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Apr 2021 · 384
When Two Poems Become One
Neville Johnson Apr 2021
When two souls become one
It’s the foundation
The golden ticket
For the journey that is love
Steady and surely
With warmth and purity
The answer to why we live
The cure for all ills
Love in all its permutations
Provides salvation
With the combination of two in love
That’s what happens when two souls become one
It happens every minute, every day
Throughout the world
When two souls become one
It’s a lifetime of affection
A lifetime of connection
Apr 2021 · 130
Choo Choo
Neville Johnson Apr 2021
I can be better
I know I can
Choo, choo, choo
So I am
Trying and trying
One day at a time
I’ve got to be good
If all will be fine
We fight ourselves
Every day
We struggle
We succeed
If we’re doing our best
Bad thoughts and deeds
Don’t get in the way
No, go away!
I am getting better
As I choo choo all day
Mar 2021 · 101
Weekend in the Country
Neville Johnson Mar 2021
A weekend in the country
Just what we need
The fresh outdoors
Even more
Smell the flowers
Nature is secure
As are we in our cozy abode
I’m making spaghetti
She makes herself at home
We’ve got friends and neighbors coming over
Who will visit and imbibe
We’ll tell funny stories
How we survive
The tribulations
That with modern life arrive
Our weekend in the country
Just an hour drive
Mar 2021 · 91
Fate and Circumstance
Neville Johnson Mar 2021
Jim never got over Sue
Nor she him
The big mistake occurred so long ago
But that’s the way it is
Lovers with an abiding spirit
They still share today
But they can’t be together
Such a shame, no way
I’ll avoid the specifics
But fate and circumstance play the leads
Conspiring to prevent their consummation
Only memories now struggle to meet their needs
They can only do so much
They’re no salve
There is no solution
Not for this love
Mar 2021 · 210
These Loving Arms
Neville Johnson Mar 2021
I can’t help myself
I’ll love you till I die
Always will and ever will be
In your loving thrall
I have loved you for so very long
We have it all
Arms that love each other
As we fall in love again each day
Yes, we have it all
These loving arms are yours forever
Your loving arms are ever mine
Our loving arms embrace each other
It has come to be
Loving arms for my lover
Loving arms for me
Mar 2021 · 94
Time Capsule
Neville Johnson Mar 2021
Let’s create a time capsule
To let those that follow us
Know how we lived
I think we must
First we’ll put a picture in it
Taken when we met
On that beach that sunny summer day
From there began our odyssey
That leads us to today
Oh, we had our quarrels
But it all turned out great
You got your new kitchen
So we’ll leave some recipes
On which they’ll love to dine
Then perhaps some music
Songs we’ve come to love
They’re yours and mine
When we cuddled under our blankets
Watching the stars above
It will be clears to them
We shared lots of love
There will be a letter
Commemorating our stay
In this happy home
Where we lived out our days
We’re so very happy
As we hope they will be
If our time capsule is discovered
Underneath the initials
Of you and me

3/19/21
Mar 2021 · 109
When Love Comes to Stay
Neville Johnson Mar 2021
Isn’t it interesting how love comes to stay
You wish for it, can’t find it
Then comes the day
It appears inviting
Enters thriving
Driving each day
You go topsy-turvy
Oh, you’re so thirsty
For more deliciousness
A companion to care for
A reason for living
The future assured
One happy way
You live to love
You love to live
Interesting when love comes to stay
Mar 2021 · 161
Senti
Neville Johnson Mar 2021
On certain days
When the moon is ripe
A cool breeze brushes my hair
I can’t help but get senti
It can happen anywhere
Senti about the past
Lovers now long gone
Those were the days I tell myself
I’m not wrong
About those true hearts
The ones that got away
Senti, I get senti
But there’s more to say

You see, now I’m with a love
One who’s here to stay
She and I really fit together
We’re all the way
So every day I get senti
She’s so very fine
Life and love both moved on
Everything’s aligned

Senti, I get senti
Each and every day
Sentimental me, I am
Happy yes to say
Mar 2021 · 91
She Looks a Lot Like Her
Neville Johnson Mar 2021
She looks a lot like her
Big blue eyes
And auburn hair
The perfect size
But she’s not her
And will never be
So I do surmise
The issue is moving on
From what you can’t forget
You take it day by day
Hope for the very best

