Falling backward....

March poetry number four...

Falling backward...

I liked California. Made me think and drink less. I never understood the California girls. They wanted to figure out the messy world and you can't. The taverns in California were okay. I never felt safe. No-one showed real face or told you the truth.

Now I live in Texas. The dance halls are many and the Texas girl true and blue in their hearts. People will tell you if they like you or not. I have learn to Texas two-step and I love the country songs. 

I befriended Austin, Texas. The college kids call me the poet by the Austin river. I shared my black velvet with them and we shared story of life and our tomfoolery we have done. We shall do.

I feel safe in Texas. The Texas gals are honest, sweet and loving. They like the lonesome poet and blessed him with conversation, kindness and they brought the whiskey sometimes.

I told the half-moon. Johnnie falling backwards. Drinking more, loving more and writing less. The dark poet, now loved the Texas nights.

I remember my father sad eyes, 40 years of living. Had little. Now I am driving down highway 35, singing with Hank Williams Jr. and telling the liars moon. I am alright.

Thank you God and Army had send me to Texas. I am drinking more, writing less and Texas two stepping more. I learn how to laugh and I adore the love and kisses of the Texas gals. Texas isn't heaven, maybe almost heaven?

I am falling backwards. Maybe I needed to taste the dirt to know. Life is front of me. The past is gone and I ain't done living yet.

Dancing Coyote

Author's Note

Thank you for reading...

Reviews

[Patricia Wedel]

dear John... I love the Country Song-- Coca Cola Cowboy sung by Mel Tillis. "You walked across my Heart like it was Texas... You taught me how to say-- I just don't Care". "With your Eastwood Smile and your Robert Redford Hair"... and so forth. Then, of course, there is the song "Seven Spanish Angels" took another Angel home... sung by Willie Nelson. Your poems are always about A Shelter in a Storm theme... to me... very touching. Pat

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you, dear Pat. I spend seven years stationed in Texas. Always something fun to be done somewhere.

[Fairy Khan]

Such a fine writer you are dear friend. Its always refreshing to read your work.

[Chris Shaw]

There is an old saying that you need to hit rock bottom before you can start to climb. Falling backwards here, you make it sound pretty good Coyote. You end though, on a positive note. Eyes forward into the now.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

Hello dear Chris. We must go forward, even if it is an up-hill climb. Thank you for reading and the comment. I do appreciate.

[KAREN]

Awesome job! I felt the warmth and enjoyment of home in this piece!

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you Karen. I appreciate the comment.

[KAREN]

You're welcome!

[Neville]

this whole page of You is nothing short of splendid Coyote .. and is crying out to be firmly bound within a hard bound dust jacket ...................................... Yours truly, Neville

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you Neville. Maybe one day, I will return to Austin, Texas. Write the novel.

[Neville]

I most sincerely hope so Coyote ...

[Lathen Griffiths]

There’s a lot of truth in all that you say here Coyote, your words “Maybe I needed to taste the dirt to know.” sure ring true to me.
Have a great weekend,

Lathen

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you Lathen. We must fall down to be able to stand-up. I appreciate the comment.

[lightning-born]

As someone who lives in Texas, this resonated with me. But I don't think you have to live in Texas to feel how much of a home it is through this poem. Wonderful job. I feel like I can appreciate my state even more now.

[Coyote Poetry]

I loved Texas. I was station seven years at Fort hood. I never had a problem and the Texas folks, always kind to the soldiers. Thank you for reading and the comment.

[M. J. Smith]

"The past is gone and I ain't done living yet."
I love that line. With me, it would be the Ozark hills. I am still haunted by misty mornings when fog would wrap around some distant dome or creep across the ground to surround my campsite. As to the women, well, let's say I knew a couple and leave it at that.
Well written.

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you M. J. Smith. Those good places of old. The writer's wealth.

[Ken Simm.]

I love the irony in this John and I know or I think I know your real expressed values and that doesn't depend on place.

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree Ken and I appreciate the comment.

[JE Falcon]

Well hells-bells, Coyote, you must have hit California too late, and in the wrong places. Until the 1970s, Long Beach was the place to be for country music, and for pretty girls that were raised by Okie Mommas. Now, "Georges Round-up" was the place to drink and dance. The California version of a Roadhouse, on Pacific Coast Hwy., George's hosted singers and bands loved by Country Music fans everywhere. Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Tawnya Tucker, Lorretta Linn, just to name a few. --- And if you wanted a bar with more of a smalltown feel, it was "The Back-Door", in North Long Beach. They hosted a band on Friday and Saturday nights, 9 p.m. until closing. --- But you are right, Texas bars never change with the generations; it's part of their persona, their heritage, their way of life. --- So, here's to your poem and your story. --- Bottom's up! :)

[Coyote Poetry]

I arrived in California in 1991. Was quiet, except for Santa Cruz. I did enjoy. Had time to write and fall in love with the sea. Thank you, my friend, for reading and the comment.

[JE Falcon]

Ah, the sea. ... Lots of poems waiting there.