when enemies
of peace
were no longer
we found a new time
we found a new day
we found missiles
no longer
mounted on steel steeds
marching in parade
we heard laughter
from children playing
we heard music
free from angst
we heard apologies
for many misunderstandings
we heard pardons
for many mistakes past
when enemies
of peace
were no longer
we found a new time
we found a new day
we found missiles
no longer
mounted on steel steeds
marching in parade
Notes on Title Fighting (revised)
in the middle
of one serious
challenge…
to my pursuit
of success as i
follow my dreams
i finally stopped crying
i finally stopped complaining
i finally stopped sleeping
i finally stopped stressing …
out…
must change my pace
…in the ring
must step back
lay on the ropes
and let opposition swing
let opposition swing
while i cover my head
let opposition swing
while i take blows to muscle
let opposition swing
while i deflect with strong arms
let opposition swing
while i stay on the ropes
and wait…
for my day, my hour, my moment, my minute, my round
As I reflect
on wars waged between brute, brawn, intellect and wisdom
like the time
Stalin buried intelligentsia
and forced Trotsky to board a train
towards doom…
in modern times
how many more
outspoken voices slain, buried
shrouded
by eyes blindfolded
with kerchiefs laced
with virulent strain…
of a bloodlust euphoria
How I Play the Game
when I was young
my peers told me
i needed to carry a blade
to survive
but i said no
when i could smell myself
my contemporaries told me
nice guys lose
you need to keep your gun
but i threw it away, anyway
when i first walked
through corporate corridors
my handlers coached me
be crude, be vicious, be cold
but i kept my meek, warm heart
and when the doors open
i will play to win
Rest Stop
i celebrate each day
i treat each equally
however…
five pm Friday
is a rest stop
a time for a break
a time to pull over
a time to stand up
a time to stretch
a time to yawn
a time for the handkerchief
a time to wipe the stress
from ones brow
after the break is done
a time to drive on
towards your goal
The 5 O’Clock Rush
foot to pedal
pedal to metal
steering wheel gripped
destiny awaits at my goal
focused on destiny
competitors in every lane
weaving and keeping
my eyes on the road
weary from the dogfight
as sharp pains emanate
from bruises incurred
from a dog eat dog world
got to stay awake
got to pay attention
got t keep my foot steady
my mind on where I’m going
foot to pedal
pedal to metal
steering wheel gripped
destiny awaits at my goal
when enemies of peace
are no longer present
it will be a new time
it will be a new day
swords and shields broken
missiles no longer
mounted on steel steeds
marching in parade
I ,along with poet Shanna Melton, will be featured in the Norwalk’s Poets in Conversation series at the Norwalk Public Library, Norwalk, Connecticut on Thursday, October 6th, 7pm- 8:30pm. The feature will hosted by Laurel Peterson, Poet Laureate of Norwalk. The feature will consist of Shanna and I reading our poetry and then a conversation between the poets will be moderated by Laurel!
If you are in the general area, stop by for a wonderful night of poetry, prose and conversation.
Norwalk is easy to reach from many points in Connecticut and New York via the Metro North New Haven line as well as easily accessible by car via interstate 95.
Stay tuned. More information will be provided as the feature date approaches!
Good Morning New Year
after morning meditations
i finally pay attention
to facts a new year has begun.
i pay attention to the change
in my outlook and perspective.
the journey of life continues.
there are challenges to pursue.
there are objectives to attain.
there are territories to gain.
there is ground gained i must maintain.
this poem appears in my book: Good Morning New Year! Click menu | Jerry T. Johnson Publications for more info
MEATLOAF AT THE AIRPORT
I’m eating a late lunch at an airport,
at a restaurant named after a notable,
noted, well known chef
who deserves redundant adjectives
for the food is just that good.
Maybe it’s not the healthiest choice,
turkey meatloaf wrapped
in a thin slice of bacon,
mashed potatoes smothered
in a layer of light brown, turkey flavored gravy.
The meat loaf looked like it was gently placed
by gentle hands on top of the potatoes
while thin cut, brown coat onion rings
were sprinkled over the layered stack,
topped with one last spoon of gravy,
just a dripping from top to bottom.
I have prime seating, facing main concourses,
two in the afternoon, prime space,
prime time, prime people watching,
truly, it does take all kinds to make a world.
I peer at the large windows,
gazing outside, I see several planes
parked at several gates and I think:
it’s gonna be a long ride
Jerry T. Johnson, Poet 