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2d · 5
17
17
I remember well when I got the call
I’ve been such a good boy
I didn’t wanna take a walk along the Chicago pier
With that cute girl who offered
That’s cause I was being true to her
The one back home
Little did I know I was soon to become toast
A day or two later on the phone
She advised I was history
That was that
She broke my little 17-year-old heart
That was that

That was then
This is now
I’m over her
But it still *****
When you give your heart
Only to find it’s not secure
And she takes up
With your best friend
If you see me, say hello
You’re still my friend
Though what we had is so long ago
Fond memories of hugs and kisses in the dark
Whispers and nuzzles all played their part
In that fabulous time we spent together
When we made our mark in the annals of romance
And our love was truly blind

I’m so lucky to have known you
To have a love beyond sincere
One that will last forever
It’s why I hope you will appear
Somewhere, somehow
Just to say hello
So I can say I love you
Which I’m sure you know
Aug 10 · 209
My Rival
She met Mr. so-and-so on a hike in Nepal
I acknowledge he is a heartthrob
Now living in NYC
She’s the one I want
And she wants to see if they can connect
Lucky him, unlucky me
At least she told me she’s gonna call him
The situation is grim
I want her
She maybe wants me
But if she can get to him
It’s sayonara for me
I know this happens all the time
Girl leaves the boy back home on the line
It’s happening to me right now
As she wishes upon a star
And I watch distantly from afar
Based on a true story. They never connected.
We’re off on a great adventure
The little lady and me
Good times await
We are free to roam
And relax
Ooh oui!
This is living the dream
Smelling roses by the side of the road
Sailing fresh waters
Cruising down the highway
Sipping root beer at roadside stands
Taking in a play and some bluegrass
Reading a new book or two
Most of all, just hanging out
Me and you know who
I’m back
Here, where I once belonged
Here, where I was young
Back when I was strong, and wide-eyed
Where I learned of love
I’m back, misty in the mist
Driving through the fog
I’m back, but those days are gone
Ah, the poetry of then
The songs of yesterday
Days of glory, of reverie
Of splendid hopes and dreams
That came true
At least for a time
Until time moved on
And so did we
I’m not sad
Just contemplating
Thankful
Moving on
Remembering the joy
I’m back, yes indeed
And driving on
Sadly, no love for this poem.
Still it bravely stays up
Jul 4 · 66
Roman A Clef
Any resemblance in this song to living people is entirely intentional
He was married with three kids
He left his wife to go with the princess
He broke her heart
We shake our head in disbelief
It’s so sad
I could name names
It’s already been in the press
It was such a sweet love story until then
Now just a ****** mess
Why can’t lovers stay true?
What can you do when a lover betrays another?
I wish I knew
One offers consolation
But that only goes so far
A broken heart is a broken heart
Just a burned out star
So I hope for the best for my friend
I send her my love
As she works through the pain
And things stay the way that they are
Jul 3 · 48
Leaving It Behind
Some wishes don’t come true
That doesn’t mean that lives are lived in vain
Things didn’t turn out the way I wanted
There’s no one to blame
I tried to make the right decisions
I didn’t always do so
But bitterness doesn’t get me anywhere
Let’s get on with the show

You try to be philosophical
Shrug your shoulders
Learn from your mistakes
That’s the way it is for everyone
The make or breaks of the human condition
The gives and the takes
In the tumult of daily living
The rise and fall of life‘s tide

Coulda, woulda, shoulda
Leave it behind
Jun 21 · 263
Going For It
Where did all the time go?
Did I spend it well?
Sure, I’ve got my regrets
But still, at this stage
I’m not over the hill
I’m not under it either
So let’s call it a win
And with the time I’ve got left
A new day begins
Jun 8 · 87
Jury Trial
Behind bars invisible
In for crimes of love
Betrayal and duplicity
Convicted in the court of karma
After a warp-speed trial
By a jury of ex-lovers
None of whom who smiled
Sentenced without compassion
Notwithstanding my denial

What about rehabilitation?
A second chance?
No appeal?

