Author: papasmurf

Stuck In The Middle With Two

 

      Stuck In The Middle With Two

I was feeling really down in the dumps.

Girlfriend problems is giving me thumps.

Is it on or is it off? No answer coming .

It is enough to start me running.

Then, quite by accident, it happened.

I met the one who has the caption:

‘Forbidden fruit’, because she’s married.

We clicked and my heart, she carried.

She took it away and eased my anxiety.

Now, how can I face society.

 

I’m damned if I do .

I’m damned if I don’t.

Maybe I will.

Maybe I won’t.

Stuck between a rock and a hard place.

I should keep my distance and play it safe.

I’m damned if I do.

I’m damned if I don’t.

Maybe I will.

Maybe I won’t.

 

My girlfriend has let me know it is still on.

What a mess. Don’t know if I can go on.

Torn between two lovers. Feeling like a fool.

Loving them both and not knowing what to do.

One is young but, with great social skills.

The married one is mature & knows  my will.

They both have their pluses and minuses.

I want both. I don’t know how kind that is.

This can only end up with someone getting hurt.

I would hate that, for what it is worth.

 

I’m damned if I do.

I’m damned if I don’t.

Maybe I will.

Maybe I won’t.

Stuck between a rock and a hard place.

I should keep my distance and play it safe.

I’m damned if I do.

I’m damned if I don’t.

Maybe I will.

Maybe I won’t.

 

The married one’s marriage is dead.

She wants a divorce before she loses her head.

For 4 years she has wanted a divorce.

Nothing yet shows she will take this course.

Friends say she is ‘forbidden fruit’, beware.

This may be true but, it’s hard to bare.

The girlfriend is busy with work .

Will soon be in school to . What a quirk.

She seems to have little time for me.

A commitment from her just cannot be.

 

I’m damned if I do.

I’m damned if I don’t.

Maybe I will.

Maybe I won’t.

Stuck in between a rock and a hard place.

I should keep my distance and play it safe.

I’m damned if I do.

I’m damned if I don’t.

Maybe I will.

Maybe I won’t.—————————R. W. Johnson—–(2013)

 

Eternal Peace When Needed

 

      Eternal Peace When Needed

“What are you going to do?” he asked.

His charm had been slipping more lately.

He was a lizard beneath it. She gasped.

There was something wrong with him lately.

Something thin. An essential shallowness.

How had she not noticed it before?

When he touched her he was callus.

She grew cold to her very core.

She had to extract herself from this.

There was hatred deep in his breast.

She didn’t know how? It was a risk.

She had to be sure, not a guess.

At first he was charming, loving, & kind.

He left her in a dream state a lot.

Gradually, he changed she did find.

Slowly, more possessive he got.

He was like an animal when uncaged

You never knew what he would do.

She began to fear his potential rage.

He was similar to an animal in a zoo.

“I have a Dr’s appointment”, she said.

It was a lie to distract him for awhile.

She left, shaking inside, holding her head.

“See you later” he said with a smile.

This man was psychotic. She could feel it.

She had to do something or be killed.

she was cracking up with the fear of it.

Can’t it all go away if she willed?

She went to church and she prayed.

Poured out all her fears to the Lord.

“Help me Lord before I’m slayed

by this psychopath I abhor.”

An eternal peace came over her.

A voice said: “It’s been resolved my child.”

She left the church feeling sure.

All would be taken care of in awhile.

When she got home she turned on the TV.

The news said He had been arrested.

A serial killer of women was he.

He surrendered & never protested.

“Thank you.—- Thank you Lord!!”

She wept as she fell to her knees.

She couldn’t help but wonder,

what would he have done to me?

Without God’s help, a certain blunder,

it would have been for me to see.

———————————————–R. W. Johnson—–(2013)

 

 

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The Path To Respect

      The Path To Respect

I rolled into town late at night

after hitching a ride with a trucker.

I said thanks as he pulled out of site.

The diner was open. I’m in luck here.

 

I stuck my pack under the table.

I ordered coffee, strong, & a steak.

The waitress turned the TV on to cable.

She said ” I need it on to stay awake.”

 

“Not much business that I can see.”

She said ” It’s slow this late at night.”

I got up and went to pee.

I returned and tried my first bite.

 

“How is the steak?” she asked so sweet.