If you really want to know
I’ll tell it to you straight
I thought we were in love
Until my heart did break
I gave her all I had
And then some even more
I was so very sure
I think I’ve found someone new
But she looks a lot like her

I should be moving forward
Instead of looking back
What can you do when all you do
Is think about the past?
What should be ancient history
Swims inside my head
I’m running from a bad dream
That’s why I hate to go to bed

She looks a lot like her
I guess I’m going to try
There’s only one way out of here
Otherwise I’ll just cry
She looks a lot like her
I guess she always will
But maybe she’s the one for me
With those looks that ****
Mar 2021 · 70
Wondering
Neville Johnson Mar 2021
I wonder what’s she’s doing this weekend
I wonder who she’s with
I wonder if she misses me
I wonder if she’ll kiss someone else
The way she did with me
I wonder if there’s any chance she’ll come back to me
Nope, not gonna think about her anymore
Praying hasn’t done any good
I can’t turn back time
Though surely I would
It’s time to move on
Maybe I could
It’s hard to erase the thought of her
Of us as a couple
Of wishes upon stars
The ones we once made
For dreams to come true
Why did this happen?
I wish I knew
Isolation, my new friend
Along with tears and beers
God how I miss her
I wish she was near

I wonder what’s she’s doing this weekend
I wonder who she’s with
I wonder if she misses me
I wonder if she’ll kiss someone else
The way she did with me
I wonder if there’s any chance she’ll come back to me
Feb 2021 · 93
My Heart Is Warm Again
Neville Johnson Feb 2021
My heart is warm again
We’re in a love so fine
That breakup nearly did me in
I cried ‘til I went blind
I’ll spend my life alone, I thought
Sometimes love is so unkind
A mystery unsolved, unresolved
A true romantic crime
Then we met and hit it off
We touched tentatively
Until into each other’s arms we flew
We are meant to be
And so my heart is warm again
Goodbye misery
I have hope and someone I love
And someone who loves me
Feb 2021 · 94
Somewhere Down the Line
Neville Johnson Feb 2021
It’s not right for us right now
Later, I’ll explain
I do know I love you so
That you should be mine
I’m hoping it will all work out
Wouldn’t that be fine?
We will be together, that I promise
Somewhere down the line

Somewhere down the line my dear
Somewhere down the line
You and me, we will be free
Somewhere down the line

Trust me, I’m protecting you
From what you need not know
It may be months, even years
But I need to go
I’ll be back, you know I will
Give me one last kiss
Just one more time
We shall be together, love
Somewhere down the line
Feb 2021 · 96
Winners
Neville Johnson Feb 2021
Two for all the good times
Win place and show
In the winners circle
We always go
The plan is to keep on
All the days and nights
To please each other
We won’t give up the fight
We appreciate our good fortune
We know what to do
Keeping it together
Each day something new
Feb 2021 · 105
Each and Every Day
Neville Johnson Feb 2021
Modern lovers
Fall asleep together
Wake up and read the paper
Nod and harrumph
Have coffee with each other
Yeah, that’s the kind of love I want
That’s the kind of love we have

This is today with many tomorrows
We’re way past yesterday
We own the world
There’s no sorrow
Let us pray
That our love lives long
Stays strong
That we’ll always find a way
To bring joy to the other
Each and every day

Valentines Day 2021
Feb 2021 · 545
Leave Her Be
Neville Johnson Feb 2021
All alone with her memories
She tries to write a poem
It will be about life and love
And disappointment
The months disappeared into years
But the pain and joy go on
Forging her resolve to resolve
The loss, the hunger, the gladness, the sadness
The blouse she wears was given by him
Pulled from her closet on special days
There she is: sitting on that big rock
Staring into the Bay
It’s best not to approach her now
There’s really nothing to say
Jan 2021 · 107
Two Traders
Neville Johnson Jan 2021
She calls it a merger, but it was really an acquisition
A not so hostile takeover at the Tiki Room
When Johnny first took stock of Ruby as an option worth exercising
He figured she was someone to hold on long

