Reverse

the angle of the outburst was of particular interest sudden. sharp. thrusting upward and then turning around blasting through unexpected and unannounced fields butterflies wrangled for breakfast and cheese walking back to my seat, I fell down letters for lunch choices for a lifetime no one tells you they could be the wrong ones would you have listened would you have dared? curious, I looked back and wondered the I-9 went south and not west as I recall candy was sweet roses were red after all...

© alisajs
2014-07-01 

Reckless

am I derelict
knowing now what I was uncertain of then
stuck in slow motion, pressing on air
tasting the promise
we both knew
yet,
somehow refused to pluck from the tender bloom there

dancing on snowflakes
I slid
straight to the center of something less than ten
steps to nirvana

meet me in elysian fields
where we'll dance with reckless abandon
run across the midnight moon
all before daylight
all before the sun begins to hide

that is, if it's still summer
springtime is passing
and winter is near,
stuck in slow motion
holding back tears

ajs/4.23.14

Thoughts on a sunny, spring day

Here's wishing everyone had a Happy Easter!

Here's to a sunny springtime for all.  

Ever wish your life was as happy as the picture above? Wouldn't it be grand if all you had to do was think it and it would appear?

Interesting question, isn't it... for in that question is the answer as life is all about perception.

Just some thoughts I thought I'd share on this sunny, spring day.

alisa ;-)

Summons

last night, we met as before

during the second summons of our winter sun

beneath the moonless canopy

in the designated season

where dreams live and breathe.

we had to race

far from the chatter of listening ears

or views from curious eyes

we sat and shared as we pressed our way

shadows cared and watched above

there is this place if you believe

where we can be

undisturbed and quiet, dear

we will remember

and live again

the spaces between the imaginings...

© 2013 Alisa Js

10 Things to know B4 U file an EEO Claim

Wordsmith Publishing Company takes this opportunity to announce a new e-book available soon on amazon.com, titled.

10 Things to know B4 U file an EEO Claim

Author: Vernon 'Duke' Johnson
Editor and Illustrator: Alisa Js

'Penny Penn' available for free on amazon.com during May 25 to 27, 2013

Penny Penn (a story about what matters most)
by: Vernon Johnson and alisajs
Illustrations: alisajs

Available on amazon.com,  free during May 25 to 27, 2013.  Please leave a customer comment and let us know your thoughts after reading.

Thank you!

1. Go to amazon.com
2. Go to books
3. Enter, 'Penny Penn'
4. Download and enjoy
5. Please leave us a customer comment if you enjoyed this book and its message.

How God Plays Billiards Free May 25 to 27

How God Plays Billiards
by: Vernon 'Duke' Johnson, Sr.
Illustrations: alisajs, Margaret Thrower

Available on amazon.com for free during May 25 to 27, 2013.  Please stop by and check it out.  We invite you to leave a customer comment afterward to let us know your thoughts.

Thank you very much.

1. Go to amazon.com
2. Click on books
3. Enter: How God Plays Billiards
4. Download book
5. Please leave customer comment on amazon.com

Let's Learn Manners - Table Manners

Let's Learn Manners- Hello and Good-bye

Let's Learn Manners

The best way to start each day right
is with a cheery ' good morning'
and end with
a heartfelt 'good night'


*A page from 'Let's Learn Manners'
a children's book
coming soon!!!

Written and illustrated by:
alisa js

Final Cover Decision for Penny Penn

After looking at alternative covers, we have decided this will be the final cover for Penny Penn.  Thank you again for all your suggestions, especially to the children. 

Aloha,  

alisajs ;-)

Working cover for 'The Adventures of Penny Penn'

This is our working cover for 'The Adventures of Penny Penn' scheduled to be released in April 2013.

alisajs

Onion Patch

I am here beside this onion field

peeling back layers I see and feel 

no one knows and yet, everyone bleeds

a length and width and sense of need

he sat there

with his head bowed low

quietly anticipating

no need to show

like those feelings I used to know

when times were full of uncharted troves

oh, how the road beckoned before 

calling

teasing

and we, ready to burst with hopeful imaginings 

jumped inside with nerves of steel,

steering toward some silent summon

over the uneven asphalt sea

when did the dream deflate

and shackles bound

wrapped round your life 'til you can no longer breathe

freedom remains some distant memory

a desperate haunt

of where you used to be...

ajs/4.17.13

The Adventures of Penny Penn

 Coming soon!