My past caught up with me
I’d been on the lam a good while
Evading the wake I’d left behind
But you can only do that for so long

Contrition is my mission
Supposedly it does me good
So the chaplain says
He’s from my hood
An erstwhile Lothario
Now sentenced along with me
Our prayers unanswered
Lost ships at sea
Jun 3 · 83
This Ain't Chinatown
There’s a man in the other room dead
My girlfriend called me here
What am I supposed to do?
I’m a private eye
And her private guy
Now I’m just a schmuck at a crime scene
Oh honey, what did you do?
I can only help so much
And this, it ain’t cool

Lieutenant Sanchez has just arrived
“Yeah, I know Tony, this is a weird one”
As Sally just cries
She says Magruder was an intruder
With a knife and fiery eyes
A jilted ex bf
Wearing a disguise

Sanchez just snorts
Then makes this aside
“Jake, this ain’t Chinatown,
You must realize.”
He claps me the back
Me, I just sigh

It’s another day in the life
Of this private eye
May 24 · 371
That Song
Every time I hear that song
I want to leave the room
It brings back memories
Of sadness, such gloom
There I was trying to accept
To understand why she didn’t believe
In me, in us, in what could be
That song told the truth
About a girl confused
It hit me hard
I tried to hang on
No can do
I was stuck in a foreign land
Dumped, distressed
Dejected and mad
At her, at life, at myself
Stuck, out of luck
A man overboard
May 18 · 86
Dismissive Missive
With a dismissive missive
She ends it then and there
No appeal permitted
Over, beyond repair
A perfectly good romance
So I thought
Now I’m left in a ditch
Look what she wrought
One bruised, broken heart
Including a crushed dream
She got me good, all right
Diabolical, her scheme
Leaving me quizzical
For she ran the gamut
Clingy then cold
Then no if and or but
Just sayonara
Straight to my gut
I’ll get over it
But maybe not until I die
You see, I really loved her
She didn’t even say goodbye
May 18 · 90
The Big Squeeze
Some things last forever
Like us
We just hoot and holler
On this wild ride
Through the landscape of love
Where we decide
To shoot the rapids
Where next shall we go?
What next shall we do?
We just want to be with each other
Each day we start anew
Cracking up each other
We enjoy a good tease
Tumbling downhill
One long pretty please
A never ending treasure
This long and luscious squeeze
The Count of Monte Cristo ain’t got nothing on me
I been in prison longer than he, albeit romantically
He got to take revenge, but not me
I’m sentenced for life, I can’t leave
Anyway, the person on whom I wish to take revenge
Is none other than me
I’m the warden
There is no reprieve
I tried to escape
But was captured by me
May 14 · 90
Truth
Let me tell you the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth
These times are the best
Because of you
All because of you
Good kisses
Real kisses
All because of you

It’s such comfort being with you
Life is just a breeze
Instead of lost and lonely
I’m with my one and only
My main squeeze
That’s the truth, the whole truth, nothing but the truth
May 14 · 287
My Light
I am true to you
I love you
Together, we will always be
I believe in you and me
It’s our destiny
We may have our ups and downs
But the reality is that we get a kick out of each other
Everyone can see

I appreciate your beauty
I love it when you say
That I’m the only one for you
That I’m handsome
It makes my day

And I appreciate your beauty
Inside and out
You’re a charmer
You’re a looker
You knock me out

So come here and hold me
Everything will be all right
As long as we’re together
In any darkness, you’re the light
Apr 26 · 79
The Window
He sees her in the window
Staring down at him
Her faithful servant
In the world of not to be

They were once together
So heavenly
Romeo met his Juliet
Two hearts who did believe
In all that is good
That they were meant to be
Together forever
Indeed endlessly

