Author: papasmurf

The Bitter Truth

 

      The Bitter Truth

Things have really gotten wild.

She wanted money for an unborn child.

People have sold their soul for success.

just to get ahead of all the rest.

 

People have thought they found a way.

To exploit others in every way, every day.

The mighty dollar rules all thought.

To get rich is all they have sought.

 

It seems honest ways are forgotten.

They are so corrupt, they are rotten.

They’d  rob their mother to get ahead.

They won’t be missed when they are dead.

 

Jail time doesn’t detour them much.

They just scheme more to make the bucks.

They will switch to ‘white collar crimes.’

They will work at home. They have time.

 

Is nothing anymore on the up and up?

Can you be sure they’re not out to make a buck?

What you would say: By hook or crook.

Opportunity for many is all it took.

 

Is society responsible for this downward turn?

Is it the destruction of the family unit, of concern?

Things just aren’t like the ‘good old days’.

When most people were honest at work or play

 

You didn’t have to lock your doors.

People respected your private hoard.

There was almost no ‘white collar crime.’

If you did the job, you did the time.

 

Things are on a downhill roll.

Things will get lower than low.

When we hit bottom it will be over.

We will be pushing up daises & clover.

 

There is no recovery in sight.

Start praying with all your might.

There is little else you can do.

The end is coming for me and you.-

———————————–R. W. Johnson—–(2015)

Local Deaths Bring On Thoughts

      Local Deaths Bring On Thoughts

“What was that?” I said in shock.

“I heard a bang that shook the cot.”

After 6 bodies were found in just 5 days.

I had been scared in many ways.

In this quiet, agricultural town.

Usually, there is not much going down.

There hasn’t been a murder in some time.

Now, there seems to be all kinds.

One was killed in a shootout with police.

A winery owner killed his investor with a shot.

Then, with police chasing, about to be caught.

He committed suicide on a whim.

Saved us the money of a trial for him.

Two older folks were found.

Dead in their apartment. Neither was bound.

The woman died about 3 weeks ago.

She was sitting up, fully clothed.

The man had been dead about a week.

Naked, lying on the floor near her seat.

Then, a man about 56 years old.

Was found naked, dead, and cold.

He was found kneeling in a freezer.

Weird way to go, even for a geezer.

He had been in there for some time.

I have no idea what was on his mind.

These things all happening in a week.

Is kind of scary, the rest of us think.

It’s another indication of ‘the end of time.’

‘It will wrap up soon’, is on my mind.

God’s presence is slowly being withdrawn.

Satan is running rampant among the fallen.

“REPENT!!, REPENT!!” time is very short.

When the angels make their report.

Make sure your record is washed clean.

By the blood of the lamb, I mean.

Then, no matter what happens next.

You are saved for eternal life, I’ll bet.

There won’t be death or killings then.

A perfect world, like ours should have been.

And a perfect universe without an end.

—————————————–R. W. Johnson—–(2015)

The E-Mail Routine

 

      The E-Mail Routine

Waiting for an E-Mail from you.

How long till you shoot one through?

A little antiquated, to be sure.

It is the way things always were.

 

I could chat with you on Facebook.

I could take a second look.

Check my phone for a text.

See if any calls came in, next.

 

But, the way it always is.

An E-Mail saying: This one is his.

I fight the ad’s to search for it.

I will search & never quit.

 

It is ‘old fashioned’ to be sure.

A way not used much, as it were.

Still it is faster than a letter.

Maybe archaic times were better.

 

It gave you something to look forward to.

Yet, a letter, sent from me to you.

Would take forever to be delivered.

That idea has really withered.

 

Not to mention the cost of stamps.

it would cost my shirt and pants.

No, an E-Mail is fine for now.

If I only receive one, somehow.

 

Sometimes they are like a small book.

Other times, read, with one quick look.

No matter how short or how long.

It lets me know I still belong.

 

Belong on your long list of friends.

Ones you write to without depends.

It doesn’t depend on if I write you first.

You will still write. It’s like a curse.

 

But, it is a blessing for me.

Because I finally hear from you, you see.

That gives me much pleasure and joy.

Better than getting a brand new toy.

 

Then I will set right down.

Peck out an answer then turn around.

Send it on its way first.

Before going to quench my thirst.

 

Next day there I am.

Waiting for an E-Mail again.

So it goes each and every day.

It leaves me little time to play.—R. W. Johnson—–(2015)

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The Way It Went Down

 

      The Way It Went Down

It was time to try again.

Another woman. Where to begin?

I stammered out a few words.

I wasn’t sure if she had heard.

So, I repeated them again.

“You’re approach is pretty thin”

I said “What do you mean?”

“I have heard it all before”

“You’re not the first. But, you’re local lore.”

“Some bartender flappin his jaws.” I said.

“They exaggerate the women I’ve taken to bed”

“You can only believe half of what you hear.”

“Why don’t you let me buy you a beer?”

“You don’t give up easily, I’ll say that.”

“What makes you think I’ll fall for that?”

“We both are here, so, why pretend.”