“Just like my mother used to make.”

She laughed & slid into the seat.

“What brings you here this late?”

 

“I hitched a ride with an 18 wheeler.

Back to my old stomping ground.”

“Are saying you’re from here in Cleaver?”

“It’s long ago since I was around.”

 

“Split in my teens in the dead of night.

Back then the world owed me a living.

I headed for those big city lights.

I starved. The world is unforgiving.”

 

“I finally landed a job as a busboy.

Minimum wage and a share of tips.

In time I moved up to waiter/busboy.

Then, my break came. I was up for it.”

 

“The fry cook died. I took his job.

More pay and better hours.

A place to live. That felt odd.

I had access to regular showers.”

 

“After a couple years, I moved on.

Picked up odd jobs here and there.

A few months & I would be gone.

I never stayed long anywhere.”

 

“I had my share of small town glories

Life was just a crazy carousel.

Sometimes  I suffered more fleas

than I would really care to tell.”

 

“Lately,  I been feeling sorry for myself.

I needed something to turn my life around.

Then, one day, It came to me and I felt

I had to come back to this town.”

 

“Back to where the whole thing started.

I needed a second start to do it right.

I have  felt this is where my heart is.

To do it right,  I’ll have to fight.”

 

“Fight for a respectable name in this town.

Fight to be a man people will respect.

I don’t want you to think I’m a clown.

But, I have a plan that I don’t regret.”

 

“What kind of a plan do you have in mind?”

“I met a rich friend in my travels.

I saved his life. But, that’s another time.

He had plans he started to unravel.”

 

“He wanted vineyards and a winery.

There  is big money to be had in that.

But, he needed land, you see.

I inherited 100 acres.  Right here, in fact.”

 

“He said this was ideal to grow grapes.

He would put up the money to plant.

I would share 50-50. Nothing to waste.

I owned the land on which he’d plant.”

 

The waitress said “Sounds super to me.

I own this diner & business has been slow.

I could use the extra business you see.

There’s a motel 2 blocks down for you to go.”

 

—– 0 —–

 

10 years later the wine business was booming.

They had acquired more land & planted.

Tourists came to buy & taste the wine for consuming.

“I married the waitress” he said, quite candid.

 

He was elected mayor in the local election.

He had respect & the family he wanted.

But, the greatest thing he confessed then.

He had found God & the peace he wanted.

————————————————-R. W. Johnson —–(2012)

 

 

 

Middle Of The Road

      Middle Of The Road

When you left there was an emptiness that wouldn’t leave.

I know our hearts fit together like an arm in a sleeve.

You were afraid that somehow you would be burned.

But, there is one thing that I have learned.

When two blend like the nectar of the gods,

You don’t fool around with those kind of odds.

 

It’s a long, long way to the middle of the road.

It often takes two to carry a heavy load.

We must meet there , or so I’ve been told.

It’s a long way to the middle of the road.

 

Together we could have bonded & became as one.

We would have flown into a blinding sun.

We could have stayed together for eternity.

We still could. Just you and me.

If you’ll come back to me once more.

I will love you forever more.

 

It’s a long, long way to the middle of the road.

It often takes two to carry a heavy load.

We must meet there, or so I’ve been told.

It’s a long way to the middle of the road.

 

Time goes by & people do change.

Changes don’t always have to bring pain.

Sometimes people change together.

Come what may through any weather.

When the spirits bind & the heart is one.

It only means there will be more fun.

 

It’s a long, long way to the middle of the road.

It often takes two to carry a heavy load.

We must meet there, or so I’ve been told.

It’s a long way to the middle of the road.

—————————————————-R. W. Johnson—-(2011)

 

“The Golden Years”

      “The Golden Years”

Life is a funny twist of fate.

Your born with energy and curiosity.

Your thoughts are of love, not hate.

Things are the way they ought to be.

 

As you age your perception grows.

There is more than you and mom.

Life goes on and awareness grows.

Life at this age is pretty calm.

 

Then your life encompasses friends.

Then the world is your concern.

You wonder where it all begins.

You study, live, and you learn.

 

Then you join the world as an adult.

You get a job and earn a living.

You often wonder if you missed the boat.

You struggle, but, you keep on giving.

 

Then comes a wife and family.

More bills, more stress and responsibility.

You love them all more than candy.

