An Introduction Poem by Curtis Johnson

By Curtis Johnson

Who am I really? Who does everyone think I am, and what do they think I'm really like? Do I even know? Stay tunnnnned.

I was a newborn in ‘49 in a home within a mile off Highway 49.
There was no doctor; but a midwife arrived on time, nice and kind.
My weight was 10 lbs.; and I have reached 165 in 66 years of time.

I didn't go astray; and I've done my best to walk the narrow line.
Old people said, 'Be good so you don't go where the sun don't shine'.
Anyway, I respect everyone, and I serve notice on any who disrespects me.

O I have over time, exceeded the speed limits, and ran a few stop signs. My folks attended a Church in the neighborhood known as True Vine. I'm not perfect, but I've never been accused of being a liar or hypocrite.


People called me 'a good boy' when I was a kid growing up.
But there was always something inside the me that they could never see.
They never knew the deprived, the denied, and the underprivileged me.

My grandma was my best friend who taught me love; and man she was tough. My next best friend came along when daddy gave me Jack, my first little pup. He was the best, the boldest, the fastest, and loved to ride in daddy's pickup truck.

By grace I've done good like we all should, and have never committed a crime. I don't smoke, drink, or dope; but I'm a sinner saved by God's grace alone. I believe in forgiveness and not 'an eye for an eye'; but please don't ignore me, like I don't exist.

Decry me, deny me, or drive by me and make a fuss.
Demote me if you must. Decrease my 'in God we trust'.
But I will keep on loving everyone, until I kick the dust.
04012016 cj