“We will probably never be here again.”

She laughed at that and said “Why not.”

I smiled & thought ‘I will give it all I’ve got.’

We started talking while sharing a drink.

“Had ya going”, she said with a wink.

I laughed and nodded my head.

“I hope you weren’t scared with that talk of bed.”

She said it wasn’t the first time it’s been heard

“Sometimes, it’s more common than a cuss word.”.

We both laughed and continued to talk.

I found out  about her whole life’s walk.

I told her quite a bit about myself.

She said. “Time to come down off the shelf.”

“What do you mean?”, as I hid a belch.

“You’re up there like a well read book.”

“Time to come down & take a second look.”

“What is it you really want from life?”

“I hope that doesn’t make you uptight.”

“I hadn’t really thought about it before.”

“Most last one night, till she walks out the door.”

“Are you saying you’re looking for a relationship?”

“I guess I am,—– come to think of it.”

“That takes commitment on your part & hers.”

“That would be a ‘new book’ that’s for sure.”

Well, you can guess where this conversation went.

I am not sure if she hooked me or if I wanted to vent.

But, we connected in a way that never happened before.

When we left, we were together as we went out the door.

Years later, we still haven’t been apart.

Fill in the blanks. We each did our part.

—————————————————–R. W. Johnson—–(2015)

 

 

 

 

The Mysterious Ways Of God

The Mysterious Ways Of God

His life was hidden in shadow.

It read like a $2.00 novel.

Nothing to rave about.

No reason to jump and shout.

He just drifted from day to day.

Nothing seemed to go his way.

He walked along the railroad tracks.

Head down, thinking what he lacks.

His life,  unremarkable,  in every way.

Why did it have to be this way?

He had no talent to stand above others.

His looks were only loved by his mother.

He just lived from day to day.

Riches never came his way.

He never made an outstanding contribution.

He didn’t even know anything worth disputing.

He was the run of the mill down and out.

The kind people didn’t talk about.

He was a shadow. A complete unknown.

If anyone knew him, it wasn’t shown.

He was honest. He had his pride.

He couldn’t steal if he tried.

He never bothered anyone.

Others picked on him just for fun.

Kids would throw rocks at him.

They would yell obscenities. Why pretend?

He was unwanted. They didn’t want him around.

So, he walked on, his head to the ground.

He slept in drain pipes and under bridges.

He would wash in the river, then dry his britches.

Hang them on a bush in the sun.

Each day ended as it had begun.

He would say a prayer to his God.

Now, that may sound a little odd.

But, he had morals and a religious belief.

He believed God would carry all his grief.

God had a job for him to do.

He would never think that his job was through.

So, on he went, day after day.

Till he met me one day.

I was feeling down and out.

Seems my girlfriend had thrown me out.

I met him down by the river.

I remember what I was thinking , with a shiver.

I was going to do myself in.

Gradually, I started talking with him.

When he told me of his faith.

I was shocked & felt disgrace.

How could a man with so little.

Be so faithful & kind. It was a riddle.

We talked for hours.

When it was done, I lay in the flowers.

I prayed to the Lord.

Take my sins away & make me yours.

I stood up & was a new person.

A new outlook on life. No more cursing.

The man had tears on his face.

He knew a miracle had taken place.

He knew God had sent him to me.

He was as happy as he could be.

Eventually, he went on his way.

“My work was not finished today.”

I knew this was probably true.

I knew my work had just started too.

There is only one thing I can say.

God does work in mysterious ways.

——————————R. W. Johnson—–(2015)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Trip To Within

      A Trip To Within

Once in awhile, if I have the time.

I go down into the mine.

Rather, I should say: Into the mind.

‘Mind tripping’, to say it kind.

 

An introspective trip to within.

Somewhere I’ve rarely been.

It can be scary when you first go in.

But, soon, I am easily remembering when.

 

if I have been there, it is a traveled path.

If not, it can make me laugh.

Sneaking around in my own thoughts.

Wondering what the next thought brought?

 

I come to a door marked THE ID.

Caused me to almost flip my lid.

I recalled the movie “Forbidden Planet.”

Monsters from THE ID, taken for granted.

 

No, that’s not for me. I turn away from that.

Maybe a look at emotions is where it is at.

It is warm and cozy in here.

Lots of love. very little fear.

 

I look in the ‘past experiences’ file.

No, I am not in denial.

This is a tough file to review.

Some still hurt. There are a few.

 

Next, I look at past memories.

A little dusty in here. But, it is friendly.

Needs a little cleaning. Some files are lost.

I need to retrieve some at any cost.

 

I check current files. All are sharp & fresh.

Nothing here to any excess.

An alarm. What could that mean?

Sound from outside. Sounds like a machine.

 

I open my eyes and see my wife.

She is running a vacuum. What a life.

Try to have quiet time for self inspection.

But, am disturbed by noise and affection.

————————————–R. W. Johnson—–(2015)

 

 

 

St. Patrick’s Day

      St. Patrick’s Day

I wonder what I’m going to do.

Spending St. Patrick’s Day without you.