But love and fate did combine
And did disappoint  
Their love exists but they’re apart
She gives him a sign
That she still cares
A smile and a wave
Then she turns away
She can’t bring back
Their yesterday
Apr 13 · 91
Tears
I can’t stop the tears
They don’t do me any good
They arrive whenever I think of you
I wish I understood
Why you didn’t love me
Lord knows I tried
I hoped you would
Oh, how I cried
But love is evanescent
And dreams are only that
Tears are such a poor substitute
For reconciling with the past
Apr 12 · 150
In Luck
Sometimes it just turns out that way
No matter what you do
No matter what you say
Sometimes it just turns out that way

Friends and lovers were in my path
Now too many are in my past
I regret the loss
Yes, and the cost

Life is measured by love
When I consider my history
It’s the love I shared
That matters most
The most to me
I’m lucky to have loved
Lucky, lucky me
Apr 7 · 107
Never Apart
You are ever in my thoughts
Always in my heart
I will always love you
Just as I did from the start
Even though we’re not together
We’ve never been apart
For the love we share
Will always be there
A true work of art
Mar 17 · 499
The Wind
When it comes to us, I’m chasing the wind
I’ll never catch up and there is no end
This safari into the unknown
Destiny propels me into the love zone

Where does the wind come from?
I’d sure like to know
It just arrives, then off it goes
Don’t be left behind
Or you’ll never know
It carries us
A mystery show

Ah, the wind
The mighty wind
Here we go with it
Into the sky
The mighty wind
Taking us in
Don’t even ask why
Mar 6 · 120
Memory Lane
Let’s take a walk down Memory Lane
So much to see
Lovers and others I discover
Such history
My first kiss
My first love
The young ‘un who was me
What I learned
What I lost
Regrets for sure
Good times with good friends
What came to be
Older, somewhat wiser
Checking out the past
Measuring, reminiscing
Remembering what lasts
Feb 22 · 180
The Artist
Brooding, intense, with furrowed brow
Jeremy surveys his audience
Forty years on, still belting out the songs
That made him famous
With a touch of resignation he goes on
The first is up-tempo
He’s there to do a job
Conjuring memories
He gives them what they want
Throws in some new ones
To keep himself interested
There’s always an encore
Then he’s off

It’s his annual tour
Work he must
Given the royalties that diminish
Thank God he’s still got the stuff
That voice so powerful, so recognizable
The fans are stalwart
They keep him alive
He sings for their pleasure
He’s a pro who does strive
To give them a thrill
He’s still got the drive

It’s his life
His mission
His raison d’etre
An artist he is
Doing his best
Feb 7 · 179
Thanks
Thanks, Babe, for loving me
For your comfort when I’m down
For you wisdom
For the kindness I see
I thank you, Babe, for loving me

I know I’m complicated
Sometimes I let you down
But you always forgive me
With you I’ve found
Joy, indeed rapture
It’s the truth
You helped me believe in myself
That’s the news

Lying beside me on this trip through life and love
I admire your beauty
As I think of all there is to reminisce
We’re again making memories
With kisses and bliss

And I thank you, Babe, for loving me
Thank you my dear for saving me
Thank you, I thank you
Thank  you for all we have done
Thank you, for what is to come
Feb 7 · 85
Youth
It was a great time to be young
Especially if you were
And I was
I’d like to think I still am
Young enough to be in love
Old enough to know
Jan 13 · 336
The Fight
My city is in ruins
Flames have taken it down
But that doesn’t mean we are over and out
We shall come together
With determination
In unity
For we are survivors
Bound to succeed
Love and friendship are the foundation
It will take time
As we overcome frustration
But we’ve got each other
We’ll make it right
Someday we’ll look back at this
Give thanks we made it through
By hard work will come bliss
We’ll do it together
It will be all right
Hope and courage are here
It’s worth the fight
Dec 2024 · 114
The Commotion
Neville Johnson Dec 2024
Poncho, there’s a commotion outside
What’s going on?
Come pronto
It’s a demonstration
Almost a party
People are shouting
They’re happy
Seems it’s about peace
That it’s come to be
Smiles instead of placards
It’s a jubilee
A celebration of life
Come and see
Let’s join the march
You and me
Dec 2024 · 130
Paris in the Rain
Neville Johnson Dec 2024
Paris in the rain
Paris sous la pluie
I prefer it that way
It drowns my sorrow
That lingers from yesterday
When the sun shined
When nothing was in our way
I sit in solace
With this tasty cappuccino and crème brûlée
But sugar is no sweet substitute
No way
For those delicious memories
Which shall never go away

