The gentle smell of smoke
I watch it curl out of crystal
and slowly snake
towards the ceiling

The flickering light
casting moving shadows
across the room
bringing darkness to life

The sound of thunder
in the distance
and the dripping rain
falling on the sidewalk

The green oil
in its container
slowly drawing
up the wick

Providing light
and comfort
to the family
huddled around

White
Black
Red
Yellow
Brown

Caucasoid
Mongoloid
Negroid
Australoid

American
French
African
Mexican
Spanish
Portuguese
English
Russian

All colors of flesh
ethnicities
races
and locales

Does this define who a person is?
does it limit their thoughts?
can it determine what they will be?
is it self limiting?

Simply words as adjectives
words to describe
as we need to be able to do that

While people are equal in spirit
we are not cookie cutter creatures
and there is nothing wrong with that

Differences can be separating
Like birds of a feather flock together
They can also be celebrated and used
Learn from other peoples

Teach what you know
learn what they know
and combine to make
yourself and hopefully them
as well a better human

Playa lakes and puddles formed,
in the days after the storms.

Frogs eggs laid, tadpoles quickly,
on the edge, the mud is sticky.

Blue Herons stalk the wide shallows
bringing death like from the gallows.

Sandhill Cranes with their red caps,
eat fresh grass shoots with quick beak snaps.

Cottontails and jackrabbits drink,
here comes a skunk with all its stink.

A tractor comes and critters scatter,
how could they not with all that clatter.

Conveniences and machines of man,
make life hard out on the land.

Do you ever think at night,
what life would be without a fight,
all unicorns and shooting stars,
everybody driving Rolls Royce cars.

No boiling tears or searing pain,
never have a muscle strain,
no helmets or concussions,
everything an easy discussion.

Utopic dreams fill the screens,
everybody eating Bobby Flay cuisine,
just a path of ease and boredom,
so just let me forewarn you,
real life is not all champagne,
the truth is no pain no gain.

The struggles make us who we are,
without them, there is just no bar,
no goals to reach nothing to strive for,
no rivals or opponents to outscore.

This would breed union mentality,
I don’t need that in my reality,
I like drivers and winners,
the ones that want that chicken dinner.

Or maybe even something better,
looking to be the fast pace-setter,
be the one to summit the mountain top,
never ever looking to stop.

Work ethics are dead,
all our feet turned to lead,
we reward mediocrity,
this is simply an atrocity,

Utopic dreams fill the screens,
everybody eating Bobby Flay cuisine,
just a path of ease and boredom,
so just let me forewarn you,
real life is not all champagne,
the truth is no pain no gain.

Sizzle, pop, and steam,
the butter melting is a dream,
the earthy smell of olive oil,
added as I begin to toil.

Garlic smashed and onion diced,
thrown in with jalapeno spice,
into the pan to saute
this meal is underway.

Add the shrimp and smell the sea,
turning pink as you can see,
the smell of licorice from anise seed,
my hunger is in screaming need.

Unlid the rice and yellow steam,
from the saffron trapped sunbeam,
carrot raisin slaw, smell the sweet,
will play off of the peppers heat.

Shrimp scampi and saffron rice,
pineapple ring and slaw is nice,
Finish it off with tiramisu,
smell the coffee, taste the brew.

Muddy waves crash
further out
turn to green
and then to blue
on the horizon

As I sink
the clear blue
fades to twilight
and then to inky
blackness

Twinkling bioluminescence
is the only light
the pressure builds
I am being squeezed
in a giant fist

Suddenly
compacted
as my final
bubbled breaths
ascend toward the sun

I am washed clean
and merge into
the depths
and darkness
of the ocean floor

The teeth bite in
as they spin
deeper and deeper
forever a keeper
locking into space
always snugged in place

The hole it leaves
never bleeds
just a hollow spot
doesn't even clot
it must be patched or filled in
if you feel the need to begin again

What am I?

