The Trouble with John

by Michele Boy | February 22, 2024

It’s going to be a beautiful 70 plus degree day in February as I write this. As soon as the paper goes to print I am spending as much time outside as possible. Days like this should be savored. 
There is one week left of February. Sometimes I think February is the hardest month of the year. But today I have spring cleaning on my mind. I want to open the windows and doors and let out all the stale, dead air out and bring in fresh spring energy. 
I opened up the closet door in our mud room where I put the recyclables. I was surprised that several bags had accumulated. So today I am going to empty that closet, take a few bags to the budget shop, and deal with a few more odds and ends that have built up. While those are physical tasks, I think it helps me mentally let go of things as well. So I ask you, what is it time to let go of for you? What are you holding onto that needs to go? Is it time to remove what is old, stale, and empty? 
It’s time to make way for the new. 
Just around the corner is Daylight Savings Time, spring break, and spring!
Are you making plans for spring break? Easter? Summer?   We are getting ready for lambs. A new season is almost upon us. 
Last week I had the opportunity to help someone. She wrote a story but was stuck on how to move forward with it. We chatted. She trusted me to edit her story and together we submitted it. It was an exhilarating feeling to help someone and it pushed me further with my own book goals. 
  I have had a dream to write a small book of poems, short stories and photos. My goal is to have it published by the end of the year. Suddenly more and more pages started coming together. And I am excited for the result. 
Sometimes in our need to be self sufficient we can overlook the person who could use a hand. If you get the opportunity to help someone I hope you take it. 
I just looked over last week's column which seems to be similar to this. But maybe all of us need that push, that reminder. Go for it. 
I wouuld like to share the first poem of my book - Tales from the 5 a.m. hour.  Just to offer a taste of what is to come.
Let me know what you think.

The Trouble With John
 
A gray haired fellow about 38
Once six feet tall now stands five eight
Sinewy muscles
A round belly takes its place
With a hard worn scar across his face

See the trouble with John
He likes the drink
It's taken away all his dreams
Turned his nose bright pink

Shaky hands make his writing stale
Week long binges have caused his memory to fail
A hole in his boot makes his step a little off
And the girl he loved has since run off

Yes the trouble with John is not quite clear
Did he sink from the drink or from the fear
No one knows 
It's too late to ask
John dropped his life inside his flask

And that's the trouble with John