Mais je suis si triste
I am so sad
L'amour est parti
Love has gone away
Ne laissant que moi
Leaving me alone
C’est seulement moi
It’s only me
Avec une richesse d’antan
With a wealth of yesterdays
Paris in the rain
Paris sous la pluie
Beauty despite the gloom
Le beaute malgre la tristesse
What shall I do?
Que dois-je faire?
Je ne sais plus
I don't know
Neville Johnson Dec 2024
Geri Atric and everyone’s friend, Amy Able go for a drink with Rose Wine. The bartenders, **** Tator and Gus To introduce them to the scary Mort Ality, who in turn invites over Nick Name, Hope Chest, and Nan O’Second as they would like each other, so he thinks.
     Jack Russell doggedly observes from a distance, pretending to be in  an intense conversation with Deb Enture, which annoys the other participants, Sue Ffle and Ty Rade, who figure out what he is up to.
     Off to himself, for obvious reasons sits Dan Druff, ignored by ***** Nilly, Stanley Cup, and the lazy Mo Mentum. Then the haughty Ruth Less arrives, with her entourage Miss Ann Thorpe, Heidi **, and Dee Pendant.
     The weirdest trio at this holiday party has to be Sven Gali, Sig Alert and Grant Writer. Go figure.
     The chef is none other Herb Dressing, the maître D is Nick O’Time,
     Ed U. Cated stupidly calls out and nearly punches Will Power but is restrained by Charlie Horse, Arthur Itis, and the much-needed Ben Gay.
     Hal Ibut orders a meat dish, with Al Falfa going veggie. Penny Less says, “This is rich,” when she hears about the near altercation, while Luke Warm nods wanly.
     Tom Boy gets a kick out of Jack Boots as the couple, Miss and Cal Ulated, try to overhear the conversation but are thwarted by Al Cove, who intentionally loudly speaks over them. Of all people, Tommy Gun shushes them, for he wants to overhear what Buck Aneer and **** Tation say to each other.
     Justin Case argues with Mel Rose, while he hits on Rose Mary, who in turn is trying to avoid Des Titute. Cord Uroy is shunned by Cosmo Politan who hangs with the greedy Ali Mony.
     Mary Land is in an agitated state thanks to Mark Exhibit  who makes it evident Claus Traphobia is closing in on him.
Rich People engages with Cass Anova, while Penny Rate chats up Will Power. Honey Moon, recently married to Gene Splitting, gets an earful from Conrad Warning.
     Needing attention, Molly Coddling coos to Art Forgery, who ambles over with Herb Tea, who is interested Penny Arcade.
     Confused by all the people, there is Frank Ness, who can’t avoid the truth that Benedict Canyon and General Mills just don’t like him, leaving him with the boring Sue Veneer, who is not interested in him either.
     ***** Nilly, flustered, drinks coffee with Maxwell House, gamely sipping along with Three Card Monte. Nick Knacks hasn’t much to contribute to the occasion, then is accosted by Jack Hammer, who nails him in conversation and accuses him of plagiarizing Stan Za.
     Joshua Tree woodenly tries to put up with Tom Foolery, doing so with no help from Tim Id. Tired of the night, Gerry Atric disappears with Jay Walk. Ty Rant annoys Will Call, and is admonished to cool it by Buzz Saw.
     Patty Cakes avoids Phil Istine, who doesn’t care as he follows Perry Patetic around the event.
    Roc Anteur buttonholes Phil Osophy, who is more interested in Bo Dacious. Corporal Punishment consoles himself with Miss Fortune,
     You had to be there.
Dec 2024 · 160
French Polynesia
Neville Johnson Dec 2024
With one hand waving we sail the sea
Baby ties her scarf on tight
It’s a perfect breeze
As we explore, contrast and compare
No, there ain’t nothing like this
Not anywhere