Though the market for love goes up and down
Rapid trades the norm
Featuring besoins, quips and retorts
“I’m your dividend,” she did inform

Johnny couldn’t sell her short
The price was so very right
Two people taking a chance
Giving themselves to the night

Now they’re an annuity
Going for perpetuity
They made that romantic bet
An equity investment that pays off well
What they sought, they now get
Jan 2021 · 304
His Mist
Neville Johnson Jan 2021
Making do with memories
The love of her and him
Close to perfect
The summer wind
Has come and gone
Leaving the remains of love
And many can’t explains

They were picture perfect
A luscious melody
A song that he still sings
Without her harmony

There stands the garden
The place of their last kiss
He stands there for a moment
As his eyes do mist
Jan 2021 · 117
Cares Thrown to the Wind
Neville Johnson Jan 2021
Finally, some respite
Finally, indeed
I need a break
Neville, take heed
You can only work so hard for so long
Time for a break
Get away from the slog

The manifesto is fun
A galloping fury of joy and laughter
Maybe a little rapture
We’ll get carried away
In a derby of pleasure and leisure
C’mon let’s play

Remember the days when we first met?
I’m bringing them back again
You and me lolling about
Cares thrown to the wind
Jan 2021 · 101
She
Neville Johnson Jan 2021
She
She
Keeps me warm
Away from harm
The measure of my life
She is what I need
She believes we will be all right
She is the heart of my soul
Who controls our destiny
She is the best
She is the best for me

As day turns into night
When the sun says good night to the moon
We just melt together
One long and lovely swoon
The sunset is all ours
Let us enjoy
Would you like a glass of Chablis, my dear?
Come and kiss your boy

She never wavers, is solid as can be
I believe in her, she believes in me
It magical and mystical, we’re on a golden path
Always wondrous and wonderful
Unless I give her too much sass