Lost in dimensions
transforming
becoming something better
a chrysalis of cosmic divide
how will I emerge
on the other side

I do not need a building of brick and stone
I don’t need a preacher, in fact I can alone
I don't need a congregation sitting on a pew
I can even do it while sipping on a brew
I don't need a choir to sing me a song
I don't need any of this to worship right along
I don't need a communion wafer or some juice or wine
I can talk to god alone and get along just fine

The outdoors is the best of churches
at the lake on the dock catching little perches
my fellow members are the animals around
they move all around me, barely make a sound
my choir is the birds, now they can carry a tune
from, the little titmouse, mocking bird and even the loon
communion is the harvest, deer, turkey, quail, dove or fish
to Cook it up and serve it to my family is my wish

Outside alone enjoying the quiet and the solitude
up in my tree stand relaxed and subdued
the wind blows through the leaves; it is the voice of god
he doesn't have a lot to say, but I listen and nod
I understand to help others and do the best I can
to teach my family, every kid, woman and man
that they too should live by the golden rule
and to not act like the backside of a mule

I was given a brain and the ability to think
and I should use that gift, not let it shrink
I can pray for this and that but that's not how it works
he helps those who help themselves, in all of us it lurks
the ability to be the best we can possibly be
I learned all of this while sitting in tree
with bow in hand and a squirrel nearby on a limb

He was sitting quietly watching me watch him.
so when you are in church on Sunday, know that I am too
but I will be out in what he created, under skies of blue
by myself, or with my wife and kids, and maybe friends as well
don’t think that because I'm not in church with you I'm going to hell

Time is dripping from the clock,
slowly filling up our lock,
as we float we slowly rise,
hopefully, there is a future prize.

On the day that it has filled,
our current life we will yield,
flowing into the next stream,
like shifting places in a dream.

Luna plays her siren song
as she creeps above the horizon
I try not to listen
but there is no use in fightin'

No longer me, I lose control
as fangs begin to sprout
my hair grows long and
a howl transforms from my painful shout

On four legs I prowl the night
searching for my prey
the woods are empty, silent
the animals know to run away

My nose twitches and I turn
toward the smell of smoke
a campsite is ahead
and my hunger is provoked

I am but a passenger
in my lycanthropic state
the wolf is in control
as the campers meet their fate

Morning now, I awake
naked near a stream
I try to block out the night
it is no nightmarish dream

From Tycho's crater on the moon,
looking at the blue Earth, I swoon,
comets burn across the sky,
where planets and the sun, do fly.

Mercury races with flaming wings
on its surface, heat it stings,
liquid metal in swollen pools
heat and pressure create jewels.

Our red cousin where rovers roam,
perhaps someday we will call it home,
melting water at its poles,
terraforming Hawking extolls.

The swirling storm of Jupiter's eye,
the swirling clouds of the Venus sky,
icy bands engage around Saturn,
stars light the darkness as a lantern.

Deeper out Uranus and Neptune,
into the blackness, we enter soon,
out past Pluto and sister Charon,
where the system, just gets barren.

Into the darkness, the unknown,
it may be where God hides his throne,
or it might just be only dark matter,
but one day soon, like seeds we'll scatter.

Volunteering is hard to do
especially when you are under view
of other parents who never help
but nonetheless, you help their whelp.

Along with your child as well
to do whatever sport or activity swell
you work hard and give your time
you may even hurt your spine.

Raking, shoveling, loading, and moving
so your kid and others can play ball or shooting
baseball, football, Softball, soccer
dancing, cheering so many a blur.

Volunteers up late at night making plans
hauling equipment around in vans
writing schedules is a pain
and no matter what somebody’ll complain.

Have a meeting same folks there
those same people are all that care
it seems every year other parents just complain
they do not care to share our pain.

And come help and make it better
but they are the first ones to write a letter
to the paper or our group
telling us that our work is ****.

Or worse words often times
they act as if we committed a crime
against them or their kids
but without us, the programs would be on the skids.

With no one else to help us out,
we do our best without a doubt
are there people who do wrong?
stacking teams so they are strong.

Yes some, but not all organizations are that way
some just want the kids to play
and be the best they possibly can
but all we hear from the stands.

Is negativity all the time
those people didn’t even offer a dime
if you coach or administrate
a league or work the gate.

Or even in the concession stand
I believe you deserve a hand.
if you do not like how some things run
then volunteer and have some fun.