In waters turquoise we deep sea dive
Even the fish are friendly
It’s great to be alive
This is life at its best
With love as good company

I’ll bring home pictures
To prove what I say
Oh, and we’re coming back
If I do say
For feelings that emerged, and then surged
It’s been that kind of day
Dec 2024 · 105
Murmur of the Heart
Neville Johnson Dec 2024
A murmur of the heart
I guess you could say
That soft thwump I feel
When she walks my way
We went to high school together
She never knew my name
Boy, she was so pretty
But times have changed
She works now at the bank
A loan officer
I’d like to be in her debt
Make a deposit on love
She could even foreclose
Am I in love? You bet
Dec 2024 · 91
Solo
Neville Johnson Dec 2024
I was so low when I was solo
There was darkness everywhere
On the down *****, worried
I needed care
Someone to love me
I had plenty to give
But I kept striking out
I wanted to live

Then Cindy came along
And wouldn’t you know
The sun came out
Love began to grow
Life became the way it should be
She took the sad out of the sack
It was all so carefree
On top of that, she took the initiative
Ooh, ooh oui
Dec 2024 · 152
Tipsy
Neville Johnson Dec 2024
I get tipsy when I’m around you
I always feel that way
My heart is palpitating
My thoughts await
What shall I say?
For I’m in love
But you don’t know
It’s always been that way
That’s why I get tipsy
I just wish you’d stay
And just sit a while
Before the fireplace with hot chocolate
I’d try to say I’m amusing things
Get you to laugh and say yay
I’ve been working up my courage
For the last two months or so
Today, I think I’ll make my play
With a heidi heidi **
I’ll smother you with compliments
Each one of them sincere
I’ll ply you with fun anecdotes
I’ll make it very clear
That I am in love with you
There’s no place else for me to go
Except to be near you
To be with you
To make it so
Nov 2024 · 124
My Bestie for Now
Neville Johnson Nov 2024
I’m no stranger to loneliness
I guess you could say it’s my friend
My bestie for now
On it to keep me company I depend

She gently slipped away
That’s the irony
No harsh words
Just a soft goodbye
With a smiling wave
Adios muchacho
“We gave it a try”

Alone I sit and contemplate
This zone where I isolate
It’s between here and there
Where the cold wind blows
I hang my head in sorrow
Yeah, and love ain’t fair
Nov 2024 · 127
Hello Poetry
Neville Johnson Nov 2024
Hello poetry
Are you there for me today?
I need a friend, but only words will do I’m afraid
It helps if they rhyme
But I’ll take what I can get
Give me some solace
I need to forget
Take me to a new place
Where there’s hope and joy
Hello poetry, how have you been?
I hope you’re not annoyed
It’s your job to comfort
Take me in
Tell me everything will be all right
Please begin
Oct 2024 · 366
Prisoner of Love
Neville Johnson Oct 2024
The prisoner of love
Marches in the rain
Melody is so far away
Insane is his pain
He’s been abandoned
Separated by fate
If they could only reunite
Wouldn’t that be great?

But it’s not gonna happen
No how, no way
His train left the station
The boat sailed away
Tim is down in the dumps
As blue fades to gray

This is how it must go
She for sure is gone
But their love still burns
It heats up their nights
Despite the twists and turns
They will dote on sweet memories
Yes, and longing desire
An invisible flame forever bright
For a love that has taken flight
Oct 2024 · 309
Tough Never Quits
Neville Johnson Oct 2024
Tough never quits
Love never dies
All wounds heal
Realize
You just gotta have hope
Just keep it real
Don’t lie to yourself
Think and feel
Always stay strong
Life is for living
C’mon, C’mon

Live for love
Be kind to all
Keep your head up
Reach for the sky
Be a good friend
You know why
Be at your best
Believe in yourself
In a quest for excellence
Take time to rest

