Romance – Page 27 – Word Smith Wisdom

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 in.

He had found God & the peace he wanted.

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

Not This Way / The Way It’s Gotta Be

Not This Way

It just can’t be this way.

An earthquake here.

A tsunami there.

Fighting in Iraq.

Depression everywhere.

It just can’t be this way.

People murdered here.

Terrorist attacks there.

Lovers in the sack.

Infidelity in the air.

It just can’t be this way.

My one and only love.

Sent from God above.

Walking out the door.

Never to return anymore.

It just can’t be this way.

So, for what it’s worth.

There is no heaven on earth.

Something’s gone all wrong.

Life is not a song.

It just can’t be this way.———————-R. W. Johnson—–(2005)

The Way It’s Gotta Be

For me———-.

She must be free to think,

to do her will.

Whatever it may be.

She can come and she can go.

As long as she shares her very soul——–.

With me.

That’s the way it’s gotta be.

Can’t you see?

For her to ever be part of me.

She’ll be free as the wind.

Blowing here & there & back again.

She’ll share her every whim——-.

With me.

That’s the way it’s gotta be.

Can’t you see?

For her to be a part of me.——————-R. W. Johnson—–(2005)

Birds Of A Feather

Birds Of A Feather

Where do you go little bird?

When it rains or snows real hard.

When it’s dark and time to sleep.

Where do you go? Where do you go?

Tell me, does the winter bring

A chill and life to your wings?

Do you think or is it instinct little bird?

I no longer see you in my yard.

These are all mysteries much too deep.

Where do you go? Where do you go?

My love, you’re like the little bird.

Where are you when life gets hard?

I’m cold and all alone as I weep.

Where do you go? Where do you go?

Tell me does the hard times bring

a chill to your heart that sings

run to safety, never saying a word.

I have drawn the joker card.

Nothing left ,but, to cry and weep.

Where do you go? Where do you go?

In springtime you return without a word.

Your song sounds cheerful in the yard.

It wakes me up from my restless sleep.

Where did you go? Where did you go?

Does the springtime make you sing

the chirps of happiness that you bring?

Is it love or how you’re made, little bird?

I’m so happy to see you in my yard.

I feel a strong urge just to weep.

Where did you go? Where did you go?

You show up without a word.

Like a wandering musical bard

You bring warmth and love to keep.

Where did you go? Where did you go?

“Forget all that” I want to sing.

Love is such a beautiful thing.

Though you’re like that little bird.

You leave and my life is marred.

You’re back now and mine to keep.

Where did you go? Where did you go?——–R. W. Johnson—-(2012)

Emotionally Impaired Dog

Emotionally Impaired Dog

They have a seeing eye dog.

They have a dog for the hearing impaired.

They have a bomb sniffing dog.

Also drug sniffing dogs who care.

What I need is an emotionally impaired dog.

One who fixes broken hearts.

A special, caring, loving dog.

One that really knows his part.

I need a dog to fix my blues.

I need a dog to improve the news.

I need a dog to mend my heart.

I need a dog to do his part.

I am emotionally distraught.

I fell for someone really hot.

She dumped me like last week’s garbage.

So,— then began the heartaches.

Emotionally distraught with no end in sight.

Knocked down, drug out, feeling low.

There must be something that will make it right.

Maybe a dog with a loving soul.

I’m not talking about an ugly girl.

I am saying a real dog is my goal.

He/she will love me and be thrilled.

I need a dog to fix my blues.

I need a dog to improve the news.

I need a dog to mend my heart.

I need a dog to do his part.

I am emotionally distraught.

I fell for someone really hot.

She dumped me like last week’s garbage.

So,—then began the heartaches.

He will love me with no restrictions.

She will love me through thick and thin.

His/her devotion will need no fixin.

A dog like that can only be a win win.

I will love her like no other.

He/she will be the world to me.

I will treat her better than a lover.

A lover who was happy to dump me.

I need a dog to fix my blues.

I need a dog to improve the news.

I need a dog to mend my heart.

