't done yet.

I loved Monterey, California and I befriended the poets/writers and the surfers. They liked me because I would listen and I didn't try to impress. I met a pretty artist on the pier. She allowed me to talk to her. She was ageless and so beautiful. I told her, I am tired dear Dora. She would hold my hand and she told me. I escaped my home in 1973. My war torn country became hell and a kind soldier help me escape Viet Nam. He was a First Sgt. and I worked for him. He knew my family was dead. Now I am in Monterey and I know I was blessed. Stan forced me on the last helicopter and he set-me up here. He made me learn English and go to school. He told me often. Life is hell, life can be s**t, but the strong never give-up. We are just dust in the wind. Wandering and seeking our proper place. The war killed him last war. The cancer made the large man so small and I returned the kindness. He was the strongest and kindest man I ever knew. I ensured he died in his own bed and he had everything he needed. He didn't die alone.

I thanked her for befriended me. I told her, when she was  near. I felt good. She was the sea, a kind voice and the most beautiful woman in Monterey. She laughed at my words and she would request her black coffee and a taco. I would seek her wants and I would roam the city of Monterey. I would return to her and she would give me a gift of a smile and a hello. She asked me. Are you suiciding the sea with your crazy friends? Please don't die. The Pacific is a dangerous lover. She will kiss you and than break you into a million pieces. I told her. I respect the sea and she befriended me. I love to go as far as I can into the large Winter storms. Close my eyes and meditate with the dancing sea.

She would paint till nightfall and we would wander to the Monterey coffee shop. She would hold my hand and we would drink strong coffee. I felt safe  with her and I told me often. You soldiers, so damn brave. You believe you are unbreakable. Once day you will need someone Johnnie. Please don't die alone.

I asked her was she lonely and needed company. She would give me a smile and she would tell me. Johnnie, I will not be a soldier love. Soldiers love war, the drink and they believe war is okay. I saw war Johnnie. War isn't alright. I have no family now except people like you. I need more friends and love may come one day. I have the sea, my painting are selling and I live in Stan's cottage in Seaside. I have everything and more. Dear Johnnie. Please read to me your poetry. You can make me smile and with you. I am not alone. 

I would read her poetry almost daily and she taught me. We are just dust in the wind. Seeking proper place to land. We need to befriend many and know laughter and have great conversation with kindred spirits. Life is to be lived and we will fall often. And we must become stronger and to appreciate the good days, learn from the bad days.

                 Coyote

Author's Note

Poem four for the poetry month of April.

Reviews

[Christine Anne Shaw]

'We are just just dust in the wind'.

What a beautiful expression that is, and so very true. We can settle before we are blown away again to new places and new people. We are just passing through. Wonderful read Coyote. All good wishes from this side of the pond.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

Hello dear Chris. I hope you are doing well. Thank you for reading and the comment.

[Christine Anne Shaw]

All good here Coyote. Take care.

[Unspoken poet]

Wow, this is really good, truthful as well

[Coyote Poetry]

I was lucky my dear friend. I have met many kind people in my lifetime. I loved Monterey, California in 1992-1994. Artists, poets, writers and musicians gathered. Thank you for reading and the comment. I do appreciate.