Smell the roses
Find a mate
Be an optimist
You are great
Live for love
To all relate
Sep 2024 · 191
All For You
Neville Johnson Sep 2024
All for you baby
You’re always number one
I’ve had other lovers
But they’re over with and gone
It’s just you and me from now on
The way it shall be
It’s you I love
It’s you and me

Can we make it together?
You asked, as we lay side to side
I nodded yes, I knew inside
We are true lovers
We are meant to be

It’s knowing and believing
Faith and hope combined
Perfect clarity
Two lives defined
The future so bright
Our souls entwined

So good it felt
So good it still feels
We found our truth
It’s you and me
Sep 2024 · 130
Dancing Into A Dream
Neville Johnson Sep 2024
That it happened so easily is the surprise
We’d been friends for a long time
The widow and me
After Lorna passed, we used to walk
Down on the esplanade on warm summer nights
Have a glass of wine
See the sights of life passing by
Wondering if that had happened to us
That life passed us by

It was the music on the bandstand
That spoke to us
And the first time we touched
I held her close as we listened
And swayed during the dusk
As she turned to me and with a smile, said
“Let's give it a try.”
We became shadows in the light of the moon
Dancing into the night
And then into forever
It just seemed right
It has since then
Everything’s all right
In fact better than that
You better believe
We danced into a dream
Sep 2024 · 137
It’s Complicated
Neville Johnson Sep 2024
It’s complicated
Who I really am
There are many lovers who absconded with my heart
It’s complicated
I have loved many
I still do
But they are gone
I’m not blameless
How many have I hurt?
It’s complicated
So I run
But there is nowhere to run
Just obstacles from my past
There to haunt and taunt
Yes, there were good times
But what about the bad times?
Sep 2024 · 127
Looking Back
Neville Johnson Sep 2024
What is this emotion that comes over me?
A melancholy memory has arrived and will not leave
Not for the first time
It comes and goes at will
Time does not stop it
And I don’t have the will
Sometimes I savor those moments in the sun
Other times I belabor why it all went wrong
Sometimes I just sit and think about the good old days
Then I shrug my shoulders
Try to not get crazed
I do count my blessings for the joys I have known
I’m lucky to have had these memories
I have grown into them
They are mine to own
So rich they are in happiness
But those winds have blown
Yes, there is a horizon
But I’m often looking back
Sep 2024 · 171
I Look Back in Anger
Neville Johnson Sep 2024
I looked back in anger
I look back in sorrow
I looked back
I can’t stop myself
I’m always looking back
I miss the good times
I hate the bad times
They only bring me
What have I learned?
Where is the tomboy I loved is a child?
Where is my high school romance?
Whatever happened to Betsy?

That was at university
I didn’t know what I was doing then
Not sure I still do
But Betsy, Betsy was cool
Sometimes I check her out on the Internet
But I can’t call her
I’d just be a fool
Aug 2024 · 164
We Had Our Once Upon a Time
Neville Johnson Aug 2024
You can’t take away the past
But it’s not going anywhere
The memories do last
But they’re going nowhere
They can keep you company
But they’re no substitute
When the train leaves the station
It takes your heart en route
To the blue horizon
Where dreams go to rest
You give thanks for the good times
Even though that’s all that’s left

Past perfect is grammatically correct
Along with question marks and exclamation points
That signal the shipwreck
That shall languish in the sands of time
No longer to sail the seas of romance
Slumbering on the reef of disappointment
It had its chance
But that ship long ago sailed
Only ghosts shadow dance

If I’m being elliptical
There’s a reason why
I don’t need to name names
The two of us would cry
If I made it public
In private we forever sigh
We had our once upon a time
Then we said goodbye
Aug 2024 · 185
Memories and Dreams
Neville Johnson Aug 2024
Memories and dreams
Sometimes run together
Blasts from the past
Keeping us alive
As the years roll around
The recollections remain vivid
The solid ground of living
The love that lives on
From the time that now is gone

They linger and flicker
Tasty mental hors d’ouvres
That almost satisfy
Lord, didn’t we have a time?
Sweet nostalgia
That brings a weepy smile
For the good times we had
And for what we missed
For the love we shared
For the times we kissed

