Free bird Poetry – Page 72 – 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)

The Tomb Of 10,000 Dead

The Tomb Of 10,000 Dead

I had a dream last night while lying in bed.

It was about the tomb of 10,000 dead.

It was thrilling and chilling to say the least.

I worried about awaking the sleeping beast.

Was it long ago or was the dream of today?

As to the exact date of it I cannot say.

Ancient ruins were lying all around.

I followed some stairs deep into the ground.

Through twists and turns I traveled on.

I had no idea how far I had gone.

The walls were wet and slick with slime.

I had no idea just what I would find.

I came to a door made of stone.

I shivered and felt so all alone.

I found a carved monstrous face.

I twisted it’s nose, which was out of place.

The door creaked and slowly opened.

A smell of musty air escaped unbroken.

I nervously shined my light within.

I saw endless rows of caskets therein.

They were on shelves, reaching twenty high.

They seemed to go on up to the sky.

There were no markers or other signs.

Nothing to indicate the date or time.

I slowly approached the first casket.

I pried it open using my hatchet.

My eyes grew large as I peeked within.

I thought: “Could this be a sin?”

The lid fell open with a creaking sound.

I could not believe what I had found.

A solitary golden plaque lay within.

It said: “Peace on earth. Good will to men.”

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

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)

The Road Of Life

The Road Of Life

Wandering down the road of life.

I turn to the left. I turn to the right.

No dead ends seem to be in sight.

There were a few rough roads .

With ruts and some potholes.

There were speed bumps too.

Especially when I met you.

There were times when I could speed.

Other times were slow with signs to heed.

If I didn’t follow the rules.

I paid for it like any fool.

I’ve had some wrecks along life’s way.

I’ve broken down, or so others say.

I didn’t win any spectacular races.

But, I didn’t lose the smiling faces.

Loving people all around.

Keeping my feet on the ground.

Keeping me on the straight & narrow.

Heading truer than an arrow.

Straight into the promised land.

The race will end with prize in hand.———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)

Hop, The Frog / Wild Places

Hop, The Frog

I knew a frog.

His name was Hop.

A friendly frog.

I liked him alot.

One day he ate

my favorite fly.

The sight of that

just made me cry.

Hop was sorry,

but, couldn’t resist.

“I was hungry”,

as he smacked his lips.

“Would you rather

I ate a Gnu?

Or, maybe, chewed

an old shoe?”

“I will be nice

as you will see.

Before you decide

you will eat me.”

At such a thought

I started to shake.

“I wouldn’t eat you

for heaven’s sake.”

Hop then said;

“I’m glad of that,

But, don’t be upset

if I have a snack.”—————-R. W. Johnson—–(2003)

Wild Places

Daily, it seems, our lives were hanging by a thread.

Never twice in the same place to rest our weary heads.

Listening at night, with our hearts full of fright.

Often, running for our lives in the middle of the night.

We searched for wild places.

Places where we can touch the Father’s hand.

We longed for wild places.

Places that are untouched by human hands.

We plan to rebuild the fountains.

Let the gardens spread across the land.

Bring back art, music, poetry, & books.

All the beautiful things that were so grand.

For now, we seek wild places.

Places where we can touch the Father’s hand.

We long for wild places.

For all the rest has been destroyed by man.

——————————————————R. W. Johnson—–(2006)

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)

Mustang Cure

When I’m down and feeling blue.

I know just what I need to do.

I go out to the garage & get in the car.

Then drive my red Mustang convertible afar.

I go zipping along with the top down.

I end up driving all over town.

Wind blowing through my blonde hair.

I get wolf whistles everywhere.

I am enjoying the sun on my face

as I drive from place to place.

The radio is playing my favorite songs.

I sing and tap as I roll along.

Soon my mood is so much better.

I don’t worry about the weather.

I am in a world all my own.

I even turn off my cellular phone.

After an hour or so of cruising around,

I find I am again homeward bound.

Fixing dinner in the kitchen,

I find I no longer feel like bitching.

Hubby comes home looking for food.

He says I seem to be in a good mood.

I think he’s right. I feel good.

The Mustang helped like I knew it would..—R. W. Johnson—-(2012)

Loneliness / Opportunity

Loneliness

What was it, someone said.

When you’re alone and in bed.

Do you lust for the one not there?

Is it almost more than you can bare?

Do you cry yourself to sleep?

Then dream those dreams of one so sweet?

In the morning, you’re bed’s a wreck.

But, you’re still alone, so what the heck!

So life goes, someone had said.

Loneliness is only in your head. —————R. W. Johnson—–(2005)

Opportunity

It comes but once,

and when it does.

It’s come and gone

before it was.

All your life

you’re waiting for

a chance to grab it

at your door.

You’re never sure.

You never know.

It just might come

before you go.

But, if it comes

And you’re aware.

You won’t miss out.

You’ll know it’s there.

So go ahead

and take the plunge.

Take a chance

next time it comes.—————-R. W. Johnson—–(1988)