We need more barefoot days.

April is poetry month. New poetry number ten. And a wonderful Mean Mary song.

We need more barefoot days.

I felt in love with the Pacific Ocean in 1992. I was very lucky.

The Army send me to Fort Ord, California and the great sea stole my heart.

I re-joined the Army after my second brother committed suicide.

On a cold Winter Day night in 1990, I held a 30-30 rifle in my hands and was saved by a kind friend.

The Army took me back and I learn. I had something left.

After the war ended, I was sent to Fort Ord., and I remember when I saw her.

She stole my heart and my mind. The waves were kicking and the sea sang to me.

Please come and dance with me. I took off my shoes, and I danced with the cold ocean water.

I sat by the sea for many hours releasing my heartache and sadness.

I was station near Monterey and Big Sur.

I befriended the writers, poets, artist and painters on the Monterey pier.

The pretty artist caressed my face and she told me. You are so young and

you carry a lifetime of sadness. Dear Johnnie, we need the sea and we need more barefoot days.

I told her. Thank you dear Helen.

Today I am far away from the Pacific Ocean and I do miss her.

Maybe in June. I will go to Monterey and Big Sur.

Take off my shoes and dance with the sea.

I told my grandchildren, we need many barefoot days.

Johnnie

Author's Note

Thank you for reading.

Reviews

[carl]

Very personal and moving - the sea has that quality to enrapture the soul and soothe the heart - and the memory of her is both sweet and painful - I spent many days and nights on the east coast beach around Rehoboth Delaware - it was vacant and natural and beautiful - went back years later and the beach had been invaded by multi-storied resort and vacation homes - it was very sad

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree Carl. I returned to Monterey and Big Sur. Too many people now. I have Port Austin, Michigan. A quiet place with Lake Huron touching. Thank you my friend for reading and the comment.

[Betty Hermelee]

Dear John
I agree with you… we need more barefoot days, they help lift us out of a slump, out of grief… nothing better than the soothing ocean and meeting Helen, who for, a short time, gave you some joy… keep dancing hope is in the air my friend… and thank you for sharing!
Warmly
B👍👍

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

love this John, hope you are very well

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you dear Julie. I am well and I hope you are enjoying the days of Spring.

[Julie McCarthy (juliespenhere)]

Hi John. I’m down under its autumn thanks. Still mild. We had a few hot weeks when it started now it’s slightly crisp can feel it change slowly. How is your spring