It’s not anybody’s fault
Things just turned out this way
We are lovers like no others
In those yesterdays
Leaving memories and dreams
Oh those joyous times of yore
I’ve had a good life
Really couldn’t ask for more
Jul 2024 · 177
A Cliche We Are Not
Neville Johnson Jul 2024
I’m a hard nut to crack
But she’s got my back
Sometimes she blows hot and cold
Giving me a double whammy
We go soul to soul
Heart to heart
But in no rush
For I’m no escape artist
It’s never over and done with
But mostly smooth sailing

As to us, which came first, the chicken or the egg?
Beats me
But our adventure is certainly through the roof
Third time’s a charm we always say if we struck out twice
Often on a wild goose chase
Well, now the cat is out of the bag
Let’s get to the meat and potatoes
Time to circle the wagons
We shall cross that bridge when we get to it
Then get the ball rolling
Off and running
Take the bull by the horns
Even if it’s raining cats and dogs
And we might be under the weather

If pigs could fly
We’d put the cart before the horse
Why? Because the grass is greener on the other side
We lead our horse to water, but drinking is another story
We travel as the crow flies
Even if I’m not the sharpest tool in the shed
We know that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
That time flies when you’re having fun
It’s all music to our ears
After all, it’s not over until the fat lady sings
The elephant in the room is that sometimes
We are ill at ease
Causing me to bite my tongue
But with time on our hands
We are partners in crime
Operating smooth as silk
It’s a given that every cloud has a silver lining
It’s an open secret
Yet a vicious circle
Whether we are naughty or nice
But you cannot sugar coat
Playing with fire
Even with fast friends

In black and white
Boilerplate language
We salute our friends across the pond
Even if they are late to the game
We don’t let them strike out
But let them try Hail Mary passes
Especially on the on the campaign trail
We appear cold as ice
As we roll the dice
To get to the end scott free


I sound like a broken record
Like some busybody
Who supposedly know the ins and outs              
Then, oddly, the plot thickens
Are we persona non grata?
Sinking like a stone?
Over a barrel?
I can’t put my finger on it
So, time for a deep dive
We go through the motions
The ups and downs
Talking out of both sides of my mouth
Full of white lies
Innocent excuses
Fighting off the evil twin
In the guise of a tom boy
But the attitude of a devil’s advocate
We move with two shakes of a lamb’s tail
Lest we are down for the count
We’re all on a slippery *****
It’s just a matter of time
But we’ll get the show on the road
Even if it’s neither here nor there
Lest we walk the plank
Still it sometimes is catch and release
As we teeter on the razor’s edge, the cutting edge
All while towing the line
Indeed walking the line
Until X marks the spot
Then it’s the cat’s meow

Sometimes life is watching paint dry
Are we playing the wrong game?
As if the lights are on, but nobody’s home
But I’m sharp as a tack
Or a fish out of water
Going from the frying pan into the fire
A big fish in a small pond
Of course where there’s smoke there’s fire
Yet I feel free is a bird
A diamond in the rough
The bees’ knees
Even if I can’t see the forest for the trees
I am swimming upstream
Sometimes that’s how the cookie crumbles
Other times, it’s just what the doctor ordered
Causing me to fall on my sword

Financially, we are always robbing Peter to pay Paul
Did I lose my marbles? I ask myself
But we seem to be happy as pigs in a blanket
Notwithstanding too much monkey business’
I believe I’m a sly fox
Not running out of steam
Rather it’s pedal to the metal
I ain’t pushing up daisies
But staying stone-cold sober
But don’t hold your breath
I won't get out of Dodge
Or eat some crow
Not as long as I think outside the box
And stay in my own lane
Others may be green with envy
But that’s neither here nor there
Not enough to get bent out of shape
Or be dead in the water
Me and the Missus are partners in crime  
Who are always saved by the bell
These times are through the roof
Still you mustn’t judge a book by the cover
Yes, hindsight is 20/20
But that’s a cop-out
If you have a dog in the fight
So the goal it to hit the spot
Be on the mark
Take it one day at a time
If you only know that the truth hurts
Then you’ll be be jumping for joy
We’ll meet you halfway

