Category: Free bird Poetry

Poems about the lonely traveler

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)

 

 

 

 

A Swan’s Dilemma

 

      A Swan’s Dilemma

Two swans fly over a serene mountain lake.

They circle and decide to land, eat, & rest.

All they see are a few ducks. They are bait.

The swans ignore this, as you might guess.

They are rummaging around in the tulles.

Something to eat. Maybe some minnows.

Suddenly, a loud bang shakes the tulles.

The ducks take off like bugs out a window.

The swans take flight. The female swerves.

She is hit in the foot by a shotgun pellet.

Her mate flies close to steady her nerves.

Her foot is bleeding. They can smell it.

Soon, they are safely out of range.

They find a small creek in which to land.

The female is limping, due to the pain.

It looks like it will heal ok if given a hand.

Her mate helps her all he can with food & drink.

Why would anyone shoot poor innocent ducks?

Swans are protected. Collateral damage, they think.

We are birds. So are ducks.

We differ in looks and color.

Yet, we are the same. What a rut.

They will shoot one, but not another?

When will they give up this silliness.

Stop shooting us all and live in peace.

All it would take is a little willingness.

We all share this planet. It’s the very least.

————————————R. W. Johnson—–(2015)

 

 

 

Thinking Again Out Loud

      Thinking Again Out loud

I am sitting here thinking again.

About what I’ve done & where I’ve been.

If I had it all to do over again.

Would I do the same things then?

I know all I’ve said and done.

Asked for forgiveness when under sin’s thumb.

Yet, I wonder, if I had done things differently.

Taken a different job. Gone another way vigorously.

Gone with this girl instead of the other.

Been more caring & loving to my mother.

Thoughts that have little meaning.

Unless they affect your current leaning.

I am where I am because of my own choices.

They could have been different. Followed other voices.

But, I am who I am & I have to live with it.

Taken as a whole, I can learn & have a better fit.

Improve my self image for the better of all.

Even though I’ve answered the beckoned call.

There is much in life to understand.

It all is part of becoming a man.

Who you are reflects on how you will be remembered.

May people get a blessing, besides my defenders.

I feel my place is to try to be helpful.

Help others to understand themselves fully.

If not, to at least, bestow some care & comfort

No one needs to feel alone or shunned first.

All are sons and daughters of God.

Whether alive, or under the sod.

I want all to raise to everlasting life.

But, the choice is yours. Take it in stride.

——————————————-R. W. Johnson—–(2015)

Dreams Come True

      Dreams Come True

It keeps happening again and again.

Every time that she comes in.

She can brighten up any room.

Her beauty alone will make you swoon.

 

She came in the other day.

Asked me if I wanted to play.

I was so shocked I said ”No way!”

“Oops, I meant to say.”

 

“What is it you had in mind?”

“Are you only interested in a good time?”

“No, I mean, I didn’t mean it that way.”

‘This is what I meant to say.”

 

“We need one more for a foursome.”

“I know you play. I seen you score some.”

“Uhh, sure. What time do we start?”

“I will be happy to do my part.”

 

When the game started I was all thumbs.

I couldn’t have done worse if I had the runs.

She looked so good in that tennis outfit.

I was doing good just not to trip.

 

I apologized for doing so poorly.

She said I wasn’t any court king.

But, I did good enough for her.

this was a shock to me for sure.

 

“Well, would you like to get a snack?”

She said “Sure.” and that was that.

Before long I was jabbering away.

telling her about the other day.

 

She listened then added some of her own.

She talked about how bored she’d grown.

“Not with you, I mean life in general.”

“Why is that?” I hoped it sounded sentimental.

 

“People carry on about my beauty.”

“I personally don’t think I’m such a cutie.”

“I think of myself as an average girl”

“To be treated as such gives me a thrill.”

 

“You have always treated me this way.”

“I love it,—– is all I can say.”

I was shocked into silence.

I would have had nothing to say in my defense.

 

I think of her in every way she despises.