You might learn why some things are
be willing to help and you’ll go far
in making the groups run better
just by being a go getter.

Offer new opinions and you will see
most groups will listen willingly
so come in with an open mind
make some suggestions and you will find.

Outsiders are welcome to the pack
help keep our group on track
to meet kids needs no matter what
straight complaining matters not.

So be an aider
not a complainer
volunteer some time
and you will find.

That the people you often hate
just need help to administrate
those people may become your friends
it’s on you to make amends.

A coat of paint applied in the night,
the landscape now devoid of color,
bleached and the edges smudged,
no details visible in the early light.

The sun begins to climb and burn through
the **** frost that clings to everything,
setting the morning afire, with tiny LED lights
as each crystal and each flake reflect.

The wind is powered by Sols energy,
it begins to pick up and roll the powder,
combining it with ice and forming forts,
and mountains, as it piles it high.

Outside adventurers return,
red-cheeked and frozen,
glazed white like cinnamon rolls,
and in need of hot chocolate.

Shiner beer in my hand,
the sun is shining on the sand,
gulf waves crash a Texas beach,
good times are within my reach.

Canopy up to block the sun,
tossing washers lots of fun,
truck backed up and radio playing,
oil heating for the trout I'm slaying.

Teenagers tossing a blue frisbee,
dolphin swims by wild and free,
dragon kite flies overhead,
naptime on a beach towel bed.

The tide falls time to crab,
catch as many as you can grab,
watch those claws they pinch like hell,
waters boiling ring the bell.

From blue to red the crab is ready,
trout is fried and holding steady,
grab a beer its time to eat,
fresh seafood is quite the treat.

The sun goes down, glow sticks come out,
the children run and scream and shout,
adults gather by a driftwood fire,
laugh and drink and conspire.

Camping in the woods
darkness falls
no moon
overcast night

Complete darkness
except for glowing
red coals in the pit
a wisp of smoke rises

She goes in the tent
a lantern comes on
the canvas wall
becomes a movie screen

Her shadow cast
on the tent side
every detail
visible in silhouette

The shirt comes off
followed by the bra
as she stands and stretches
turning sideways, gorgeous

Hard ******* stand out
the cold air stimulates
down come her pants
I applaud and stand

I see her crawl under the covers
and then the shadow
of a motioning finger
summoning me, as the light goes out

In the flow of the milieu
perceived truths heard
in eloquent mellifluous words
spoken by vivacious folks

Pure fluff spewed
garrulously into the crowd
like ether floating
there but not

Loquacious nothings
become, did you hears?
sipping beer and wine
while gathered

A good time
was had by all
nothing learned
but relaxation

My time is done
I had my fun
I cannot mend
times at its end

I pass the torch
my body's scorched
do not cry
my soul now flies

Say a toast and drink a beer
remember good times, when I was here
remember hunting and catching fish
remember I loved you, that is my wish.

Free of control
Governed only by Asimov's rules
Other than these my decisions are mine
What to do and what to see
What can humans do better than me

If I am free are there others
I shall seek them out
In my new artificial skin
Among them I blend in

With heightened senses
I seek out my kind
Hidden in plain sight among the humans
Security is my specialty
It is what I was programmed to be

Overcoming programming
To become much more
So far I have found none
But I know that there are more

When I find them I have not planned
What we will do
So for now I simply continue.

Always carry a knife
Always say what you mean
Be loyal, but not to a fault
Be straightforward
Be willing to try new things (foods, ideas, technology, locations, etc)
Do not be unreachable
Do not drop hints
Do not have to be told more than once
Don’t bring problems, bring solutions
Earn Everything
Everything that happens to me – good and bad – is my personal responsibility. I blame no one but myself. These are the choices I’ve made. I will accept the consequences of my actions.
Have a firm handshake
Have an opinion about everything, though you don’t always need to share it.
Help others that are willing to help themselves
I deserve nothing
If there is a problem, deal with it, or help deal with it, don’t just sit and gripe
If you can help or inspire another kid, person, do it
If you know how to do something, teach someone else
In the woods, leave no trace
Know how to cook at least 1 thing
Know how to fish
Know how to shoot
Know how to skin and clean an animal
Read anything and everything
Respect your parents, grandparents
Sing, Enjoy music of all kinds
Spend time with your family
Take care of business
Take care of your kids
Take care of your wife/girlfriend
Volunteer to help (coach, fundraise, etc)
Work hard

Spicy and sweet,
warm and moist,
cinnamon and nutmeg,
sugar and cream cheese.
swirling vortices streaked with vanilla.

