A New York city night.

Hanging with Leonard Cohen tonight.

A New York city night.

Was a New York city dark winter night.

The cold of Winter made the strangers gathered in the taverns.

I sat alone at the bar, writing into my journal.

A pretty pale woman sat near me, almost touching my shoulder.

I turned and I saw the blackest hair and darkest brown eyes I ever seen.

She ordered two Irish whiskeys and a cold draft beer.

I left her be.

The beer and the whiskey came.

She tapped my shoulder and I saw she wore a necklace of dead animals,

and she wore a tight dark black dress.

She asked me. Why is a soldier alone in the New York city?

Can be dangerous, bad people roam the taverns looking for a prey.

I laughed at her words, and I told her. Us Michigan boys are brave.

Maybe we like to be hunted? She told me my name is Lisa and 

I want to buy a soldier a whiskey. She pushes one of the whiskeys toward me.

I told her, my name is Johnnie and I appreciate the whiskey.

She touched my glass, and she told the night. To my good friend, Sami.

I miss you. I drank the whiskey, and I ordered two more.

Her eyes were heavy with sadness, and I asked her.

Are you alright? 

She told me. I am not. Good friend killed himself yesterday and now.

I am trying to understand. You remind me of him.

I saw soft tears falling from her eyes and I hugged her.

She leaned into me, held me tightly.

I told her. It is good to release tears, we must mourn.

She released me and she asked me.

Would you go to the funeral with me?

I have few friends and I lost my best friend.

I told her. I must find a place to park my truck and I have three days off.

I can go with you, if you desire.

She gave me a fake smile and she told me.

I have a place for your truck Johnnie.

And thank you.

We drank more whiskey, and she told me about her friend Sami.

I knew her sadness. I had two brothers who committed suicide.

Took a war and me. Escaping home and trying to find safe place.

We left the tavern and we drove to her apartment.

I parked my truck and we walked together to her apartment.

She was very beautiful, tall, strong legs and the softest voice.

Her apartment was wonderful.

No TV and books on many shelves.

I told her. The couch will be good, and I will buy you breakfast in the morning.

She laughed at me, and she told me. A gentleman soldier. Thank you.

She brought blankets and a pillow to me.

I fell asleep quickly and late in the midnight hours.

I felt soft kisses on my face, and she whispered to me.

Please Johnnie, join me in my bed.

I need to feel safe; I need to be held.

I went with her, and I held her like a child in the softness of soft sheets and blankets.

I caressed her face, and I told her.

Dear Lisa, you will overcome this.

Life isn't easy.

I awoke alone and I heard Lisa calling my name.

Johnnie. Please get-up, I am hungry.

I found her standing in panties and bra making eggs and bacon.

I told her. You are the beautiful thing; I have seen in many years.

She laughed at my words, and she told me.

Thank you for last night and today.

I will show you the New York city.

She was fearless and shameless.

I have adored the Goth gals always and when I was young.

I dated one. She taught me to make love at noon,

she taught me to stay naked in my home.

She told me. I liked you because I saw the sadness in your eyes.

You were not seeking anything last night. I like men,

who don't demand attention. How long are staying at Fort Dix?

I told her. I am waiting for orders. I was assigned to a reserve unit in the war.

I don't know? the Army does nothing quickly.

She smiled and she told me. I hope you stay awhile. I need a friend.

I told her. I will return every Friday, if you need me.

She came to me. She wrapped her arms around me, and she whispered.

I need the poet soldier. I loved your poetry. I read your journal and I am sorry Johnnie.

You carry heavy weight, and you are kind to me.

I told her. We need some mercy. All of us need mercy.

We ate in silence and her eyes soften.

After we washed the dishes, she took my hands.

Kissed them and she whispered.

I want us to get naked and for us.

To hold on tightly.

We wandered to her bedroom, and I asked her.

Beautiful Lisa, can we find joy swimming in sadness.

She whispered. Sometimes we need skin to skin.

sometimes we need to feel hands upon our body. 

Sometimes we need to feel someone inside us.

Even a lie, is better than crying alone.

I undressed and she undressed.

I held her like my first love, and I told her.

Dear Lisa. Are you Okay?

Coyote

Author's Note

Thank you for reading.

Reviews

[Dennis Wolf]

I've expected at least one more line to tell us about what is so important about NYC nights... Since I've never been to the place and haven't the slightest clue what to imagine.

But then, that's just me..


A great write all around, as expected.
Cheers, and happy new year.

[Coyote Poetry]

You would like New York city Dennis. People are honest. Great conversation and they can play the game of chess. Thank you for reading and the comment.

[keith]

how very descript and holding
even i read in one sit a constant sit that offered me the ease of read and interests
your writes are as your nom de plume ... wiley, pun intended but not as insult but as keen in observation
the value of your ink is unmeasurable

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you Keith. I was lucky. I roamed the USA for 15 years with the Army. Owned nothing. I learn. The world can be kind.

[keith]

it can be
appreciated the music of the great leonard cohen as well the read ... peace

[Red Brick Keshner]

We've had suicides in the family and this poem will be kept close to heart. Have a blessed new year C.
Freds

[Coyote Poetry]

Suicide changes us. We learn. Not all people are strong. Need kindness and reminders. We need them. Thank you dear friend for reading and the comment.

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

“I told her. We need some mercy. All of us need mercy.”….yes.
Truer words never spoken dear Coyote and a beautiful mantra for the new year. This is a deeply touching poem and interlude in your amazing life. I cannot express how sad it makes me to know about the suicides of your brothers. God bless you and bring you peace. This is an authentic New York City story to my ear. I was born and raised there, spent most of my life there. You and Leonard Cohen truly capture the spirit of it. Thank you always for your remarkable poetry and for sharing your heart with us my friend.

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you dear Annette. I did like New York city. People willing to play chess and talk. I appreciate the comment. Happy New Year dear Annette.

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Praying for you dear Coyote John🙏🌈🕊

[Relic]

I knew two friends who committed suicide. It's an old story but the pain and sorrow never go away for those who know them. Your story telling is always interesting, Coyote. Once I start, I can't stop. The situations you write about come from experience in one way or another. Keep writing.

[Ciara]

Suicide is so tragic 💛
Beautiful.story Coyote. Comfort and joy can be found when you least expect.

[Coyote Poetry]

Yes dear Ciara. You are right. I believe ins destiny. Sometimes people can fall together. Thank you for reading and the comment.

[Neville]

an amazing tale & for real .. much respect Johnnie C & love sir ..

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you Neville and Happy New year.

[W. Barrett Munn]

Ken said it all, Johnnie. You continue to enthrall with your storytelling.

Winston

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you, Winston. I appreciate the comment.

[Lydia Shutter]

What a wonderful story, John. Did you really have brothers who committed suicide? That is so sad. Yes, we can find joy even when there is sadness and we can find solace in the arms of a stranger at those times too. Your stories are always interesting. Happy New Year, John. Lydi**

[Coyote Poetry]

I had two brothers who committed suicide. One in 1988 and one in 1989. I rejoined the Army after their death. Thank you, dear Lydia, for reading and the comment.

[Lydia Shutter]

Oh how tragic for your family!

[Coyote Poetry]

It was dear Lydia. I escaped to war and I didn't return home for 10 years. Thank you for the kind words.

[Ken e Bujold]

this poem is to be loved J. I found myself drifting through it as if the master himself was crooning in my right ear, while my left eye scanned the unfolding story of two souls raw naked aches. You are a masterful storyteller my friend.

hope all is well with you and yours in this holiday season

ken

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you Ken. Happy New Year my friend.