A new children's book for children of all ages.

The Adventures of Penny Penn

A story about what matters most.

By:  A collaborative effort by Vernon Johnson, Sr. and alisa js
Illustrations by: alisa js

Us

I wanted this to last
late night talks, laughter till noon
the fascinating sense of time standing still
whenever we appeared

I need to remember
you.
for the rest of my days
and endless nights, too

we were like sugar and sassafras
mischief and licorice sticks,
obliviously entranced and mystically matched
no one else mattered, not that we cared.
for all we could see was
us...

ajs/3.28.13

Transition

I am here
under this midnight obsession
alone with these thoughts
so quiet, it's beyond eerie.
the chatter has moved
marched right through that open floor board
next to the dark spot
that leads to new worlds

what do you do
when your macrocosm starts to plummet
reality removed and
realigned
where is the next leap
set by another
whose imprint not known
except under the salty brine

there are no words here
only thoughts
dark images slide
blowing whispers spent,
what do you place in the spaces
now empty
filled once with memories and dreams...

aj/3.12.13

Never Ending

this dialogue in my head is continual

endless,

strung together with heartbroken sleeves

torn from the karma

twice removed.

emotionless

objective

memories surface

powder puff imagery

I can barely see

and yet, you are there

you are there always

front and center

silent in the front row,

do you remember me...

2.11.13/ajs

© 2013 Alisa Js

Fridays

I keep hoping to find a way to
run into all your Fridays
hang around until the sun cries out
or when we decide it's time

shadows follow with every second step
lingering around the sudden smile
where hope resides.
my anguish isn't in the trying
or attempting to
or even inside your beautiful words
pressed between sullen flashes of gut wrenching flares
from the underside.
it's where you reside
and I've come to accept it.
accept you.
even when I don't want to, I find myself back
beside the same old track
and we go again
like pebbles and fine wine

I have always desired a love so rare
true love.
the kind we watch on the big screen
listen to with eager ears
not meant to be,
not with me.

the seeds of dysfunction were planted ages ago
before the smitten could rise
before the pattern was set
before rhythm had rhyme
and all I'm left with are these Fridays...


ajs/2.6.13

How Could We?

How Could We

I desired to unravel the mystery of you

along with other forbidden thoughts unspoken at the moment,

could we have tasted that almost unattainable fire

stepped into the flame and survived

known by those who enjoy and bespeak

Had I met you before those watershed events

what would our legend be?

Before your life treasures and possessions had consequence

could we have made it to this day

the promise awaits, still

sweeping along midnight's hushed wishes

yet, how could you abandon your now

relinquish all ties

renounce all commitments

surrender to me, alone

impossible

yet, impossible is all I hear

unreasonable attempted disasters,

complex

vexation's delight

double cross where none should exist

debilitate the obvious,

emotional molester with a twist...

1-26-13

ajs

Dream Lands

maybe we didn't have to end up like this hopelessly waiting on opposite ends maybe if we gotten past the unbroken bridge or crossed over the landing we'd see the agony of the ecstacy leads from within screaming for another attempt, but why strolling among yesterday's scenes we stumble, unable to discern between those from another time and this day left back against some distant hillside along side a forgotten road we hiccup, suddenly aware it's cold out here and the weather is quite dreary where did the sunshine run to where are those singing birds in spring? did we forget it's still winter the hypothetical looks most attractive now leading in points next to reality, placing a distant third we loved and laughed or thought we did the lies were smaller then now, the landscape lies bittersweet between fruitcakes and marmalade ... © 2013 Alisa Js

Travels

the captured thought inside the mind petitioned to be heard

given a platform

too long denied

almost forgotten

remember

those plans made and counted on, waiting

lingering, even now in the ether

on the sidelines

ready

countless hours spoken and discussed

how could you forget

and yet, I almost did

until today.

those moments exist in the stillness between seconds,

alive

and we can travel there

be as we were

all is as it once was

life squared, plus two

© 2012 Alisa Js

Promise Me

I want to believe
in the dream
I want to hold fast to the idea of me and you,
always.
for the best of all endings
to the truth that
your love is right by my side
as we journey along life's high roads
celebrating our song
around those dark corners
where the light's not so bright and the path is uncertain,
comfort me as we lie
with nothing between us but hushed whispers and candle light
show me you'll always be true
table for two
me and you,
champagne and strawberry kisses.
make me believe I'm your only one
and
together we'll see the setting sun

promise me forever...