Silence is golden in this case with no reprises.

From there our friendship really bloomed.

I loved to walk with her & look at the moon.

 

Almost a year has gone by since then.

Many have wondered what she sees in him.

Meaning me. The luckiest one alive.

Here I am and I didn’t even try.—–R. W. Johnson—–(2015)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Outdoor Girl

      The Outdoor Girl

I have walked on the beach at the sea.

Remember when you walked with me?

I have hiked on the mountain trails.

That was where we heard the wails.

We were hiking for the day.

We went up the canyon way.

At the spot the wails were heard.

A sign there said “The Devil’s Herd”.

The wind makes the sound right there.

Blowing through the canyon, bare.

I have taken desert trips.

You missed out on some of this.

I hiked into Mystery Lakes.

You came to, we had what it takes.

It was not an easy trip.

It was about as rugged as it can get.

We have gone to Canada to hike.

Glacier Park was a real sight.

We have hiked the Pacific Coast Crest.

From Wa. to Ca., that was the best.

We have swam in mountain lakes.

Cold enough to freeze your aches.

We enjoyed all we did together.

We did it in almost all kinds of weather.

We shared this interest in life.

A good way to get rid of stress & strife.

We did many other things too.

Life was good for me and you.

How is it then that you left me?

For a city slicker who is never free.

She is always busy with her work.

She seems to only have time to smirk.

She is not the outdoor type.

You’re  stuck with this the rest of your life?

Where is the justice in this world?

A new beginning, I would herald.

But, what’s over is over & done.

Yes, while it lasted, it was fun.

I guess I will kiss the past goodbye.

And find myself some other guy.—–R. W. Johnson—–(2015)

 

 

 

 

Recovery Form Being Dumped

 

      Recovery From Being Dumped

One man is mad, another cries.

One is vengeful, another lost.

One loves her so & really tries.

Another will get even at any cost.

 

The man who is dumped hurts deeply inside.

He may only show anger in his response.

Or, he may be so distraught he loses pride.

He may show nothing as a response.

 

But, deep down, the loss is felt.

Another scar on the heart.

It may not leave a visible welt.

But, his emotions are torn apart.

 

It hurts any man’s pride.

It is worse than a slap in the face.

You feel rejected. You can’t hide.

You are dejected and in disgrace

 

It is hard to recover without scars.

It will affect all further relations.

Someone you know or met in a bar.

A suffering self image affects elation.

 

Life is an emotional roller coaster landing.

To survive the ride & come out on top.

Takes great insight and understanding.

Both on your part and hers. Never stop.

 

Put every effort into every relationship.

Try to understand the others views.

Life is a learning situation trip.

Get the lesson right & it is great news.

————————————–R. W. Johnson—–(2015)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Confessions Of A Gun Slinger

      Confessions  Of A Gun Slinger

A big dark cloud is coming down.

I can’t see what is around.

I feel this may be the end of me.

Finally,—– I will be free.

 

I’ve been running most of my adult life.

Just because I had a few gun fights.

I feel my time is just about up.

Soon, I may take a bullet in the gut.

 

I won’t let them take me alive.

My bullets will fly like bees from a hive.

Sooner or later they will gun me down.

There is no way out that I have found.

 

I have only killed in self defense.

In a gun fight you can’t be on the fence.

They drew on me so I gunned them down.

There was not always someone else around.

 

I gained the reputation of a killer.

None of which ever did occur.

I am guilty before I am tried.

I would never make it to jail alive.

 

Justice for me is when they kill me dead.

They just want to put a bullet in my head.

If given a choice I would never shoot again.

I would hang up my guns and never sin.

 

But, my choice has been taken away.

I will either die today or live another day.

Sooner or later, I know what it will be.

Deader than a doornail, but I will be free.

 

Mothers, tell your sons.

Don’t do what I have done.

The end doesn’t justify the means.

Being the best is not what it seems.

—————————————R. W. Johnson—–(2015)