Wilma J. Johnston Greencastle, Indiana

I have been writing poetry since before High School. Before retirement, I worked as a receptionist, telephone operator, and clerk. I love flowers, birds, and hard work. Some of my poetry has been published in Young America Sings, Sermons in Poetry, Modern American Verse, and by the National Library of Poetry. "For me, poetry is a great escape from the ordinary."

Gambler's Choice The organ played at midnight The sweetest music heard So softly, sadly, quietly He heard each hidden word Of bygone days The yearning dreams of empty arms And once upon an almost time Came softly wafting through the haze Then quietly, the silent notes Were sadly left ------- unplayed.

Reflection White clouds floating in a sea of blue The sweet scent of new mown hay Drifts up from the valley below Cowbells tinkle somewhere in the distance Sounds of laughter down at the old swimming hole Dusk and lingering sunset of gold and orange Tall grass flows in the warm summer breeze A bird flits by, a cricket sings A star appears, and then another The moon shines down, smiling, As if pleased.

Kiss of Death She came in the hush of twilight Her long black robe draped loosely about her arms The window was opened slightly So she could pass through unnoticed She lingered awhile in the silence And as she passed by my side I could hear the beat of her heart Soon, I could feel the touch of her cool hand on mine And as I fell into a sweet eternal sleep I felt upon my lips The kiss of death.

All poems Copyright © 1996 Wilma J. Johnston. All rights reserved.