The Waltz of the Angels

Just words

            
            
     The waltz of the Angels

I told the barkeeper. Keep the long Island ice teas coming. Sunday morning is a-coming. I need to be blinded by the morning. He gave me a sad smile and he poured the five alcohols into the large glass. He handed me the drink and he told me. "Slow down Johnnie. I have called Jenny. She is coming for you. My dear sister is an broken hearten woman who loved you so. The damn drink will kill you before war and life. She waited for you and you forgot her face and her name."

I looked at him and with a sad smile. I told him. I didn't forget dear Jenny.  When I was away in Africa and Asia. I dreamed of her daily. I wanted to have her near. Do the Texas two-step with her till the morning light . My father and grandfather died when I was gone fighting wars. I decided war was more sweet than my family.  Beautiful Jenny needed more than a man seeking a early death in useless wars.

The barkeeper reached over and he tapped my back and my face.  He told me. "Man-up Johnnie. You were following your family tradition. Like your father and grandfather. You loved the road, you loved the wars and you have been a rolling stone that had dead-ended.  You have two choices. Wait for Jenny or run with your tail between your legs."

I whispered to the Long Island ice tea. I have loved Jenny since the first day I saw her in her tank top and short dress. She asked me to dance and I fell in love with her.  Her hazel eyes make me wish and dream. I volunteers for every active war to escape her. War didn't frighten me. Love does. When you love someone. Weaken the need for the road, the drink and the need to test life.

He smiled and he told me. She is here. Jenny came to me with tears falling. She asked me. "When did you return? I have been waiting for your call. I thoughts you were hurt or dead. I called your unit and they told me. Johnnie had fallen and he is in the Austin taverns. My Johnnie. Life is too hard to be alone. Please dance with me."



She took my hand and we went to the dance floor. She wrapped her arms around me and we Texas two-stepped  to beautiful song. She whispered. "I won't allow you leave me no-more. Dear Johnnie. Life is hard and love is sweet. I will take care of you my wandering poet. Please stay with me.  My home is large and the base is near. I'm your home and safe place for you  my love."

I looked into her hazel eyes and I told her. I want to waltz with a angel like you my Jenny. I don't believe I have anything left. But I will try. When I was in Asia and Africa. I thought of you often. I wished to feel your kiss and embrace. Dear Jenny. You don't want a broken man?

She smiled and kissed my face, neck and lips. She whispered. "Broken angels need their wandering soldier. No perfect life and we must try. Please stay with me and let's heal together. Let's allow love chance to be. If we don't. We shall know regret."

The barkeeper tossed out my drink and poured a coffee for me . He smiled at me and he did a hopeful prayer.
"Lord, please give us the strength to learn.
We are never alone.
Please bless the lonely folks.
Too much sadness dear lord.
Send some hope to the struggling.
Too many people waiting for death.
Please lord. Teach them to forgive and know peace.
Thank you Lord.

Jenny and Johnnie danced till closing time. Johnnie went to the barkeeper. Paid his bill and he told him. Thank you friend. I needed a gift of mercy. I truly appreciate.

                           John Castellenas/Coyote

Author's Note

Just words.

Reviews

[Patricia Wedel]

dear John... I love Sugarland... I also saved a veteran and nursed him through.
With the passing of time he has been my angel also. I first met him at Bronco Billy's
Country Western Bar. I asked him to dance, and he said, "not unless they play, "Because
of you, G-d made Oklahoma". I asked the band to play that song, and we are still
waltzing angels. "He walked across my heart like it was Texas... with his Eastwood smile and
Robert Redford hair. He taught me how to say, 'I just don't care'".
Lovely true to life poetry... truly, Pat

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you Pat. All of us need the mercy of another person kindness. I was saved often.

[Patricia Wedel]

Bless you John... Thank you for your service... truly, Pat

[Maria12]

Wow,John, that is so moving and beautiful it has made tears roll down my cheeks,Life can be so hard especially in the Army.I can see the symbolism is deeper but even at the top level it touches me deep inside,Thank you for writing it,the real thing

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you Maria. All of us need some kindness and mercy.

[Maria12]

We do and we can get it if we are receptive but the time has to be right which is part of what you are saying above,I think...I liked it so much,John.

[Lydia Shutter]

It is true....we are never alone. We are waiting for Hurricane Matthew here in South Florida and it is amazing how neighbors we never knew are helping one another. People are basically good. We all can use a gift of mercy. Life can be hard, but with love and understanding, everything seems sweeter. Your stories always are filled with honest emotion and romance. So enjoyable. Lydi**

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree my friend. True people come out when needed. Here in Michigan, The churches took water to Flint yesterday and today. When the hurricane hit New Orleans. People across the country to assist. In the USA. We still stand together when needed.

[Jade]

Love comes with many ups and downs, it can cause grief as well as happiness, I think you covered that here. There are many times when that kind of love gets over looked. Nicely expressed.

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you Kelcee. I appreciate the comment.

[Ruth]

Love can not only heal us and ground us but be the saving grace in our life. This touches upon so many things love encapsulates, unconditional and boundless. You bring reality to the harshness of decisions and the balance of love, care and need, beautiful :)

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you my dear friend. I appreciate the comment.

[brian]

Coyote, this touched me..very well indeed. This touched on more than just the love between a man and a woman that can ignite us--this touched on the universal need to be accepted and cared for, so that we are not just running from place to place. See, I have done this in my own life. It is the insecurity inside us all..that tells us that we well never find what we crave, so to just settle for 'temporary releases and escapes'..(going to war, death-defying stunts, drugs, alcohol), because there is a much deeper, inner need to connect with another human being on a deep, personal level. Well done. (=

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you Brain. All of us need some mercy. To give and to receive.

[Emomoemi Johnson Newcou..]

Great story. Poetry laid out in prose. Prose crafted in impassioned emotions. This is original craftsmanship. Keep it up, friend.

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you for reading and the comment my friend. I do appreciate.

[EvaThornburn]

Nice write about Jennie & Johnnie. It this made up or do you know these two? Romance is so nice. Hang on when you can and enjoy the ride to love. Eva

[Coyote Poetry]

Jennie saved me three times. I was following my Father's foot-steps. We need kind people to make us know. We are not alone. Thank you Eva for reading and the comment.

[Aatreyee Ghoshal]

It's great, I loved reading it.
"Life is too hard to be alone."
Couldn't be further from the bitter truth. Looking forward to reading more of your work.

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you for reading and the comment. I do appreciate.

[Melinda McQueen]

A great story and I love the title.
Thanks for sharing your writing.

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you Melinda for stopping by. I do appreciate. If you get a chance. Please listen to Joey and Rory. They are filled with love for life and god. Joey die of cancer this year.

[Melinda McQueen]

Yes I followed their story. Such love for God.