What Johnny Knows

One after another
she picks them up,
a clothespin
between her teeth,
and strings them along -
the line
A line he knows
he can’t walk

And Johnny sings
what Johnny knows,
all too well,
That it takes a fine kind a man
to walk a fine kind a line
that most men never walk

And as she strings them along,
pinning clothes,
a clothespin
between her teeth,
She knows
all too well -
that it’s not the clothes
that are gonna make
the man

Reviews

[Champagne]

Something about this poem is very touching, maybe its the imagery, maybe its the mood. Well done.

[bluessadmood]

Ohh i know this is really wonderful talk,fine words
but i really missed my way,these days you never know what is a fine line is
everyone talk of his own ,each has his own definition..i ve been a lot and around
so many places,really you would be amazed..each place has its own good line
they recommend you to walk on,even at the same place ,different groups tell you different lines to take
i am at loss..and if i follow my selected fine line,be assured i would be cursed and
called variety of names,would be accused of lots of things..
for each has his own line..which is the best ,i wonder..
lovely write..

[Claude]

Great imagery. I can picture the scene. I know this woman. Well done!

[Inkcognito]

A fine line it is, and the fine men, willing and able to walk that line are few and far between... af very fine write, indeed!

[Robin]

you ever notice the graceful bend in that line ..

[NoneOfYourBusiness akaK..]

an intelligent poem that dives beyond the outer fabric~ love the metaphor~ =)~

[Ed Hart]

well, first of all, it takes a long time to learn there really is a line...and then, it takes another long time for a guy to find his balance...until then, the poor guy is always looking for a girl with a little patience (or maybe a lot)...anyway, did i mention that you are a very fine poet...never missed a line

[Jennifer Lenhardt]

SpokenWord - thank you for you review, and I would have to say that the line represents a man who wants to be an honorable man, who strives to walk that line. who is more concerned with who he is on the inside (his heart) then who he is on the outside.

[SpokenWord]

I have to ask what is the line that he is walking? Looking in my trusty guy handbook for a reference or two. I love how she is hanging clothes and then tells us how the clothes don't make the man.