Shamrocks are hanging everywhere.

There is hardly any space to spare.

A light rain is falling now.

I have to feel it is good, somehow.

A rainbow can be brightly seen.

The gold at the end is just a dream.

Yet, if you arrive, that’s better than gold.

It will be great to have you to hold.

I am hoping a leprechaun didn’t nab you.

Hold you captive for a bit of stew.

Just kick him in his money sack.

Run like hell and come on back.

I am just joking around.

Killing time till you get to town.

I know there is a chance you won’t make it.

But, my St. Patrick’s wish is you won’t fake it.

You will arrive with time to spare.

Ready to go almost anywhere.

Then, we will go celebrate in Irish style.

After eating corned beef & cabbage, with a smile.

We will make this into a special day.

Special for us; our St. Patrick’s Day.—–R. W. Johnson—–(2015)

 

Attitude Adjustment Needed

Attitude Adjustment Needed

Have you heard of Midas?

All he touched turned to gold.

He certainly could buy us.

All he lacked was a heart of gold.

 

Scrooge of Christmas fame,

was a real scrooge for sure.

He lived up to his name.

He needed a heart that was pure.

 

The wicked witch is much the same.

Always brewing up something evil.

Seems, she knew no other game.

She needed a heart that feels.

 

I do not have or desire gold.

I am not a scrooge at any time.

I have a heart that feels, I’m told.

So why do you treat me so unkind?

 

You’re a new type of animal.

A new breed among the herd.

You devour more than a cannibal.

Living off destructive words.

 

You can rip a heart 3 ways to nothing.

Destroy emotions without a thought.

Yet, still expect continual sweet nothings.

Without a thought of what you’ve wrought

 

How to live with such a person.

One who is a Jezebel with a twist.

Goes way beyond a string of cursing.

This can’t go on without a hitch.

 

You must be a Scorpio for sure.

They are usually murdered before old age.

You treat others like dogs, or a cur.

Watch your mouth before you engage.

 

Nothing but verbal vomit escapes it.

It’s enough to piss off the Pope.

I am sick and tired and I hate it.

But, I’m not trapped without any hope.

 

My heart is in the right place.

But, even it has limits.

I’ll be gone without a trace.

Stew about that, for a few minutes.

 

Maybe, you will see the light.

Wake up and change your ways.

But, I’m not going to get up tight.

It may take many, many, many days.—-R. W. Johnson—–(2015)

 

 

The Turtle And Hare Race

      The Turtle And Hare Race

I think you’ve heard the story about the race.

When the hare & turtle were setting the pace.

The turtle wins, or so the story goes.

But, we all know that story blows.

It is time to set the record straight.

Time to tell the world the hare wasn’t late.

The race started and the hare was way ahead.

He decided to take a nap instead.

When he awoke the turtle was still behind.

The hare, then, decided to dine.

He ate a big slew of carrots.

The turtle was late, he could hardly bare it.

The hare ran circles around the turtle.

Then he took off and did a hurtle.

Jumped a log with room to spare.

He landed right in a rabbit snare.

Hours later, here came the turtle.

The hare begged for help. who helped? The turtle.

After setting the hare free.

The turtle said “Have pity on me.”

The hare was thankful to the turtle.

He said “I’ll let you win, since I am fertile.”

“I have plenty to keep me busy.”

“I’ll be spending time with the missy.”

The turtle smiled and off he went.

Hours later, the turtle was close to the end.

Here came the hare, running like the wind.

The turtle won, only by a nose.

The hare was nursing some sore toes.

So, there is how the story really went.

The hare acted upset, but he really wasn’t bent.

The hare was fast, in more ways than one.

The turtle, truly, can’t even run.

Yet, the turtle won, we are told.

We’ll keep his secret till we are old.—R. W. Johnson—–(2015)

 

 

 

JESUS SAVES

      JESUS SAVES

Are you annoyed with bill boards?

Ones with ad’s, info, and awards?

You see them along most freeways.

In lots of other places these days.

Remember the Burma Shave signs?

They had  funny 4 sign rhymes.

Burma Shave was on the 5th sign.

Something to keep you alert.

Watching for them was a little quirk.

Maybe you’ve seen on the side of a rock.

A hand painted message on that spot.

A two word message; JESUS SAVES.

You could see it on a cliff or in a cave.

Have you really thought what it meant?

He saves anyone & everyone.

If He be lifted up, they will come.

The choice is totally yours.

Do you feel it in your core?

Something saying things aren’t right.

Something must be better than this life.

Jesus is the light and the way.

Truly, He is the only way.

Jesus loves the good and the bad.

if you reject Him, it is sad.

You have no excuse for not being saved.

Sure, Satan will want you to be swayed.

He will do all to trip you up.

Yet, you have free choice, no matter what.

It can’t be easier than the 2 word message.

JESUS SAVES!! There is no guessing.

If you need to know more, study the Bible.

All of a sudden, you just might libel

to be able to understand why.

JESUS SAVES, with tears in His eyes.—R. W. Johnson—–(2015)