Month: March 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)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Trip To Within

      A Trip To Within

Once in awhile, if I have the time.

I go down into the mine.

Rather, I should say: Into the mind.

‘Mind tripping’, to say it kind.

 

An introspective trip to within.

Somewhere I’ve rarely been.

It can be scary when you first go in.

But, soon, I am easily remembering when.

 

if I have been there, it is a traveled path.

If not, it can make me laugh.

Sneaking around in my own thoughts.

Wondering what the next thought brought?

 

I come to a door marked THE ID.

Caused me to almost flip my lid.

I recalled the movie “Forbidden Planet.”

Monsters from THE ID, taken for granted.

 

No, that’s not for me. I turn away from that.

Maybe a look at emotions is where it is at.

It is warm and cozy in here.

Lots of love. very little fear.

 

I look in the ‘past experiences’ file.

No, I am not in denial.

This is a tough file to review.

Some still hurt. There are a few.

 

Next, I look at past memories.

A little dusty in here. But, it is friendly.

Needs a little cleaning. Some files are lost.

I need to retrieve some at any cost.

 

I check current files. All are sharp & fresh.

Nothing here to any excess.

An alarm. What could that mean?

Sound from outside. Sounds like a machine.

 

I open my eyes and see my wife.

She is running a vacuum. What a life.

Try to have quiet time for self inspection.

But, am disturbed by noise and affection.

————————————–R. W. Johnson—–(2015)

 

 

 

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)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Into The Mirror

      Into The Mirror

They said to grandpa: “It is fun here.”

Grandkids,  visiting one summer.

It was an old colonial house.

Perfect for grandpa & his spouse.

A neat house for teens to explore.

It was still odd though, just like before.

There were no mirrors in the home.

They knew why, yet, they moaned.

“How could such a story be true?”

Grandpa said it was. “We’re not fools.”

One day the kids were exploring the basement.

Tom told his sister to be patient.

“We’ll check out everything here.”

They only saw one thing that was queer.

In the corner was a large steamer trunk.

Buried under a bunch of junk.

They uncovered it and took a look.

It wasn’t locked, only hooked.

They opened it & found old clothes.

They even found shoes with wooden soles.

Down in the bottom they found a mirror.

“There is barely room for it in here.”

Carefully, they lifted the antique out.

Propped it against the wall & looked about.

No one was there. Just the basement.

An antique frame, the mirror was encased in.

They looked into the mirror & got a shock.

They were there, but the basement was not.

They saw what looked like a castle wall.

They couldn’t believe what they saw at all.

Tom touched the mirror itself.

His hand went into the mirror, he felt.

“Becky, did you see that?”

“Yes, your hand went out of sight”

“No, it went right into the mirror.”

“Are you sure? That seems queer.”

“Remember the stories grandpa used to tell?”

“They said the mirrors were a door to hell.”

“Let’s go in & see what really is there.”

They both stepped into, who knows where?

They were in like a storage area in a castle.

They snuck down the hall without hassle.

They heard voices up ahead.

It was coming from a side room instead.

A man, who looked like a wizard.

Was speaking to one who looked like a lizard.

“Egore, the mirror spell is almost completed.”

“I think I have just what I needed.”

“The mirror will be our doorway to the future.”

“I will no longer have angry men after me.”

“No more villagers trying to kill me, see.”

“With my magical powers I will rule the future.”

“No more freeloaders. no more moochers.”

“Only problem, someone from there must

come through first to show they have trust.”

“Then our portal will never be closed.”

He then made an evil laugh through his nose.

“My descendants will pass down the mirror.”

“ 400 years must pass before there is anything to fear.”

Tom & Becky had heard enough.

They hurried back to the mirror in a rush.

They came bursting through.

Then tore upstairs to tell their grandpa too.

He said: “oh oh. I forgot about that mirror.”

“Now, where do we go from here?”

“I have an idea,” grandma said.

She put down her needle and thread.

She got the family Bible & a brass cross.

“We will rebuke this at any cost.”

At the mirror, they held them both in the air.

“God, rebuke this evil from here & everywhere.”

At first nothing changed.

Then, the mirror started smoking, in flames.

The stone walls inside started melting.

They heard a voice from within the hell scream.

“It’s on fire Egore, grab all you can bring.”

“I can’t save the mirror. I can’t get in the room.”

“Run for your life, or we are doomed.”

After awhile, the fire went out.

All was ash and blackened grout.

Then the scene snapped out of sight.

There was only a reflection of the basement light.

It now seemed to be an ordinary mirror.

They had stopped the evil. That was clear.

Grandpa took the mirror to the dump anyway.

He still doesn’t own any mirrors to this day.

———————————————-R. W. Johnson—–(2015)