So here’s to her
She’s the one
The one and only she
We share a love
We share a life
It’s down to she and me
Dec 2020 · 185
THIS YEAR'S PARTY
Neville Johnson Dec 2020
Doc Umentary wanted to make a film with Melody Maker, but his cameraman, Slim Chance, vetoed it because Jack Hammer, Charlie Horse and Steve Dore insisted on being involved. They were all drinking at the Round House owned by Phil I. Buster, managed by Tom Boy who periodically had to stand up to the unruly patron, Marshall Law and his pal,   Checkpoint Charlie. Sitting in the rear was ***** Nilly hanging out to with Will Call, phone by his side. Tess Osterone mingled and hit on Art Syfartsy.
Also vying for his attention was Pat Sies, Miss Match, Vi Rus, Merry Christmas and Quiche Lorraine, who always claimed she was hungry but never had the money to pay for dinner.
Uh oh, in walks Ty Tanic and his bodyguard, Vin Dicate. They buttonholed Frank Lee Speaking telling him to shut is trap. Vic Trola and Ray Dio intervened. “He was only having fun,” they chimed. Watching intently was Amazing Grace who also tried to calm the situation.
Sol Vang was surprised to see Con Descending, who arrived with Sir Viver. They sat with Marine Layer and Nick O’Teen who blew smoke rings for attention. Minnie Apolis brushed off **** Ta, who said he rather sit with
Miss Demeanor any way. Polly Graph, a real operator, got drunk with Ty Oneon, and had to be driven home by Des Ignate.
Out on a limb went Douglas Fir, egged on by Tom Foolery, who in turn was backed by General Denial, just as Claire Voyant predicted. The lazy N. Tropy picked at the food table presided over by Al A. Carte. Peg Leg couldn’t stand it any longer so she begged Hans Down to find her a seat. She was happy to sit with Erin Gobraugh, Morgan Car and Tom Collins.
Dee Escalate backed away form Mal Evolent and his **** friend, Rock Bottom. P. Nut munched on the table food, a garrulously chatted up Dan Ube who mention his great travel with Marv Elous and his gal, ***** Pack.
Perry Patetic was everywhere, dancing with Patty Cakes, laughing with Tim Buktu, and claimed he had an invited to the affair, which when he said so, Al Ibi, shook his head.” Did I mention that Scott Free was seen with Buck Teeth? They were paired with Deb Enture and Ray Vaughn, who raved about the quality of the people there: from Flora N. Fauna to Dolly Grip, to Hal I. But, and the seemingly ever-shrinking Morris Minor.
Herb Dressing and his sweet potato Ida ** dined outdoors with Al Fresco, the always great to see Stu Pendous, and the charlatan 3 Card Monte. Jim Beam got inebriated and couldn’t remember the same of his cousin, Phil in Deblanc. Colin Oscopy made an *** of himself, only to be topped by the show-off Cliff Hanger.
Earnest Money carped about deals gone south. Reed Thin seemed to get along pretty well with Daisy Chain, who batted away her date, Ron de Vouz. Clyde S. Dale horsed around with Will Power who had stopped buttering up Polly Unsaturated.
Cara Van and Ava Tar tried to get Tim Id to come out of his shell, which he did once Cardinal Sin chatted him up. Will Reading asked Count Les Opportunities for recommendations on his finances.
Hazel Nut savored the bon mots of Vera Fi. Donny Brook somehow ended up with Hope Diamond who was looking good. Del Taco scarfed with the religious Gen Uflect, next to Moe Hican and Ren A. Gade, who was dressed as a cowboy.
Ruth Less made a beeline to Georgia Peach, pitted against Frank Incense. Dusty Roads told stories to Ginger Ly, and that Southen gent, Beau Regard, with his date Rose Colored Glasses.
Mark Mywords spoke of dictionaries he adored, which bored immensely Ann O’Rexia  and Juan Dice.
Al Gorhythm had it all figured out. Buzz Cut agreed. Victoria Columbia just wanted to go home.
Dec 2020 · 93
For Sure
Neville Johnson Dec 2020
Love comes in all sorts of shapes, forms and sizes
It’s beautiful in everyone
Mysterious and wonderful
Cool and sublime
No more at the corner of sad and lonely
No, we’re gonna be just fine
It’s you and me and the wild blue yonder
It’s barge cruising down the Nile
It’s bicycling in the South of France
There’s no denial
We’re on to something and we won’t let go
I’m your man
And you, you’re everything
My woman
My woman for sure
Dec 2020 · 70
Stopping Here
Neville Johnson Dec 2020
I'm at a loss for words so I'll just stop right now.
Nov 2020 · 72
Thanksgiving
Neville Johnson Nov 2020
The air is crisp and clear
What a day this shall be
One of mirth and joy
For friends and family
We’re thankful for what we have
For the love we share
For the high hopes
Of all good people everywhere
Everything will be all right
That’s fair to say and pray
We have faith and the belief
Enough to say
We will brave these hard times
And be happy today
Nov 2020 · 68
Here to Stay
Neville Johnson Nov 2020
Notwithstanding
Despite it all
Amazing, isn’t it?
How love thrives, survives
Against walls of repression
As in dictatorships
Yes, people fall in love in North Korea
They go on to have kids
They smile beneath their public masks
At home they play
And sometimes sing
In their nuclear family
The state be ******
For love has invaded the world
It’s not going away
In case you haven’t heard the news
Love is here to stay
Nov 2020 · 79
The Side God Is On
Neville Johnson Nov 2020
The news gets grimmer
Hope combats desperation
We worry, we pray, we console, we stay
Embedded in our houses
As the world suffers
Still, life goes on amid the fear and pain
This is the human condition:
Times of happiness
Or of war
Or of fevers that are deadly and widespread
We cling to our family and friends
Those who need help discover who their true friends are
Yes, we are in this together, meaning we all have an obligation
to act and stay safe
To support each other
To stay optimistic
To smile underneath the mask
We are not the first people of the world to face a global disaster
We will get through this somehow
We have the will, the power, and God is on everybody’s side
Nov 2020 · 79
Where It All Began
Neville Johnson Nov 2020
Heather is a new arrival in the city of LA
She gets a job at the library
Meager is the pay
She’s trying to be happy
Finding her way
Hoping for love and a baby someday

Nick is new to LA too
He’s in from Edinburgh
Here for three months to do a book on Hal Ashby
Whose papers are stored at the library where Heather works
He is there every day
She helps him find documents and decipher Ashby’s scrawl
They become secret friends
Eating lunch together on a bench nearby

