J. Chester Johnson

In excess of fifty poetry journals and related outlets, plus numerous newspapers, have published Johnson’s poems over the years. He has presented at universities and other venues. Select outlets/venues include: The New York Times, Literary Matters, Best American Poetry Blog, Poets House, Harvard College, Trinity Church Wall Street, Troubadour (London), and the BBC, among many others. Recent books of poetry, authored by Johnson, are St. Paul’s Chapel & Selected Shorter Poems (2010) and Now And Then: Selected Longer Poems (2017).

“Truth,” “Travel,” and “Death”

I tried guile at times
And haste often, but far worse
Was the unknowing. . .

I said it slowly
But did not forgive myself
For being truthful. . .
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