(ajs/8.25.11)

Questions From a Young Girl's Heart

what secrets lie beneath your blue
as curious winds blow,
scraping our toes along the sand
we walk,
thoughts to ourselves

it was sometime in the summer
of my fourteenth year
the last time I remember

we sat at the counter
of some dingy airport cafe
your face, I can't recall
as I was just sitting there,
stunned and surprised

your eyes, they were sad
as you looked straight ahead
mixed with regret, perhaps
memories, maybe

every daughter needs direction
guidance
and love,
sweet words of wisdom
I had none

this emptiness prevails
sorrow overwhelms
on a good day,
and I?
press my way
toward parts unknown
and ill prepared for...

(ajs/3.28.11)

Random Recollections

let us take this thought and tuck it behind
the left ear
somehow that seems right
and you know how I always like to be right,
but this is not about me
it's never me
even if the facts suggest otherwise.
the world goes on around us
all around us
as those
unspoken words hang
around the hint of a frown
hiding just beyond the smile that waits

he took his half-smoked cigarette
carefully placing it back in the remaining box of ten
deciding to save it for another place
when there's more time

do you remember those days
when we laughed and cried
tensions pulled us to the highest
those emotions of that long ago moment
screaming for immediate release
and yet, we survived
we're here
and alive,
still...


(aj/3.26.11)

Refresh

and with a word
you brought me back again,
to the laughter shared
the memories tended,
suspended.
all these months and years

your voice
moves me still
your touch remains
across the miles,
and for a brief moment
a silly smile,
you are here once more
and all is like it was

there is a place for you
how could there not,
without a doubt
won't you?

11.6.10/ajs

Ice Land

I would have waited forever
if you asked me to
alas,
the words never came near

I could have learned to be patient
if you wanted me to
sadly,
the winds grew cold and everything else blew away

instant depression
remains
guess its not so instant
now

forever, I wonder
in this realm of ever after
inside this hell of never happen.
here,
without you...

11.4.10/ajs

Betrayal

when did the caring part become unnecessary
who changed the rules without telling me?
thrown away like yesterday's news
kicked to the sidewalk
tossed aside and forgotten,
witnessed by everyone
but no one saw anything,
except for the falling rain
good for nothing,
worth saying
at this time

says who,
you?

you, with the sweet voice
we all loved to hear
and listen to,
not now, however
as
your truth is revealed at long last
smooth as slime

not a pretty sight.

or you, with the frenzy of a thousand mad men
raging beyond belief
and all because,
why?

who changed the rules without telling me
when did the caring part become unnecessary?
maybe in your world,
never in mine...


(9.19.10/ajs)

Windows

I strolled by a window
and took a chance,
peered.
a glimpse did I see,
watching those fragments
from yesterdays gone
but not forgotten,
memories taunt
appearing only to tease

there were those faces
still stuck
with
anger.
raging beyond the land
of never after

there was a time
when laughter reigned,
oh! where did those carefree days go?

I am left with a handful of something
noteworthy nudgings
sometimes the awareness lasts too long
so strong

a thought
gives

if only
the dream continues
to live...

(ajs/9.15.10)

Thoughts

we look up at the same sky
on the same night,
a million miles apart
and yet,
as close as a thought
you are

as sweet as cupcakes
tasty,
delicious

the signs in the night
let me know,
forever is your touch
upon my soul,
how could I forget?

impossible...

(9.7.10/ajs)

Night Song

in the quietness of my evening sun
when the winds have calmed
and all is serene

there is a place
for you,
still.
as no one else
will do

if I could fly
I'd be there,
right by your side
for as long as you wanted
for as long as you needed,
me...

