Life Lessons – Page 36 – Word Smith Wisdom

Old Before Your Time

Old Before Your Time

Girl, you’re gone again.

You are out of town.

You are not with men.

But, you aren’t slowing down.

You are busy all the time.

Always up to something new.

If a little of that time was mine.

I could be happy too.

Our dates are few, at best.

You have to fit me in.

I don’t even have to guess.

It’s up to you. I can’t win.

I always wish that you were mine.

That all you did was with me.

I have only one fear on my mind.

it is something that just could be.

That you’ll grow old before your time.

Then, it will be too late for me.

You are booked up for two weeks.

Beyond that, you are not sure.

You always have these promises to keep.

Time goes by so fast, it’s just a blur.

You say you want to make the time.

But, obligations get in the way.

Maybe, sometime, the time, you will find.

You will have to find another way.

If not, I may decide for you.

I have free time on my hands.

‘The Devil’s Workshop’ hype may be true.

I’ll find another with whom I can make plans.

I always wish that you were mine.

That all you did was with me.

I have only one fear on my mind.

it is something that just could be.

That you’ll grow old before your time.

Then, it will be too late for me.—R. W. Johnson—–(2015)

Geezer

Geezer

People tend to call me old Geezer now.

Formally known as Stud Muffin. WOW!!

Back in the day, I was ‘The Man!’

I had girls all across this land.

Most guys wanted to be me.

Don Juan had nothing on me, you see.

My black book was a valuable tool.

I kept it locked up. I was no fool.

I would have a girl on each end of town.

And be dating one from the middle ground.

I had a line that wouldn’t quit.

Girls would line up, just to hear it.

Saturday night, I would turn on the charm.

I’d have two girls. One on each arm.

So it was through high school and college.

Guys were envious, without my knowledge.

I never really settled down.

My reputation spread all over town.

I tried marriage once, but separated.

Later, she cut me loose. I was elated.

As I aged, I lost my mojo.

I started slipping. I was a no go.

I was getting old and set in my ways.

I dreamed a lot of my younger days.

Eventually, I became an old Geezer.

My love life was in the freezer.

Till Viagra came along.

Now, I sing a different song.

I ache in the places where I used to play.

But, a fire still burns under all this gray.

Thanks to Viagra, I can now say.

This old Geezer is ready to play.—–Look out. I’m back!!

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

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 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)

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)

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 5^th 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)