Johnnie

We all need a Johnnie.

He was lying on the pavement

A drunk smile on his bloody face

A few teeth missing

The stars glittering in his eyes

He didn't care 

He didn't hurt

He knew that you

You just go on 

Even after two punches in the face

You just go on

Johnnie knew that and got up 

He had the stars over his shoulders

Grabbed a smoke from his dirty bomber

and staggered forward

That's what he told me 

when I found him lying on the street

Just go on

Even when you're alone

Even when you're done 

Even when your dumps 

get the best of you

You stay proud 

And you go on

That's Johnnie for you 

If life had a face

It would be his

Bloody, drunk and happy. 

Reviews

[BBP]

In f*****g love with this one! You can picture a London punk scene written all over this! His bomber, his bloody face and his f*****g get on personlaity.


Brilliant!

[Marina]

Thank you B.B.! Glad you got the vibe, it was what I was going for :D
Cheers

[Dr. YumnaKay]

And what if we become the Johnnie for others? I'm sure there are a lot of people who do want someone to be there for them... I would rather be on the other side..
This was an interesting message you gave here.. I really enjoyed it ☺

[Marina]

Thank you YumnaKay. I think all of us have/will become Johnnies once in our lives. We simply don't pay too much attention to it, only when we see ourselves through other (drunk) eyes haha

[Dr. YumnaKay]

Hahah well yes, I guess you're right! You're most welcome ☺

[Tbear]

Makes me want to know why he is in this state..what events in life brought him here..love the last line.. write on..

[Marina]

Thank you Tbear.
Not sure what brought him to that state. Every one has their limits I guess.

[Paul Bell]

We all need a Johnie. Though that could be construed in a different way, in a different country. Durex. Every woman should carry a case. Has Johnie reached that time in his life when he doesn't care anymore.
People always frown at people like Johnie. But do you know what. Some people are actually quite happy being drunk.

[Marina]

We agree on the Johnnie thing. Not so much on the purse. Durex sure. lol
I've always disliked people who frown at Johnnies. They miss the point.

[Paul Bell]

If it was between someone spouting religion or being drunk. Give me the drunk anytime.

[Marina]

I second that

[Paul Bell]

Expect a great valentine poem from you tomorrow.

[Marina]

It's on earlier than you expected

[Paul Bell]

That was sneaky.

[Tony Jordan]

and yet Marina, when I drank and spoke in the quiet to people who drank their constant sentiment was 'have to get off this drink, Tony...'
I think Johnnie was putting a brave face - a very very brave face, on an intolerable truth - that he had stopped 'going on' on one level but had to 'go on' on this new level or die.
If Johnnie is a real person I pray for him.
Your writing is deeply affecting here.

[Marina]

I think you should have bought them a drink, it would change their mind. haha
I appreciate your thoughts and comments. Thanks.

[Tony Jordan]

Haha - yup - I did see (and experience) that side too - the 'ack f**k it - let's have a laugh...and another swally (Belfastian for drink - means swallow lol).
But the craic when everyone was 'on form' was unbeatable...
Your welcome Marina

[Marina]

My greetings to beautiful Ireland and thanks for that treasure of a word (swally), I'll make sure to use it as much as I can here haha

[Tony Jordan]

Greetings to you my newest friend. Thank you for the friend request - you beat me to it.
I just read your piece 'The Itch' on your blog by the way. Yep I have that damned itch too, lol.

Oh I think Belfast might have misapporopriated 'swally' from 1980s comic Rab C Nesbitt but I will have to watch all the episodes no to check (a labour of love I assure you lol)

[Marina]

Ah I might get down on those episodes myself who knows lol

Thank you for visiting the blog, god knows I haven't visited for a while haha