One thing led to another
They begin to hang out
From Venice to hikes in Will Rogers Park
But Heather worries
Is Nick too young?
If the difference is more than 10 years, she tells herself it must be wrong
She learns Nick is 24 to her 37
She is resigned to the fact that this romance cannot go on
Nick returns to Scotland despite their bond

There’s a rendezvous in New York
But ultimately they're resigned to their fate
It won’t work even though it’s been great

Heather drops him an email
Which led to a phone call
Nick says he wants to visit her
But Heather says no
She needs commitment
Surely, that he must know

Here’s the surprise for Nick replies
He wants to live with her
Their future relies on their love
Their love never dies
They are 13 years married with a kid of 10
Today they are showing her the library where they met
Where it all began
Nov 2020 · 61
Jerry’s Lament
Neville Johnson Nov 2020
Jerry waits
He tells Jenny he loves her
He’s waiting for her to say she loves him back
She has a daughter, Mary, to whom he says “I love you.”
Mary says “I love you too.”
Jenny, when asked about this, replies
“I want to show my love by my actions”
Indeed, she does, but Jerry wants more
You can’t blame him
He wants her to say so
Jerry waits
He may wait forever
He can’t live without Jenny
Nov 2020 · 61
The Mystery
Neville Johnson Nov 2020
As pretty as a full moon
As kind as can be
Everything one could want
Yet a mystery
She makes his heart race
He’s just done
He aches
He so wants her
She is the one
If she could
He would
Admit
Commit
It could be
Oh, he is anxious
But isn’t that what always happens?
If it’s love
He will be free
Oct 2020 · 69
Pret L'amour
Neville Johnson Oct 2020
Pret l’amour
Love to go
Available and free
Let me know
Come and see
No history
To make you go slow
I’m here all the time
Ready to be
Totally open
No man of mystery
Pret l’amour
I’m ready to love
"
Oct 2020 · 59
Joel Is Sad
Neville Johnson Oct 2020
Mary and Ted are on their honeymoon in Vermont
Joel sits in a dark room with the TV on
As the leaves turn brown
He turns up the sound
But it won’t drown the sorrow in his heart
For he loves her, really loved her
Forever now they will be apart
He did everything he could
Gave everything he had
He knows he did his best
It’s so bad and sad
Remembering her kisses
On that balmy beach at night
He smiles then grimaces
This is not all right
He’s powerless and misses
The one who was his light
But Mary has gotten married
The future is not bright
She doesn’t want to see him
To talk to him anymore
Vanished are dreams of happiness
Of that he is sure
Will his broken heart ever heal?
He hopes for a cure
Oct 2020 · 57
Surrender
Neville Johnson Oct 2020
To love is to surrender
To the thought that there is purpose
Meaning in the world
That comes down to two
Turning into one
Each is hungry for the other
When the other is gone
That’s how Nev feels about Cindy
Saying so on her birthday
It’s a marriage made in heaven
Earth is where they play
She is such a beauty
Smart and brave and kind
Neville really loves her
She blows his mind
Neville Johnson Oct 2020
You can never get too much of love
Ain’t that true?
One dose and you’re hooked forever
Just as you knew
Falling in love and getting married
Isn’t that the dream?

It starts with holding hands
Next the arm around the waist
Followed by a kiss
Then the warm embrace

You connect on many levels
It feels like home
A magical event
No need to roam

It closes the circle
When husband meets wife
You can never get too much love
Welcome to life
Sep 2020 · 63
Autumn
Neville Johnson Sep 2020
Autumn brings falling leaves
The need for a fireplace
For hugs and coziness
Regular embrace
Hot chocolate is necessary
Good books and scarves
Plenty in the refridge
Lest you starve
A great companion
With whom to share the nights
Brings it all together
So everything is right
Sep 2020 · 60
In the Shank of It All
Neville Johnson Sep 2020
I adore you in that blue bandana
You wear it so proud
My filly, so silly
Really, you brought me home
Taught me the meaning of life
Which of course is love

Now we’re in the shank of it all
Able to shed
All the heartache that got us to this nirvana
I don’t ever want to be bored
Impossible with you