8.23.10/ajs

To Be Continued

last night I dreamt of you
again,
skin to skin
how could I resist?
your words, your voice
your presence
drove me to my knees,
endless reverie.
we suspended time
glorious,
made our way
taunting ecstasy,
notorious and yet
it seemed so real,
so believable.

tell me
you felt it, too

6.19.10/ajs

Always You

in those many ways of yesterday
I pull them close
and hug
tight,
certain ones to be sure
the ones that counted,
mattered.
that
stood the test
above the rest those memories rise,
regardless.
in spite of

the rattle rings
for one more shake
reminding of the time at hand,
listen...

and if I could, I would
bring you close
closer than you've ever been,
if you only knew.
maybe you do
and maybe I wish too hard

in the quiet of my silent dream
you are there.


(3.5.10/ajs)

The Knowing

these days have a way of lingering now
hours taunting mere minutes
tapping,
as the seconds do stretch.
it's almost too much to remember
and yet,
I can't wait

every thought
brings us closer,
every smile
reminds.
anticipation growing,
the future
is ours to find...

(3.3.10/ajs)

Mystic Scenes

and if my days fail to find you
know that in my dreams
you are everywhere,
reigning still...

(9.24.09.ajs)

The Great Ultimate

she listened to the conversation
but kept her thoughts quiet
letting them dance around in her head
smiling, as she thought of him
as she always did
during this time of day. her evening,
his morning
yet, it was the same time.
it was almost magical in a way
if you looked at it just right,
through the eyes of the smitten
through the lens of so amazing
how profoundly wonderful,
knowing that everything is possible
in this realm where we belong
this place of me and you
yin and yang...

(8.1.09.ajs)

Head Over Heels

we gaze upwards at the same sky
and I wonder, wistfully
are we thinking the same thoughts?
feeling the same smiles
around our souls,
throughout these miles that stand between us...

the beauty of your voice
catches me off guard
and I'm soaring inside,
flying high as I glide toward these fields of ecstasy
and this thrill of you and me

with you, it's all brand new again
these tender moments
quiet times
beyond sublime,
and I'm falling
head over heels...

(04/17/2009.ajs)

Unconscionable

It’s this kind of
love, I want to know
more
about.
Won’t you share your life
and dreams with me?
If I asked in a very diplomatic way
would that naked question
stand out?

The mere thought of you
fuels an inner passion previously
placed aside.

Harder now
to decry,
With each passing flame
and scorching refrain
I press my way and yet
you,
fill my waking days with thoughts of
tortured sweet relief
for only two.
How can we deny
this delicious appetite
between me and you?

Unconscionable …

(04/04/2009.ajs)

Observations

it's the little things
like kisses in the dark. that call
that shows you dared
to love again

laughter,
swirling around
each word and phrase.
shared

full
and rushing fast.
colliding with excitement,
his and hers

those little things.
how they mean
everything

(4.4.09.ajs)

Enamored

you move me

beyond mere words on a page
more than any other,
profoundly so.

I am thunderstruck

stirring me in ways I've only dared to imagine
each lingering caress
leaves me wanting more,

so enraptured I've become...

(3.27.09.ajs)

Spellbound

what is it that makes me completely stop
everything.
forget anything else
that's not about you,
each time we speak
I am in a daze,
enchanted ...

how does everything fade away
lose its appeal,
dim down to nothing
fade against the background of
no longer relevant,
every time I hear your voice?
mesmerized, I am

others, left hanging
are dumbstruck,
without words...

and I can hardly stop smiling
for this is exactly what I have often dreamt of
on those occasions I dared to.
and now
you, so alluring
me, beyond fascination
I am rolling in rapturous delight,
spellbound


(ajs.3.10.09)

Why Angels Sing

for in the gentle caresses of the ocean waves upon the sparkling sand
there exists this undercurrent of passion abiding
until it's appointed time,
the flowers bloom in that far garden
heavenly scents do intoxicate so!
trade winds bring them near
and I am alive again ...

like the whisper of a morning's kiss, the memory lingers
and I would be remiss if for no other reason than
to have one chance to taste this bliss,
so utterly divine a favor
I request and do send,
with wings to mount and fly away
towards that certain paradise that awaits
if only for a moment,
if only for a glimpse

oh! how the sun does shine and smile lovingly
across the land where the promise dwells,
the table is set as the banquet begins
as the universe agrees.
for this melody is so sweet,
and now I know
why angels sing ...


