Keeping Up With the Jones’

By Pake Gowin

Dedicated to the legacy of

James Jones

1921-1977

He was different

Unique

One of a kind

Unmatched

Maybe he didn’t realize it at first

But he was

With his first breath of Midwest air

The first squalls announcing his arrival

Playground squabbles

Sibling rivalry

Adolescence

Making his own statements

His ideals

His opinions

Questioning authority

One way to escape

Caught up in the War

Not fitting in

He didn’t give a fuck

Just tried to survive

Spoke his mind

Chronicled his thoughts

Experiences

Feelings

Fears

His voice was heard

His opinions considered

He found his niche

His comfort

His vision

Great contributions of

Unforgettable stories

Influencing scores of writers

He will be revered

Admired

Remembered

For words of combat

For eternity