My way or the highway is not for me
Nor grasping at straws
Or firing blanks
Or blowing smoke
Life is not a walk in the park
There’s some heavy lifting
Requiring tooth and nail work
Then you’ll hit that home run
And no, the end does not justify the means


Have you observed that where there’s smoke there’s fire?
When that happens, hit the road
You don’t want to be a defendant in a kangaroo court
With all that jazz
It’ll rain on your parade
Not my or your cup of tea
Don’t get stuck between a rock and a hard place
Have the wind in your sails
Stay away from too much monkey business
Pure and simple
Or you’ll wind up with a raw deal

Apple didn’t fall far from the tree as to me and my Pa
I can face the music
Even if it’s out of the blue
No more beating myself up
I’m going straight as the crow flies
Gonna play it by ear
Living on the edge
Talk everyone off the ledge
Never be thrown for a loop
Jul 2024 · 156
Taylor and Travis
Neville Johnson Jul 2024
I’m so happy they’re so happy
Life is good today
They’ve got an international love
So do we
I wouldn’t have it any other way
They got the paparazzi
We got her and me
Selfies are just fine for us
All we need to be
In love
Is love
Ain’t that the way for her and me?

Woe begotten, love forgotten
That’s what it appeared to be
Then she arrived and I survived
My darling EMT
Who gave me kisses,
Oh the blisses
With conviviality
We’re now a couple
Inseparable
No one can get between her and me
Jul 2024 · 119
My History
Neville Johnson Jul 2024
The first time I fell in love
I was so very young
Eight I think I was
Old enough
To know that she was someone special
What a girl!
I used to dream about her
Then she moved somewhere in the world

I lost her, even wept
Oh so long ago
But then came Julie
In the 10th grade
Oh, I loved her so
She was brilliant
Sunny too
I had my first kiss with her
But the next year we were through

Let me tell you about Paula
We were at university
Oh what we learned together
Of which I should not speak
Those were good times
Golden yesterdays
She became an actress
The movies took her away

Next is Sandra, so much sass with class
We worked together closely
I can’t remember who made the first pass
Let’s just say we were intimate
I wanted her to stay
But she went off to Paris, France
Fashion held her in sway

Patricia, my dear Tricia
Is the one who captured me
Irresistible, just plain marvelous
She fulfills my needs
With smothering kisses
A smile so ever bright
She became my missus
We’re together every night
Jun 2024 · 140
These Cliffs
Neville Johnson Jun 2024
Where broken hearts go
Are to these desolate cliffs
The waves crash in
Remembering
Missing the bliss
The hugs that endeared
They endure in special memories
Oh, the many good times
Now it’s the sad times
The bad times
The what do I do now times?
The starting anew times
The why me times?
On sunny days when the wind did blow
We’d drink wine and make plans
Taking it slow
Today the wind chills
Causing shivers in the drizzle
I walk alone
Full of sadness
The cliffs are desolate
So am I
Jun 2024 · 165
Montmarte Stairs
Neville Johnson Jun 2024
The stairs of Montmartre
Are there to reckon with me
Calling me back
Then chasing me away
It’s no good to visit
Only ghosts are there
I walk briskly down the stairs
Each step, another one as I try to leave the past
I doubt she comes back here
To the place where we parted
Or should I say where she ditched me?
I force a smile to the others nearby
But my nonchalance is not sincere
My sunglasses hide a tear
Still I come back
But I really don’t like it here
Jun 2024 · 127
Time
Neville Johnson Jun 2024
Time, time, time
The years pass by
Decades even
Some memories fade
Others remain ever clear
Some hurt
Others bring sorrow
Sometimes smiles
But those days are gone
Consigned to the past
Irretrievable
Just plain over
This is life
You just have to accept the reality
Hard to do so
So be it
As time marches on
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