Seeds And Weeds is a philosophically expressive compilation of poetry and prose from the heart of JJ Johnson. This selection is more than simply a collection of verse with splashes of imagery, this is an expression of the heart and spirit of a man who believes "Nice guys don't finish last, we just want to be sure no one gets left behind." It is that philosophy which has guided his hand in writing poetry for more than 30 years. The poems in "Seeds And Weeds" were not conjured from casual observations on life that some would accept as fine poetry. These poems are more; they are the raw emotions expressed in words that have been inspired by a lifetime of experiences of the good and bad that grow within. Written in the moment of these events, not distant recollections, the poetry here is sometimes harsh, but always honest. Each chapter is formed from the concepts contained within the poems in them. From the poet's feelings on politics, faith, family, introspection, nature, friendship and fate, to poetry itself, this compilation digs deeply into the essence of poetic creation and the creation of a poet.
About the Author: JJ Johnson was born in Gloversville, NY in 1963 and later moved with his family to Schenectady in 1979. After graduating from Linton High School in 1981, he attended DeVry Technical Institute in Woodbridge, NJ and Schenectady County Community College from 1981-1984. He spent over four years as a Teacher's Aide with three years in English at Schenectady High, formerly Linton. After moving to Richmond, CA in 2006, he returned home to Schenectady in 2007 where he still resides. Over the past several years, JJ has become more involved as an activist for equal rights, peace and the environment. Though these issues have long played a part in his life in varying degrees, the trampling of American civil rights, war and Global Warming have made him aware of his own complacency. Not only have these events inspired many poems in recent years, but they have also brought him out into the streets for marches, rallies and vigils in his community as well as NY City and Washington, DC. JJ has been an active participant in the poetry community and hosted the Schenectady Poetry Horde spoken word open mic for over two years at the Moon & River Café in the Stockade of Schenectady. JJ is also a licensed Amateur Radio operator who has been a member of local ham radio clubs and elected board member of the Schenectady Museum Amateur Radio Association, holding the offices of Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary for several terms. He has also assisted with emergency communications and public service events involving both ham radio and non-ham activities. His career path over the past dozen years has involved helping others in a variety of ways in schools, care, medical and rehabilitation facilities, and in home learning environments. JJ is a licenced Teacher's Aide and has worked with adults and children with disabilities of all types while reaping the personal rewards that financial gain could never equal. He hopes to continue doing so in his future endeavors while also recovering from a stroke that has left him visually impared. Self described as a bleeding heart progressive and genuine nice guy, JJ believes that freedom of choice is the only way to reach ones spiritual destiny.