In My Opinion Kindness Affects You
They say kill ‘em with kindness
But gloss over the fact what it does to you
What God has meant for me ain’t necessarily meant for you
Sometimes you damned if you don’t and you damned if you do
Been through too many things
Seen too many things
And people want to marvel at the pain
But you ain’t Shang Chi looking for ten rings
In My Opinion Kindness Affects You
You either lead by example
Or be the example
Wished for positive vibes
And the support is ample
No longer putting the weight of the world
On my shoulders
Nothing more than I can handle
Take a walk in my shoes
Gonna need more than some sandals
Bottom of these soles
Shows the journey of a tired soul
Being better than what I was
The purpose that’s sole
Driven through too many points
Guess it finally took a toll
Take a walk in my shoes
But you couldn’t fit the mod
In My Opinion Kindness Affects You
Just what I think, and what I say
That’s what I mean when someone asks
How are you?
Well, I’M O.K.A.Y.
Bio:Follow R.D. Johnson on twitter @r_d_Johnson R.D. Johnson is a pushcart nominee, a best of the net nominee for Fevers of the Mind "(Not Just On) Juneteenth" Reggie is an author reigning out of Cincinnati, Ohio. At the age of 9, he found a love for writing while on summer vacation. With influences from music, Reggie has created a rhythmic style of writing to tell his personal experiences and beyond. Reggie has several books available on all major online retailers and his work can be seen in various literary magazines. He currently has two columns, Drunken Karaoke featured on Daily Drunk Magazine & REPLAYS featured on The Poetry Question. https://thepoetryquestion.com/category/replay-rdj/
This is a quick chapbook by Reggie D. Johnson.
But in 20 pages Reggie is full of reflection.
Reggie is full of fear, full of strength, full of freedom, full of rejection.
To feel completion when sitting with bravery.
It is a year of overcoming. While the clock may still be ticking negatively in the now. Maybe, just maybe there is a unity in time, in people, in change. Towards impermanence. The lyrical poems in this chapbook is the ultimate in a thinking man's poetry. Real poetry, not based in fiction, a storytelling from truth not from a new found religion.
The errors and failures of government, the death of heroes when people became "SCARED" and their hidden prejudices out for display. Reggie perfectly preaches out the rhythm of covid-era poetry and holding up a mirror to the world to see the reflection of all the sacrifices that have been given. The blood that has been shed should make us stronger, even as the ills in the air suffocates not only our breath, but clogs the clarity in our minds. The years even in it's most "radical" to many still seems to be a still frame that doesn't fade easily. Just remains gray. But the hope has to be vocalized, because WE have to recognize that WE are the ones that can change the direction of the compass. Let's change the compass and head to the right direction. Finally.
This chapbook has so many thought provoking poems including (Not Just on) Juneteenth published on this blog, soon to be in a Fevers of the Mind Anthology and also a Best of the Net Nominee.
I applaud Reggie D. Johnson for putting out poetry that matters more than just a self-righteous glorification.
Here is a link to the chapbook through Daily Drunk Magazine.
https://t.co/VePilY3a9w?amp=1 @dailydrunkmag
Bio: Follow R.D. Johnson on twitter @r_d_Johnson R.D. Johnson is a pushcart nominee, a best of the net nominee for Fevers of the Mind “(Not Just On) Juneteenth” Reggie is an author reigning out of Cincinnati, Ohio. At the age of 9, he found a love for writing while on summer vacation. With influences from music, Reggie has created a rhythmic style of writing to tell his personal experiences and beyond. Reggie has several books available on all major online retailers and his work can be seen in various literary magazines. He currently has two columns, Drunken Karaoke featured on Daily Drunk Magazine & REPLAYS featured on The Poetry Question. https://thepoetryquestion.com/category/replay-rdj/
Q1: When did you start writing and first influences?
Reggie: I started writing at the age of nine as a hobby I did on summer vacations. Langston Hughes was one of my first influences.
Q2: Who is your biggest influence today?
Reggie: The writers I’ve come into contact on social media who I’ve become very good friends with: Natalie Hernandez (@yerrrnandez), Luis Delossantos (@CoolerStoryMarc), Harold Fonseca (@halfxyou), Elijah Horton (@elijahhorton94), Chris Butler (@CLBpoetry) Daniel Alvarez (@itsdannylondon), Bruce Llano (@Beeruce_Sama).
Q3: Where did you grow up and how did that influence your writing/art?
Reggie: Cincinnati, Ohio. I was taught to write about things you know and have experienced. Speaking personal truths will help to strengthen your writing.
Q4: Have any travels away from home influenced your work & describe if so?
Reggie: Yes, I recently took a trip to Orlando, Florida to meet up with some of my friends who inspire me continuously. That time away and being in that environment with all them helped me create some dope content that I can’t wait to share with everyone very soon.
Q5: Any pivotal moment when you knew you wanted to be a poet/writer/artist?
Reggie: When Drake released his Take Care Album. After 9, I didn’t pick up poetry again seriously til I turned 19. That album showed so much versatility in his writing and the ability to express his emotions through art was inspiring.
Q6: Favorite activities to help you relax when not writing/creating?
Reggie: Playing video games, listening to music.
Q7: Any recent or upcoming promotional work you’d like to do now?
Reggie: I have a surprise project dropping July 1st, with Daily Drunk Magazine and then at the end of the summer I’ll be releasing my tenth book.
Q8: One of your favorite lines from a poem of yours?
Reggie:
From my poem 'Look At Me' found in my book, Cuarentena:
"I am black
I am then
I am now
I am what's to come
We are not less than
We are equal
We just want to be heard
And not for your entertainment
I am black
And you will not take that away from me"
Reggie: A few people. Natalie Hernandez & Luis Delossantos taught me to not minimize the writing. Keep writing as it doesn’t matter how long it is or that it needs to stop at a certain length. Harold Fonseca, Elijah Horton taught me to expand the creativity. My love for music has now transcended into new territories as it has not only incorporated in my writing but I’ve had the pleasure of doing songwriting too. Also, Harold and Chris Butler have taught me to be the voice of a generation. In these last few years with everything going on in the world, the way I could ease my thoughts was in writing. I thank all of them for pushing me to the next level.
Bio: Follow R.D. Johnson on twitter @r_d_Johnson Check out his work on the Poetry Question with RDJ’s Replays https://thepoetryquestion.com/category/replay-rdj/ Read His work on dailydrunkmag.com R.D. Johnson is a pushcart nominee, a best of the net nominee for Fevers of the Mind “(Not Just On) Juneteenth”
Bio: Follow R.D. Johnson on twitter @r_d_Johnson R.D. Johnson is a pushcart nominee, a best of the net nominee for Fevers of the Mind “(Not Just On) Juneteenth” Reggie is an author reigning out of Cincinnati, Ohio. At the age of 9, he found a love for writing while on summer vacation. With influences from music, Reggie has created a rhythmic style of writing to tell his personal experiences and beyond. Reggie has several books available on all major online retailers and his work can be seen in various literary magazines. He currently has two columns, Drunken Karaoke featured on Daily Drunk Magazine & REPLAYS featured on The Poetry Question. https://thepoetryquestion.com/category/replay-rdj/
Fevers of the Mind 