The kids will climb the same hills, you see.

 

Finally, you reach the age to retire.

The ‘Golden Years’ have finally arrived.

Your glad to finally be out of the mire.

“It was rough but, I made it,” you cried.

 

You had big plans. Just needed the time.

Fishing, hunting, and ‘honey do’s.’

Being retired is not a crime.

No worries of ‘If you snooze you lose.’

 

But, ‘The Golden Years’ really suck.

You rarely see your friends now.

Health problems can cost the buck.

Hearing and vision fade. You have a cow.

 

People won’t return your E-Mail.

Even the weather seems against you.

At least your not in jail.

Could be worse. You could be sued.

 

‘Waiting for God’ is a better description.

For when you reach those ‘Golden Years,’

this gives others  a true depiction

of the ‘Golden Years’ without the tears.—–R. W. Johnson—-(2012)

 

Flee The Cities

      Flee The Cities

As I walk through this world.

I wonder at all there is to see.

Such beauty is a real thrill.

But, the evil should not be.

 

There are loving people in the cities.

But, the evil & violence knows no end.

The loving folk suffer; it’s a pity.

It is much better at a country inn..

 

Folk there are mostly kind and loving.

A strong upbringing is sweet as honey.

Cuts down on all the fighting & shoving.

They don’t worry so much about money.

 

Religion often plays a major part.

The ‘Bible belt’ is named for a reason.

Keeps families together, not torn apart.

All good things come in due season.

 

In the forests and fields of the land

God is close in all the nature around.

From the dust of earth He formed a man.

It is good to be close to the ground.

 

Cement, blacktops, & buildings; not so.

The cities are lacking in this way.

Where God is scarce, evil does go.

Get out of the cities today.

 

Move to the country & plant a garden.

Food will become scarce before too long.

Food is a good thing with which to bargain.

Live like a king while city folk go wrong.

 

City folk will kill & steal for food.

When there is none to be had.

It sounds to us like it’s pretty crude.

But,  when you’re starving, it is sad.

 

We all need guidance during this time.

The Bible is the best guide to have.

The treasures there are a real gold mine.

God’s promises are a soothing salve.

 

So flee the cities while you can.

Let the Holy Spirit be your guide.

God will help any woman or man.

He won’t lead you on a wild ride.————–R. W. Johnson—–(2013)

 

 

 

 

The 7th Gate

The 7th Gate

She ran away as I tried to stop her.

Yelled she was entering the 7th gate.

I yelled “No!” as I felt great fear.

She doesn’t know what that will take.

 

It could take her soul, and maybe more.

She didn’t know what she was headed for.

Before I could stop her she was out the door.

I grabbed my stuff & ran, though I was sore.

 

End time studies led us to the final gate.

I know she wanted to save the world.

But, it could cause a totally different fate.

I ran as my thoughts were in a swirl.

 

So many possibilities lay ahead.

It takes time to decide the best route.

I know she didn’t want to end up dead.

She needs to find out what it’s about.

 

She was head strong from birth.

Always wanting to forge ahead.

Not considering the real worth.

Always, just full speed ahead

 

I got to the ruins where the gate is.

I looked around and didn’t see her

The gate, slightly opened, is where she is.

I entered quietly.  Nervous for sure.

 

It was dark so I used my light.

I made sure the gate didn’t close.

The tunnel sloped down out of sight.

On the walls was some type of mold.

 

After quite a distance, there was a door.

The inscription translated ‘past sins’.

Should I go in or look some more?

Slowly, I opened the door & went in.

 

It was like a half circle theater inside.

With benches of stone facing a wall.

I was scared, though I kept it in stride.

I had a strong urge to sit facing the wall.

 

Immediately, as I sat,  the wall lit up .

I was shown every one of my sins.

From earliest memory. All the stuff.

I was so ashamed. Where to begin.

 

I fell on my face & pleaded for forgiveness.

A message then appeared on the wall.

Go down the hall for forgiveness.

I was out of there. I didn’t stall.

 

Further down the hall was another door.

I opened the door and I peeked in.

There was a very bright light above the floor.

The light covered a pulpit. I saw the book then.

 

The Bible, with words heighted in gold.

It lay open . The light coming from within.

I read the highlighted scripture & was told.

The blood of the lamb washed away my sin.

