Walking with giants- number three...

May poetry number seven. I was dream writing again. I hope you enjoy.

Walking with giants- number three...

I re-joined the Army in 1991 and I was lucky. My life needed great change and I changed my life. I learned, who was my real friends and who were not. I worked for Becky and Gene for many years. They demanded 100% from me and I respected them. They were kind people who led with their hearts and are loved still today by so many.

They gave me many chances and because of them. I was strong-willed and I had a good life. Gene, always with a smile and sage advice and Becky. I felt like a son with her. She always showed concern for me. I owes them more than I could give back. They were great leaders who kept the human side of life. I always return to them and I was treated like a lost son. I loved the eyes of Becky. Always thinking, always wise and always forgiving. Gene taught me. You could do anything. Just do it right. They are always kind to be. Their home was my home. They were Giants in my eyes. They are my friends still.

I left the war in 1992. I was blessed with California. I arrived in California and the Army forgot to pay me for one year. I met the First Sgt. Walker. He asked me at our briefing into the unit. Do you need anything? I told him. I wasn't paid since November of last year. I got lost in the Army pay system. He reached into his wallet and he handed me two one-hundred dollar bills. I told him. I don't know, when I can pay back. He smiled and he told me. You don't have to pay me back. Us soldiers, we must take of each other and do you need more? I told him, thank you and this is very cool.

First Sgt. got sick and I would visit him daily in Seaside. I brought him his whiskey, chips and the Monterey tacos, he loved. He would paid me and he would tell me. Thank you Johnnie. I appreciate the time you spend with me. Damn cancer from Vietnam making the pain pills useless. I appreciate the whiskey. Sometimes I can walk to the sea still. I would talk with him and in the night. We would go the dance hall/bowling alley. I would watch him drink, laugh and dance with the girls. He would tell the pretty gals. Johnnie will be a general one day, he is giants among men. He died in his own bed with many soldiers with him. He told me often. Remember Johnnie, be a good soldier, train the soldiers hard so they can live and fight in real wars. I appreciate you Johnnie. We buried him on a Summer day in 1993. I went to the sea and I told her. Thank you for allowing me to walk with a giant.

Coyote

Author's Note

Thank you for reading.

Reviews

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Johnny… I do not cry easily; however as I read your Story… tears blurred my eyes… War has taken it’s Toll. I love ❤️ The ending as you spoke to the Sea as though She was a compassionate Woman who would always be there for you and others. Blessings dear Poet. tenderly, Pat

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you dear Pat. Even the First Sgt. needed the sea. A place of peace.