I need a dog to do his part.

I am emotionally distraught.

I fell for someone really hot.

She dumped me like last week’s garbage.

So, —then began the heartaches.

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

The Little Things

The Little Things

The rushing wind through my hair.

The sound of songbirds in the air.

The smell of spring with flowers in bloom.

Beautiful sunlight to brighten up the gloom.

Ocean waves gently breaking on shore.

You, walking by my side once more.

Life is good. As sweet as honey.

Even though we haven’t got much money.

It’s the little things that have meaning.

Like the way cats give their fur a cleaning.

Or dogs bark at an unknown sound.

They warn you when danger is around.

The miracle of a chicken laying an egg.

How you can teach a dog to beg.

How you love me, a common man.

You love me for the man I am.

All of this reminds me of you.

Reminds me that your love is true.

The little things in nature is love.

Sent to us from God above.

Just as I know this is true.

I know God sent me to you.—————R. W. Johnson—–(2012)

Rambling Man / Reality

Rambling Man

I’ve always been a wayfaring wanderer.

Rambling back & forth across this land.

I’ve never wanted to settle down.

I’m just a fun loving traveling man.

Then I met that little gal.

Way down in Abilene.

She made my heart skip a beat.

As pretty as a beauty queen.

She looked my way & I was hooked.

I knew my rambling days were through.

But, it was more than just her looks.

My mama didn’t raise no fool.

She had the charms & manners of high class.

Yet, she could talk to me like an average Joe.

She was intelligent & well versed.

Yet, never made me feel stupid or low.

I stayed around & we dated some.

We fit together like a hand in a glove

I knew that I had found my soulmate.

Friends said “Ask her” & gave me a shove.

I proposed & the rest is history.

She is my woman. She is my life.

I gave up my rambling ways.

Just to make this woman my wife.————R. W. Johnson—–(2006)

Reality

My reality is slipping fast.

I think I’m sitting in a draft.

It is blowing my reality away.

Out the door like paper machae’ .

My only hope is to cling to you.

Comfort me, like you always do.

Keep me stable & on firm ground.

Keep my eyes from looking around.

For I may slip & flip right out.

An ugly sight, without a doubt.

Stop the demons from screaming in my head.

Before they tie me down to a bed.

Be my friend & guide me through.

Back to reality & back to you.——————R. W. Johnson—–(2002)

It’s A Mystery / Love In Bloom

It’s A Mystery

It’s a mystery

When I stare into your eyes.

I am helpless.

It’s like I’m hypnotized.

Yes, It’s a mystery

Whenever I hear your voice.

I feel helpless.

It seems I have no choice.

Just a whisper

Sends chills to my very soul.

I am speechless.

I never want you to go.

Yes, It’s a mystery

When you are by my side.

I feel helpless.

My feelings I can’t hide.

But, I am frozen.

As if I were paralyzed.

Yes, It’s a mystery

How I feel about you.

I feel helpless.

I don’t know what to do.

Except for one thing.

To say that I love you.——————R. W. Johnson—–(2003)

—–O—–

Love In Bloom

She is sweet as a honeysuckle tree.

She is lovely as she can be.

Her kisses are rapture to me.

I’m in love, as you can see.

Her scent , sweeter than roses in bloom.

My heart sinks when she leaves the room.

Life without her is no life at all.

May she never hear the beaconed call.

————————————————-R. W. Johnson——-(2003)

Tragic Love

Tragic Love

Lately I’ve been thinking about things that aren’t right.

About the way we argue. Then break up for a night.

Sometimes it’s a week or more. Then you’ll come on back.

It’s always the same. You’re not to blame for all of that.

No matter what you say or do. It will always be me.

Obviously, I’m not to blame. But, that’s not what you see.

Things get turned around. It’s always me to blame.

It’s not ever your fault. Even when it’s been the same.

But I must say all in all

It’s been a good life after all.

Despite all the fights and pain.

When things are going good.

And you treat me like you should.

It’s better than any other game.

I like to think about the good times that we had.

The times we spent together were really rad.

