Life Lessons – Page 45 – 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)

Only God Can Set You Free

Only God Can Set You Free

He was in a deep dark hole and he couldn’t get out.

Terrible, screaming demons were all about.

A black tunnel loomed ahead.

Barely room to squeeze in his head.

There was a little more room once he was inside.

The walls were slimy and slick. Nowhere to hide.

He tried to run, run for his life.

Where were his kids? Where was his wife?

How did he ever get into this jam.

He was just your “average Joe” man.

He taught philosophy at the local college.

He felt he had a well rounded knowledge.

That evening a student brought up evil & sin.

He said “There is no evil. It all comes from within.”

“As far as that goes, it’s the same with God.”

“But, don’t you believe in the devil or God?”

“They are a crutch for man’s inner fears.”

“Man uses them to explain the world’s tears”

Students were shocked to hear such talk.

One of them told him that he should not mock.

He just laughed and said “They don’t exist.”

He looked to heaven and shook his fist.

On his way home that very night.

The sidewalk opened up and he fell from sight.

Now, he’s in this nightmare pit.

Running and fearing this night would be it.

He dodged demons and horrible sights.

They all glowed though it was dark as night.

He screamed, he pleaded, he ran some more.

Nowhere was there an open door.

He could not find a way out of this hell.

Many times, he tripped and fell.

After, what seemed like hours, he hit a dead end.

Trapped with monsters & demons closing in.

He screamed “God save me” without a thought.

Deep inside he knew what denial had brought.

Then he noticed light off to the side.

A very narrow crack where he might hide.

He squeezed in and it started to slope up.

He started crawling though it was very rough.

After a long climb he got out.

He was in front of his home. He gave a shout.

Falling to his knees, he prayed from within.

“Lord, forgive me for all of my sins.”

“I know I led those students astray.”

“Give me one more chance, I pray.”

After a long time, he got to his feet

The hole was no longer in the street.

He went home and told his wife.

Told her how he almost lost his life.

He told her how he got it back again.

He told her he no longer wanted to sin.

He told his class he was saved by grace.

They could tell by seeing his face.

He said “There is evil, demons, and sin.”

“They have all been defeated, thanks to Him”

“There is only one way to overcome”

“Let Jesus save you. He is the one.”————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)

The World Of The Duck / A Perfect World

The World Of The Duck

Have you ever felt like

you ran out of luck?

Enter now the

world of the duck.

Everything you do

Is not working for you.

You feel knocked around

like a hockey puck.

Enter now, the

world of the duck.

You pray to God;

Lord, give me a job.

Your busted, your broke.

You don’t have a buck.

Enter now,

the world of the duck.

Just take to the skies.

Get out of the rut.

Similar to the

world of the duck.

Be foot loose and fancy free.

Swim all around, splashing with glee.

Keep your feet

away from the muck.

Enter now, the

world of the duck.——————-R. W. Johnson——(1994)

In A Perfect World

Alcohol would not be addictive.

Chasing women would not be wicked.

Popping drugs would cause no ills.

What is left to produce the thrills?

Things would soon become a drag.

Using alcohol and drugs would lag.

No, that’s not a perfect place.

Not for this here human race.

What we need is a higher power.

To see the beauty in a flower.

To love nature on a sunny day.

To learn to love and how to play.

We need God to show us how.

Then a perfect world can be ours now.——R. W. Johnson—–(2005)

Turn The Dirt Over

Turn The Dirt Over

Come closer to the window frame.

Look out on the field of snow.

Remember the summer fields aflame.

Your body’s tan a golden glow.

Oh, turn the snow over

if you want to go back.

You have to do it sober.

So, throw those shudders back.

You left your brother in a northern town.

He ran a ferry over the waters of the bay.

His body covered by the water when it went down.

His name on a plaque to remember the day.

Oh, turn the water over.

If you want to see the light again.

Run thru the fields of clover.

Take a chance & let it begin.

Come softly to the window frame.

Open the shudders, let the moonlight in.

See the sky from which the snow came.