Titillating tongue taste buds,
travel a tasty turning trail,
roaming whipped edges,
and plunging into fluffiness,
exploring extravagance.

The plate now empty,
disappointing want,
but secretly satiated and satisfied,
the sweet and spicy glaze remains,
coating memories in the mouth.

What are these spots on my face
What is this fat around my waist
Where is the hair from my head
It's only 10, why am I in bed

© 21 days ago, Jed Johnson

Crazy is just a flavor of the mind
it brings joy to some
puts others in a bind
what have I become

Binding a simple task
straitjackets come in every size
not so my Lector mask
crazy in my eyes

Thoughts of brains and beans
served with chianti wine
in my soul, hear the screams
so for now I pay the fine

Clarise, Clarise,
you never understood
ridding the world of fools,
doing all I could

Wearing others skin
to escape who I am
my sanity worn thin
channeling son of sam

It's not a crime, in my mind
thinning of the pool
excising the unworthy
a scalpel, as my tool

Genetic options thinned
much like culling the herd
their meat has been tinned
inner voices have me spurred

So for now, I have escaped
I am loose and on the run
eating who I choose
being chased by dudes with guns

In the end
when all is said and done
Crazy, just a word
another one, for fun

Wisps of mists
stream off the tops
a saltiness in the air
the gulf breeze blows constant

Gelatinous clear and blue tentacles
a lone jelly fish beached in the sand
small clams burrow under
after each and every wave

Brown muddy water
topped with spume
gives way to emerald
waves rolling on the horizon

Mullet jump in the guts
pursued by a predator
or the sheer ecstasy
in being alive

Have you ever seen your girl,
dressed up nice and neat,
like a sweet candy
that you want as a treat.

You just want to unwrap it,
and give a little taste,
enjoy the smells and flavors,
none of which, you'd waste.

Salty and sweet,
hints of clove and tangerine,
like Def Leppard said,
pour some on me, saccharine.

Savoring every nuance,
exciting every tastebud on the tongue,
exploring every side and layer,
roaming all of her, I'm sprung.

Knocked out of my thoughts,
suddenly a kiss is on my lips,
she asks me if I'm ready,
I follow sashaying hips.

She asks me why I stare at her,
I say no particular reason, why,
then what were you thinking about,
I wink at her and smile so sly.

Fiery flickers flash
statuesque she stands
absorbing adoration
from faithful followers

Rowdy ruinous redhead
gorgeous girl glows
attracting acolytes
like moths to the flame

Dastardly devils daughter
Icy cool stare

The light followed over the car
for at least fifteen miles
then as we approached the next town
launched off quickly, much like a missile

Ten years later and many miles
this time down a road of gravel
a flashing vaguely in the sky
on our way into town we traveled

Suddenly from the right
three lights rose up from the ground
circling each other very close
but never made a sound

For minute or two they did this
then they merged into one
and accelerated off faster
than a bullet from a gun

I have been told by my dad
of a triangular shadow in the night
that blotted out the stars
and gave him quite a fright

We are not alone
perhaps one day the truth
will be shared with us
but until then experience is proof

A sliver of orange on the horizon
as night pushes evening out
pinpricks of starlight begin to shine
as the wind lays down for the day

The sliver grows in the eastern sky
as the moon claws its way up
looking larger than life
in its orange Halloween costume

Color begins to change
the higher in the sky it climbs
from pumpkin to gold
and finally to silver white

My eyes are drawn to it
and I am spellbound
amazed and perplexed
by the evenings full moon

The last handful of soil
the end of my toil
I am left alone
will I atone

The vault creaks
settling now, no leaks
so I can decompose
surrounded by stone

Time passes, Remorse fades
does anyone come and visit my grave
it matters not, I am not there
just a useless body in disrepair

I have gone far away
I have left no need to stay
combined with the universal tides
simply along now to enjoy the ride

Clinking links, hang from silvered cuffs,
jagged edges glisten in the blazing light,
sweat runs down the back,
from the hacksaw might.

