Month: December 2014

The Air Warriors

      The Air Warriors

I hear you’re running from the man

just as fast as you can

who goes by the name of the Sandman.

I hear he flies through the sky

like an eagle in the eye

of a hurricane that’s abandoned.

 

These were words once sung and told

from the days of battles old.

When men flew planes like acrobats.

Dog fights then were quite an act.

The more planes you could shoot down

the greater your reputation on the ground.

The Red Barron and Snoopy were such.

Fiction for comics without a stretch.

Based on an actual German pilot.

His 23 kills almost started a riot.

Like “Sink the Bismarck”  was to the Navy

during WWII driving them crazy.

The Red Baron was to the Air Force

during WWI a must to hit with a gun.

War heroes come from going through crap.

Like Audi Murphy, who went to hell & back.

But, the air pilots are a breed of their own.

They are top guns whose numbers have grown.

The planes are faster, the weapons better.

Yet, they carry on. Right to the letter.

If someone in your family has earned his wings,

they can teach you a few things.

Like tip your hat when a lady walks by.

Yet, kick some ass when you take to  the air.

————————————————-R. W. Johnson—–(2013)

 

 

 

 

Self Meditation

 

      Self Meditation

I had a little quiet time to myself.

I began thinking I need some help.

I am nearing the winter of my life.

I’ve seen the danger and the strife.

Life was always better in ‘the old days.’

It’s impossible to keep up with “the new ways.’

The important things now are family & friends.

I hope this list gets longer & never ends.

Everyone needs something to give their life meaning.

Be it religion, a job, a hobby , or just a feeling.

By feeling, I mean a strong desire to love others.

Not in a physical way. More like an agape mother.

Love thy neighbor as thy self type of love.

This desire must come from God above.

People need people. They need God too.

All are brothers and sisters  under God’s rule.

I am but a sinner. I feel like chief of them all.

I don’t think I’m one to spread the beckoned call.

But, I can’t keep quiet about changes going on in me.

It’s a strange feeling to have but, it can set you free.

So, as I sit here , deep in meditation.

Some people may say I need some medication.

But, whatever the case may be.

There are changes going on in me.

I haven’t reached my final destination yet.

I have a long way to go. On this you can bet.

But, I prefer a more sure thing.

In the Bible, I can hear the truth ring.

It is calling me loud and clear.

So, I guess I will proceed without any fear.

——————————————————R. W. Johnson—–(2013)

 

Various Poems

      The Crow

Crows are black, as we all know.

But, that doesn’t make them evil though.

Crows usually fly in flocks and squawk.

They make a lot of noise on my block.

But, sometimes, one crow will be near.

However, there is no need to fear.

If you go out he may fly away.

Then he is back the very next day.

When he squawks answer him.

Most likely he will squawk again.

His head will swivel back & forth.

Looking around for you, of course.

Crows could be a good omen.

You turn away and go back in.

Crows are only birds,—-right?

To answer that may take all night.

Some say yes. Others say no.

I guess you’ll have to ask the crow.———–R. W. Johnson—–(2006)

      The Secret

Way down deep in the recesses of your heart.

There is locked away a secret.

Deep within your heart.

Something cries to be released.

Within your heart.

Something causes you pain.

In your heart.

It wants to be released.

Aching heart.

It gives you pain.

It is time.

Time.

For the secret

To be revealed.————————–R. W. Johnson—–(2006)

 

      Forbidden Fruit

You say you’re worried about a civil suit?

After tasting some forbidden fruit.

I might think that a little odd.

But, not after you tasted it on the job.

What’s the matter? Have you lost your mind?

You just might end up doing jail time.

If you’re not tasting with whom you are wed,

you are thinking with the wrong head.

The end result——–You lost your job.

You can plead your case to God.

But, lust is a sin in His book too.

I’d hang it up if I were you.———————R. W. Johnson—–(2005)

 

 

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)

 

 

.

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)