Look at the crescent moon tonight
We own this sky
We own this night
As I belong to you
As you belong to me

The tear that runs down my cheek this moment
Is one of delight
It’s because of you
Sep 2020 · 54
Run With Me
Neville Johnson Sep 2020
Run with me
Let’s discover the fun in today
Come with me, let’s play
A picnic is in order, don’t you think?
At sunset we’ll have a drink
Toast each other and maybe get toasted
Let’s get on our way
You only live once so let’s live for today
Sep 2020 · 68
This Need
Neville Johnson Sep 2020
Deep attachment and intimate love are part of the human condition
Everyone needs a someone to be with, converse, maybe to touch
To have a shoulder upon which to cry
This need is for all who live
Age, station in life, wealth do not matter
The same wants and needs cross all borders
The desire never subsides

Inspired by Roger Angell essay
Neville Johnson Sep 2020
Marie is his great love
So he is to her
Tom asked her to dance at the disco
It began as a whim
She was a student, he a young professional
It was magic
They connected
United in love
One morning as they awoke,
She asked him if he thought forever they could be?
He nodded yes, it was evident, their eventuality
But they were double-crossed
So cruel their fate
A car accident kept them away
Time would not wait
There were further misconnections
The years marched on
They grew older
Their love never gone
Marie thinks of him
Tom does of her
Life and love are not fair
Of that both are sure
Sep 2020 · 100
Summer at the Pool
Neville Johnson Sep 2020
It was her first kiss
She’d waited so long
Summer arrived, and with it, John
Such a handsome lad
Fit and with style
A lifeguard at the pool
Working part-time
Jeannie taught swimming
The kids had a blast
It was at the hotdog picnic
John didn’t ask
He just went for it
That was that
Both of them enthused
They left hand in hand
Johnny is off to college
Jeannie is still in high school
They text every day
Everything is cool
I forgot to mention
That for Johnny too
It was his first kiss
Then there were more than a few
Aug 2020 · 67
The Perfect Pair
Neville Johnson Aug 2020
She moved into his life
And he into hers
Seamlessly they united
Love as the cure
The perfect combination
Sure and pure
Amazing and beautiful
Each with such allure
So it was
Now it is
Ever it shall be
She and him
The perfect pair
In love endlessly
Aug 2020 · 64
Train Tracks
Neville Johnson Aug 2020
Reed got on the train and sat next to a very pretty girl
She could be a model, he thought to himself
Indeed she was
The chatting went swimmingly
Then they each went their separate ways
Reed could've kicked himself for not being brave
For not getting her name and number
Oh, what a fool or a knave
As for Sarah, she didn’t think much about it
Other than that he was handsome and cool
Two years later on an app called Hinge
There was a match, a new way to begin
Reed told her, “I’m almost positive I think we’ve met“
They did connect, a mutual get
Palm Springs and Costa Rica then ensued
They got married by train tracks
Expect a brood
Aug 2020 · 52
In the Sea of Sorrow
Neville Johnson Aug 2020
I’m swimming in a sea of sorrow
This journey better end
I’m wrapped like a mummy
This emotion is no friend

It did not work with me and her
So I’ve gone away
Not sure where I’m traveling to
Still, I’m on my way

Was it fate or circumstance or both?
I’ll never know
She will not leave my thoughts
I can’t give her the heave-**

Still, I wouldn’t trade our love
Now so distant and far
I was happy as I’ve ever been
We shone bright as a star

I will live to smile again
And with someone new
But I’ll never forget my dear friend
I’ll change the color of my life from blue
Aug 2020 · 60
The Only Way to Go
Neville Johnson Aug 2020
The point of human life is love
It all comes down to this
Love, sweet love
Bliss, true bliss

Rambling down the road
One long good time
Nuzzling and cuddling
We’re gonna be fine

It’s easy if you try
Hard to say no
When it’s there
It resonates
The only way to go
Neville Johnson Jul 2020
The parties and galas are over
Now it’s just you and me
Hunkering in our hideout
Luxuriating in the sea breeze
Yes we had a good time
We’ve got friends galore
I sure like to be with you
For all your kisses and more