 

I fell on my knees praising God and Jesus.

Accepting the Lord as my God and savior.

I felt the greatest peace from Jesus.

totally humbled was my behavior.

 

I looked around and found my daughter.

On her face in utter adoration

I went to her, like a good father.

Suddenly, we were  back from vacation.

 

We were home sitting on the floor.

We were both looking around in disbelief.

What happened never happened before.

But, we both knew we were God’s to keep.

 

We returned to the ruins to look for the gate.

There was nothing there. The wall was blank.

Were we even in  the 7th gate?

7 was perfection. We kneeled & gave thanks.

 

Maybe we went to the Twilight Zone?

Maybe it was a mass hallucination.

But, we both knew it in our bones.

We had found the way to salvation.———-R. W. Johnson—–(2013)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nature’s Beauty

      Nature’s Beauty

I long to hit the blacktop roads.

Where I’ll go nobody knows.

I’ll go where there are pine trees.

Smell their scent & rustling leaves.

Hike around & enjoy the view.

Enjoy nature & the sun made new

each morning as it raises high.

Bringing blue color to the sky.

Enjoy the splendor of a clear blue lake.

Watch an eagle as it catches a snake.

Listen to the birds chirping loud.

Watch the sky & all the clouds.

Lay down by a rippling brook.

Watch the fish avoid the hook.

See a bear try to catch a fish

Adorn a butterfly with a kiss..

I kneel to worship at Jesus feet.

I thank Him for a world so neat.

I see God in nature everywhere.

It’s almost more than I can bare.

How are we worthy of such beauty.

Yet, heaven is promised to me.

Along with all who profess God.

To think we’re worthy is really odd.

Yet, I long to see such things.

The beauty that God alone can bring.———R. W. Johnson—-(2012)

 

 

 

Friendship

      Friendship

You came to me in the middle of the night.

Looking all distraught like you’d been in a fight.

I wondered what was going on with you.

The story you told almost seemed untrue.

You had been to see some old friends.

People you’d known since who knows when.

They treated you like they didn’t care.

They acted like you weren’t even there.

They wouldn’t say what was bothering them.

You felt like you had just lost some friends.

“What’s wrong with me?” you cried out.

“This happens a lot” you began to pout.

As I searched for a way to answer her,

I knew why they had ostracized her.

 

A friend is something more precious than gold.

A friendship is something that never grows old.

A friend is one you can trust with all things.

To betray that trust is a hurt that stings.

When you gossip or talk about another.

True or not, it is stuff out of the gutter.

That’s the side of you that doesn’t seem to care.

Friend or not you say more than they can bare.

The trust is destroyed. The friendship ends.

That’s one sure way to lose all of your friends.

You don’t seem to realize what you’ve done.

That type of hurt is hard to overcome.

You need to pray for forgiveness and help.

Ask the Lord to help you make your apology felt.

 

She turned white, then broke into tears.

I never realized I was causing such fears.

Friends afraid I would expose their deepest secrets.

Which I was doing without even any regrets.

Somehow, I have to make it right.

Let my friends know I am sorry tonight.

Their friendship is more precious than gold.

I will confess to all what I have told.

I will never gossip or betray them again.

I pray that the Lord will forgive my sin.

Give me the strength Lord to make this right.

Help me to strive with all of my might.

I will never betray the trust of my friends.

I will be faithful in this till the very end.

—————————————————–R. W. Johnson——(2011)

 

Holiday Blues

      Holiday Blues

The holidays were here and now they’re. gone.

You haven’t been loving in oh, so long.

On Christmas day it was like the good old times.

By the next day you were only a friend of mine.

The love and intimacy was totally  missing.

Touching you was risky. forget about kissing.

Love is not something you can take off & put on.

It is either there or it is totally gone.

How your mind operates is beyond me.

Such kind of rapid changes just cannot be.

There is much more here than meets the eye.

You deny all, including there being another guy.

Let’s look at this from my point of view.

I love you more than you ever knew.

I would give anything to return to the past.

Back to the happy times I thought would last.

I feel the same. I don’t know about you?

No matter how I try there is nothing I can do.

Have you aged to where your libido has died?

Shriveled up and blew away like some old rag?

The answer must be known by a wiser man.

As for me,—– I just keep doing all I can.—–R. W. Johnson—–(2013)