I was into you and you were into me.

We were a perfect pair, people could easily see.

We were seen together all over town.

Often with family and friends around.

Wrapped in each other’s arms all evening.

We saw eye to eye on most everything.

But, I must say all in all.

It’s been a good life after all.

Despite the fights and pain.

When things are going good.

And I treat you like I should.

It’s better than any other game.

The game is coming to an end.

I don’t know where I should begin.

The arguments and fights have taken their toll.

It hurts my heart much more than you know.

I can’t go on this way. There’s nothing left to say.

This crazy game I can’t continue to play.

I have to end it, though it will break my heart.

There will be no joy until we finally part.

But, I must say all in all.

It was a good life after all.

Despite the fights and pain.

If I end it like I should.

Will it come to any good?

There’s got to be a better game.————-R. W. Johnson.—–(2012)

Bittersweet To The End

Bittersweet To The End

Don’t snuggle up close by my side.

Don’t kiss and massage my hide.

Don’t say you’ll always be there.

Don’t run your fingers through my hair.

Because in the morning you’ll be gone.

You’ll say that you have to run along.

All will be like it never was.

If I ask why you’ll say “Just because.”

It’s happened so many times now.

It’s just routine to you somehow.

You’ve ripped my heart & tore it apart.

Like you planned it from the start.

You say you would never do that.

How about the times you’ve left me flat?

To you I think it’s all a game.

To me it all seems so insane.

Yet, I’m insane to want you back.

You act as if you haven’t a care.

You say you love me but, I declare.

It’s time for me to watch my heart.

Cause you’re about to tear it apart.

You’ll be as sweet as you can be.

Then, without a word you’ll leave me.

I do nothing to bring it on.

I look around & then you’re gone.

My heart is a rubber ball kicked around.

At your desire, I have found.

You’ve ripped my heart & tore it apart.

Like you’ve planned it from the start.

You say you would never do that.

How about the times you’ve left me flat?

To you I think it’s all a game.

To me it all seems so insane.

Yet, I’m insane to want you back.

The heart can only take so much.

There’s a limit to your touch.

The emotional strain can make me snap.

PTSD is similar to all this crap.

I may snap and go berserk.

I can only take so much hurt.

When I snap you’d best beware.

By then I will no longer care.

The nightmare will finally end then.

Bittersweet to the very end.—————–R. W. Johnson—–(2012)

A Crusade For Love

A Crusade For Love

I’ve been lonely for way too long.

I’ve heard the music. I’ve sung the song.

I’ve searched my sole for some relief.

I need an answer. I’ve hear the beat.

Somewhere in this big old world

is a love that would be thrilled

to meld with me in harmony.

It’s more than just my karma, see.

I know she’s near. I have no fear.

I’ll never stop searching. That is clear.

I’m on a crusade. I’m on a search for love.

A love that most have only dreamed of.

A love so fine it would be a crime

If I never made her mine.

A love to be written down in history.

A love without any tragedy.

I met this girl the other night.

Everything seemed to be just right.

Till she dropped this bomb on me.

She was married but, would soon be free.

Such things happen all the time.

Like the one who ripped me off for all but, a dime.

Or the one who insisted on playing the field.

Then got mad because I wouldn’t yield.

This is just not what I’m looking for.

I’m not trying to run up a score.

I’m on a crusade. I’m on a search for love.

A love that most have only dreamed of.

A love so fine it would be a crime

If I never made her mine.

A love to be written down in history.

A love without any tragedy.

I want a love who will be faithful and true.

A love who won’t treat me like a fool.

Because I would treat her like royalty.

Shower her with love and mystery.

The best mate she could ever imagine.

She will think that she’s in heaven.

If she treats me Like I would her.

Something very special would occur.

Such love and devotion like never known

Would happen daily without being shown.

I’m on a crusade. I’m on a search for love.

A love that most have only dreamed of.

A love so fine it would be a crime

If I never made her mine.

A love to be written down in history.

A love without any tragedy.——————-R. W. Johnson—–(2012)