(ajs.02/26/2009)

Unconditional

as for me
I can adore you
with this perfect love
that knows no bounds
inside the confines of what we know as time
allotted to us here,
between this level of our destinies
the one we managed to share or did we seek
that open door?
to reach between and steal
just a little peek,
and yet, I am better
for knowing,
for we did catch a glimpse of those certain imaginings
as time stood
for you and me

this thrill
it is enough
and I am free
without a need
and will forever be
grateful,
for your love ...

(02/21/2009.ajs)

I Still Believe

how can I forget
the promise of a million smiles
and laughter rich with expectancy
of you and me,
dancing under these swaying palms
waiting here,
so patiently ...

time stepped aside
each time we met
so glorious!
the angels sighed with great relief
with stars bowed low in the lunar sky,
paving the way
for us inside
that place of joy reserved,
preserved, for only two

I'll be here, my love
my heart light flames
around your name,
oh! how can I explain this ecstasy
this great imagining,
except to say
I'm yours
for all time.
I'm waiting for you here
I still believe ...


(2.15.09.ajs)

Our Time

and if our paths were to meet
on that day destiny decides to
bring to us
all that we've longed for
ever believed in.
would we be ready?
to greet that day with open smiles
and a willing heart
to step into
this time of us ...

or would we turn
and walk away
unwilling to receive,
fueled by doubts from lesser times
that never could believe
and why should we now?

misery does love its company
and craves at every cost
the broken dreams of unrealized scenes
to wallow in the fire
those catastrophic bleeds
it's all its ever known

how can we expect them to understand
this melody sublime,
of hearts and souls that sing this song
this dance of new revealings ...

(ajs.2.9.09)

Reasons

and if the flame dropped
rolled away and expired,
what would we do?
those of us still standing there
mouths opened wide,
would we turn and walk away
realizing we just died
or at least the passion felt,
no longer to abide
in the lives of those affected ...

would we simply wring our hands?
continue on that well worn path
now, without a reason to give
gone without a fight,
trudge along our every days
without a spark
to fuel the name of all that is
of all that makes us be

or maybe we'd beat our chests
and cry towards heaven above,
pleading for just one more chance
to find a reason to love ...

(1.28.09.ajs)

Destiny

what if I told you
this is our destiny
to be here like this
in this moment,
serendipitously
you and me

and what if you
are all that I imagined
trustworthy and true
everything I need
here,
me and you

across space and time
you came to me
on the wings of an angel
straight through heaven’s gate,
blessings unfold
let's not hesitate ...

(ajs.1.7.09)

Do I Dare?

I find myself missing you
though I tell myself
I have no right
to think of you as mine,
and yet, I can't deny this truth
I am most intrigued by this growing need
for you and only you,
thoughts of ...
oh! how they tease
curiously
inconspicuously,
when I least expect
there they are,
all around
confounding
tantalizing...

the essence of your presence
draws me near
caressingly,
to the dawn of something
so brand new,
do I dare reveal
this tender flame that calls your name
listen,
do you hear?

(12.30.08.ajs)

Rhapsodic

You bring to me a measure of
Contained excitement
Hinting of a promise sublime
Serendipitous enticement of the magnificence
A dream within a scene of shared realities and yet,
Across this great divide we sing
An enlightening truth where we break free
To live and be around this melody
A rhapsody
Inside my mind,
Shared by two and not confined
By space and time
What ecstasy divine…

(12.27.08.ajs)

One Last Kiss

could this be the last time
we gather here, like this?
with smiles plastered wide
all beside themselves
stacked neatly and placed on the back rows,
just in case.
these serendipitous swings
do they mean anything
or am I too busy looking for clues
any hint or suggestion
I am still alive
and all this makes for some rather intense
reckoning of souls
on this happenstance day
layered light as we dip and sway,
music soft
while the chatter is sweet
quick, let us remember
this,
one last kiss...

(12.23.08.ajs)