Johnny In The Past Poem by Francis Duggan

No doubt he's earnt his nickname of Johnny in the past
And he tells all who care to listen that once he could run fast
That he could have been a World champion a marvellous athlete
But for his restricted training due to problems with his feet.

You've often heard the saying that empty vessels make the most noise
And the worry about Johnny is he believes his own lies
He's never been an athlete he's never ran a mile
And those who know him better at his stories only smile.

But it really shouldn't matter at least that's how 'twould seem
If his telling of tall stories is a boost to his esteem
It's his cry for recognition each time you hear him say
That he was known and famous before his hair turned gray.

he has one great imagination that's how 'twould seem to me
And with those who say he is a braggart I can't say I agree
He only craves acceptance when his imaginary deeds he does recall
But we all need recognition we are human after all.

He says back in his glory days he was a great athlete
And he'd have been World champion only for his fragile feet
But it's only his cry for recognition when he says he once ran fast
And he even believes his own stories from his imaginary past.