Welcome back to this world of sin.

Turn the dirt over

if you want to go back.

You have to do it sober.

So, throw those shudders back.

I want you back from the dark & cold.

You blame yourself for everything.

You must return. Try to be bold.

I’ll be there to help you take wing.

Oh, turn the dirt over

if you want to get back.

You have to do it sober.

So, throw those shudders back.

It’s good to have you back!!——————-R. W. Johnson—–(2010)

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 Valley Of Decision

The Valley Of Decision

Life is more than women and wine.

You have to settle down sometime.

I know, I know, you say party on bro.

Life is just one great big show.

Tell me, since your such a bright guy.

Do you feel the parade is passing you by?

Think about it for awhile.

Don’t just sit there with a smile.

Here is some words for thought.

Read them but, don’t get distraught.

You’ve got to walk that lonesome valley.

You’ve got to walk it by yourself.

Oh, nobody can walk it for you.

You’ve got to walk it by yourself.

“What the hey?” I hear you say.

“What’s that got to do with today?”

Think about it. You’re a party guy.

When you leave you’re pretty high.

Then here comes the bad luck.

You get run over by a truck.

Do you think you will be ready to go?

With all that parting & putting on a show.

If your mind has a little doubt.

Think about it. You’ll figure it out.

You’ve got to walk that lonesome valley.

You’ve got to walk it by yourself.

Oh, nobody else can walk it for you.

You’ve got to walk it by yourself.

I think you’re starting to see the light.

You can drink and party all night.

But, no matter what you do.

You can never run away from you.

Someone loves enough to forgive

all you’ve done to try to live

in a world full of sin and hate.

Turn to Him before it’s too late.

He will give you peace of mind.

He’ll love you till the end of time.

You’ve got to walk that lonesome valley.

You’ve got to walk it by yourself.

Oh, nobody else can walk it for you.

You’ve got to walk it by yourself.————-R. W. Johnson—–(2012)

The Road Into The Unknown / He Knows

The Road Into The Unknown

We are all just travelers

on the road into the unknown.

We are aware of the architect of power.

Even though we know not where we are going.

The power will ripen the reactive void within you.

Like a womb accepting a seed.

Open yourself to what is unfamiliar to you.

So that the power, which is what you need,

can flow into you & make you whole.

You must become one with the power.

Let Him build, create, and mold

till there is no separating you from the power.

Then, you will be one

who will know we are all

on the road to Kingdom Come.—————-R. W. Johnson—–(2002)

He Knows

Yes, He knows

where broken dreams go.

Where heartaches & loneliness

rule the soul.

Where people cry

in agony,

to cast aside

their memories.

Where hope is just

a four letter word.

And misery is

all that is heard.

Yes, He knows.

But, still it’s true.

Because He knows,

there’s hope for you.—————-R. W. Johnson—–(2002)

Misery Without Company

Misery Without Company

Since you left I am hurting in every way.

The hole you left in my heart is filled with tears.

A pool for sorrows to swim in each day.

Enough misery to last me through the years.

If you would flip through the pages of my heart

you would find you fill up every page.

When you got to where you tore it apart,

I have tried to mend it with rapid age.

I have aged a year for each day you’re gone.

I should have emotions filled with rage.

God only knows how much longer I can go on.

I just have the feeling of betrayal, no rage.

Also enough sorrow to last me forever.

The sun doesn’t shine for me anymore.

I see nothing but, wet, rainy weather.

I feel too depressed to go to the store.

I am losing weight for lack of food.

I have no appetite to even eat.

I know it all sounds so crude.

It is the result of a heart of raw meat.

You’ve kicked it, ripped it, made it bled.

You’ve stomped it, romped on it,

drug it around like animal feed.

Yet, I hold onto the hope you will miss it.

You will take me back once more.

You will give me one more chance.

You will come knocking at my door.

Your rejection spears me like a lance.

I will go on crying, dying, a little more each day.

Always feeling that I can’t go on.

Always hoping that you will see a way

To return to me and we will bond.————R. W. Johnson—–(2013)