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Departing Rains


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An old chair beside the window was where he sat on that summer in May.

 

His place if there ever was one and a place where he spent most every day.

 

A breeze was blowing against rattling shutters his lamp was lit and in the distance the whistle of an inbound train.

 

Another night alone in the darkness where his mind traveled to memories far away.

 

A flash of lightning and a clap of thunder wakened his senses to the smell of coming rain.

 

The night was a respite from the lonely times and this corner of the world a safe place to stay.

 

He’d been a rodeo cowboy in his younger days a different man in so many ways.

 

Times had passed him he thought to himself as he soon heard the drops on his windowpane.

 

Times had been good back in the old days, he was satisfied with the life he’d made.

 

Tonight, was the moment he’d lived for a lifetime, the final storm in his glory days.

Johnny Johnston
Johnny Johnstonhttp://www.blufengr-art.com/
An artist/writer as well as graduate of the University of South Carolina with degrees in journalism/20th Century American Literature, and retired senior executive of several international hotel/resort corporations, Johnny is the product of the south having been raised in the ever-changing transient lifestyle of a Carolina coastal resort. A point where he discovered, within his 300-year-old heritage and the world's dramatic social/cultural shifts during the late '60s to early 80’s an ambitious hunger and overwhelming curiosity to touch, see and become a participant in the virtually unlimited possibilities offered to those who wish for and seek life experiences. A journey which when hearing its details initially makes one a bit skeptical, questioning its validity as it is hard to imagine that incidents such as these may have crossed one man’s lifetime. This is the fodder required to step into zones exposing one's personal inner self, which many of his paintings and the words he writes do, openly. An ability to see and hear the tragic, beautiful, accomplished, exciting journey in a life free of inhibitions allowing others the opportunity to live vicariously and become, through his works, a part of its future. His larger works which have been featured in several Colorado and Fredericksburg Texas galleries and resorts have produced a number of collectors and fans. However, over the years, his paintings are mostly viewed by friends, enthusiastic new artist encountered on the streets or a small number of acquaintances he meets when dining in local cafés with his wife.

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5 CONVERSATIONS

  1. Johnny – I guess there comes a time when we reflect on our life and have to figure out if the life we chose to live made difference. I like that your character comes to the conclusion that he did. So I see this as a uplifting poem with the message being “ensure you can look back and like what you see.”. Great writing – touches my soul.

  2. This is so beautiful, tender and sad. Being in my twilight years I often feel the emotions within your story. I know I am starting a new life with many new adventures but in the distance I see the shadows of the night. This is so good my friend. Inspiring Ink

    • Thanks Larry. I know it’s a bit sad but he seemed at peace with his life as an old dog might that goes under the porch to pass in private. And I found the rain. Writing off the cuff like that and finding the right ending is so challenging. It’s a great exercise and I usually find that if I start the words the conclusion usually finds itself

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