Poem: The “Johnny, No!” Memorial Library

A poem about school — and the “Johnny, No!” Memorial Library.

It was a set of shelves, down the back of
the class, some comics and books, a couple
of tapes and some toys; action figures.

And a sign made at woodwork with the
poker-work machine. All of it a tribute
to a fictional soldier, who died in a very

real war that finished before we even knew
what it was. But with 60s music back in
vogue, and our imaginations collectively

running, we paid tribute to “Johnny”, who
never should have run over the top. Even
though, of course, he never did. The teacher

let it happen — until it took over
the classroom, with parents reporting
their kids having trouble sleeping.

But Richard said, when asked, to “tell
that to Johnny, who will never again
have the chance of a sleepless night!”