I’m very encouraged
Happy we are this way
After all the festivities
It’s time for us to play
You’re my best friend and I am yours
How lucky you and me
We got it together
How it’s gotta be
Jul 2020 · 81
Admit It
Neville Johnson Jul 2020
I know you’re dancing alone in your underwear
Me too
Not gonna show it
Turning off Zoom
Yep, hunkered down
In my aerie hideaway
Making calls to my friends
How are you doing today?
Glad to be here
Can you believe these days?
So we dance
We sing
We contemplate
Taking an enforced break
But not from life
Nor reality
We dance alone
In our underwear
Quarantined but still free
Jul 2020 · 167
Jamie Thinks About Tommy
Neville Johnson Jul 2020
Jamie loved Jimmy
He was just what she needed
Someone to love her
He never complained
Jamie was true
No fooling around
But she had a past
Someone in the next town
Many years before Jim
She fell for Tommy
A real her and him
But Tommy got drafted
They drifted away
When he returned
There was Jim in the way
Oftentimes each night and day
Jamie thinks about Tommy
Those happy days
She loves her Jimmy
Her Tommy too
That’s just the way it is
Nothing can she do
Jul 2020 · 55
The Story of My Life
Neville Johnson Jul 2020
The story of my life
Is the story of us
This is our truth
There is so much
So much we’ve endured
So much we have done
So good it has been
So much more to come

The story of my life
Is the story of love
Magnificent
Irrevocable
Yes, the story of
Two who found the secret
The magic that is there
When two truly embrace
When you really care
Jul 2020 · 61
The Blank Page
Neville Johnson Jul 2020
The blank page stares back at me
It needs commentary, thought
Longing, sadness, joy, satisfaction
Are all candidates
Maybe whimsy, something wry
It beckons
The human range of emotions
Our complicated minds
Angst, depression, self-loathing
Vying for attention
And good old regret
For things that can never be turned back
Loss of love, of friends
Mistakes made
But then there are the victories
The happiness at home
No one is perfect
One tries to hit the perfect zone
Which cannot be done
After all, we’re only human
So I stare at the blank page
Wondering what to say
Jun 2020 · 102
Amourfou
Neville Johnson Jun 2020
Amourfou
It’s a crazy love
Crazy in love are you and me
Amazing, with grace
So go we
Building a future
On our great past
Jun 2020 · 91
THE MYSTERY
Neville Johnson Jun 2020
Raymond Chandler, me, and Dashiell are chewing the fat down at
     the Formosa
Under a cracked red lamp where we are made to feel welcome for
    as long as we can pay
These are the mean streets of Los Angeles in 1948

The day's developments involved a lot of questioning -- we are
     tired of being grilled by hordes of grim-faced police
Detectives we knew, some we'd even played cards with
They said we weren't suspects --- at least not yet
All three of us had this agent, who now is very dead and someone
     who did not like him put a bullet through his head

Then pinned a note on his messy chest, which said, "I won't be
     needing you anymore, here's your ten percent."
Sam ***** and Philip Marlowe would have a tough one to figure
     out
Here, everybody hates agents and ours had too big a mouth
Imagine --- he would tell us how he made us into writing stars
Someone punctuated him but just left question marks

On this grey and foggy evening where we chase the dawn
Our fedoras by our sides, just as cops have guns
We're heavy into whisky --- it's writers' remorse
Who will make the deals for us --- for a commission of course?

The bartender is so angry and weathered --- as if he'd fought World           War II all by himself
Dashiell and Chandler got so looped they took a cab ride home
I'm walking now towards the ocean - I will sleep all day
Then head for my typewriter -- maybe call William Morris or H.N. Swanson
See if they've got any writing jobs that pay.
Jun 2020 · 86
The Flame
Neville Johnson Jun 2020
It’s a small flame he guards against considerable winds
It’s why he lives
It’s why he loves
So he soldiers on
Doing the best he can
Hanging on for dear life
Hanging on for her
For their life
He would die for her
He has hope
He has faith
Faith in their destiny
So he watches over their fire
Keeps the cold winds out
Each day gets a little better
Each kiss a little wetter
They are in love
Sweet, loyal
In it to win it
Survivors
Lifers
Two peas
One pod
One love
Under God
She must never leave
She must always stay
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