T. J. Johnson

Stranded T. J. Johnson

Revised 2010: On an island, these two teenage boys spent seven years in exile. Exile is what we land lovers would have called it. They would call it paradise. It was a special place. They landed at the age of ten. They knew no prejudices, had no vain reasons to lie, and felt no effects from political attitudes or wars. They lived each day happily, knowing and feeling loved and nurtured. Society missed its chance to ram its inhibitions down their throats. They experienced no Bible-thumping television evangelist threatening their souls, nor were they mocked or scorned. No stuffed shirt generals could threaten to kick them out, and thankfully, no Sunday schoolteachers spit at them. They felt contented. They were in love. They were special.