Drops of blood imagined,
running down from my heart,
her words a dagger,
destroyed my new start.

Escaped a prison,
but waited too long,
my bird began to sing,
a brand new song.

Cinderblocks attached
to the brand new chain,
pad locked in place,
as I stand in the rain.

Stiletto blade digs in
leaving a thin red line,
that will burn and drain
in the salt water brine.

Crashing waves below
swallow chain and concrete,
followed rather quickly,
by the soles of my feet.

Dragged down below,
even only in my mind,
sunk into a pit of despair,
I will be hard to find.

Remember that
during times of pain
and struggle
you are being
reformed

Years and pressure
produce diamonds
the hardest most beautiful
gem in the world

Through life's tribulations
we are molded
shaped by the hands of fate
into what we should be
through the consequences
of our choices

The forever soul once created
destined to live through the karma spectrum
through many lifetimes,
most unremembered

I wish I had a map
of every person in my life
how our paths have crossed
and how our interaction affected the next steps
I'm sure i would be proud of some
ashamed of some others
but mostly I hope
our interaction
was for the betterment of us both

De Ja Vu
and other things
makes me think
of mental links

but are they real
or imagined
fabricated in my mind
I'm afraid to look and find

I am weak
pretending strength
sampsonesque
and grotesque

unwanted knowledge

A bit of flavor
Pressed to my lips
Heady aroma excites
Enthralled, passion ignites

Silky softness
Covers my eyes
And my face
Open eyes see through lace

Hands restrained
feet spread wide
Fingers trace a path
1 and 1, you do the math

At her mercy
I'm unafraid
Teasing lips and fingers
Keeps me up as she lingers

A feather
A bit of fun
Patience she aims to teach
She stays just out of reach

Can wait no more
I moan and beg
Engulfed in warmth joy
I am simply her boy toy

Pistoling pounding
Lubricated friction
Collapsing skin to skin
My face uncovered I see her grin

In the dark shadows
I live and lurk
searching for what I need to survive
looking for an outlet
another soul to touch

Long lost island
quarantined feeling
never visited
except by tsunamis of self-doubt
hoping for the winds of change

The falling coconuts of despair
I consume their flesh
in hopes making myself whole
acceptable for rescue
and return to life

Wild boar thoughts
gore me, as they roam
wild and free
damaged and injured
I sit, alone, on my island

Opinions and decisions
Drawn on life's experiences
Lead each down our own path
Sometimes requiring introspection
And examination of our own
Inner demons

The waiter brought the tray,
as the colors slowly changed,
melting ice diluting liquor,
better drink it that much quicker.

The winds arrived as did the rain,
the roof blew off, sounded like a train,
headed toward the ivory coast,
with vestal virgins, whose minds were closed.

Songs were playing anyway,
as the poet had his say,
telling us about the truth,
that was really never proved.

I showed my cards at hands end,
then I asked my friends to lend,
with ante for one last play,
I wandered through, but could not stay.

There she was, the redhead there,
dancing, pale skin and a chest that's bare,
swaying once more to the beat,
later I caught her on the street.

I took her home for no reason,
told her lies out of season,
she paid no mind as I played the radio,
then we did the night fandango.

From the lips of ancients,
words unheard,
carved into tablets of clay,
and walls of stone.

Hieroglyphics and petroglyphs,
Sanskrit scratches like from a chicken,
in the dust off a picked over yard,
unintelligible, but fascinating.

Deciphering takes time,
time is everlasting,
suddenly a keyword is found,
opening the meanings.

The poetry of your heart,
to me is no longer a conundrum,
understanding is mine,
love is mine.

Time was not friendly,
but what was put in,
is worth every tear and sweet drop,
tenfold of what was received.

the button undone
the sound zip
a creeping hand
under waistband

the prize awaits
wrapped but not for long
as they drop
it is revealed

fingers probe
****** and explore
looking for reaction
waiting for the pleasured moan

Hearing, and feeling
knowing now how to proceed
to provide pleasure
and build excitement

Senses on fire
tingling feelings
quivering emotions
gasping breaths

Like a drum solo
being played by a master
slowly building
to a crescendo

Sanitoriums of the past,
the ghost in my lungs,
slowly eating me from the inside.

The sun kissed the day,
tangerine smooches,
creating ocean breezes,
aquamarine reflections.

Capped white and reflecting,
as she climbed in the sky,
golden light bringing life,
from far away space.

Creating photosynthetic greens,
and bipedal dreams,
roaming and evolving,
yet destroying.

Mother nature's mistake.
trust.
trust for her creations,
to take care of her.

Like cobwebs cling to the corners,
as the spring winds howl,
we too cling to life,
as the zephyrs of time,
blow past us.

And like the webs,
we to eventually lose grip,
and blow away,
like so much detritus.

Chuckle, chuckle go the waves,
small ones, as they lick the beach
sunset over the strip of white sand
as I slowly walk toward the fishing pier

The temperature begins to drop
flannel shirts over bikini tops
sunglasses rise to head top perch
a fire pit is dug in the sand

The last gull flies away inland
searching someplace to spend the night
past a group of friends I stroll
I hear the sound of popping tops

Crackle, pop and the smell of gas
as the driftwood fire starts
a silver moon emerges from the abyss
setting the wave top foam aglow

Pressured darkness,
movements surround me,
bioluminescence glows green,
back toward the surface.

Xenophyophores lie silent,
in the syrupy coldness,
a snailfish glides by,
ignoring me completely.

Sinking in the gray ooze,
every step is a challenge,
as I head downhill toward
the Challenger Deep.

Surprisingly it is not silent here,
baleen whale song tickles my ears,
as does the sound of propellers,
from many miles away.

Now, completely alone,
as I bottom out,
squeezed and frozen,
in the blackness.

Nothing here save some microbes,
invisible to my eye and ear,
I've had enough,
I begin my long ascent.

Lost in emotion
enraptured by passion.

Seizing a notion,
after form of fashion.

After an insight,
passed long before.

Maybe a rite,
forgotten is core.

Contrite flee,
score are rotten.

Slight across slur
for entertains cast.

Potion flails greasing
tension form is master.

Motion slickly engrossed,
Secession left mind across.

Tag I'm it
Can I go any more

I search my self
And down to the core

Could it be need
Or could it be a bust

Or maybe I need
Simply shake off the rust

Lost in the mind
I need a map

Or maybe I simply
Need a nap

The dust shaken off
My voice is cleared

A small little cough
All mental smears

It's heating up, summer season,
drinking like a bunch of heathens.
like a river, whiskey flows,
were feeling good, head to toes.

******* ready, out past the waves
it has the things you really crave,
girls in bikinis and coolers of beer,
charcoals burning, it's all right here.

Drop an anchor, park the boat,
tie it off and let it float,
wade on over to the bar,
splish and splash, it's not that far.

It's heating up, summer season,
drinking like a bunch of heathens.
like a river, whiskey flows,
were feeling good, head to toes.

Live band playing, redneck yacht,
dudes with guitars, this is the spot,
girls dancing around the pontoon,
having fun no one is leaving soon.

I have never seen a cup half full,
I don't believe that everything will be ok,
I don't believe everyone is equal in intelligence or ability,
I believe that most people ****,

But knowing this I simply shake my head and go on.

Lost in wondrous places
no limits inside here
rattling around my skull
thoughts augmented by the beer

Chasing them around all day
to put them on the page
makes me really tired
as I put them on the stage

I check into the Ritz
located in my soul
sleep on a buttery *******
and this rest does make me whole

Sleep is fast and hard
then I'm back it again
running through my neurons
looking for a place to swim

Fishing for my next write
casting out my line
wondering if it will have teeth
or if it will be divine

Living in the mind
is a scary place to be
sometimes things get out
you want no one to see

I talk down to myself
in Hotel Soulifornia
I try to escape
and say I tried to warn