Ph: Echo Poem: Asked And Answered Poem by Brian Johnston

ASKED AND ANSWERED - An Echo Poem

Written by: John Westlake and Brian Johnston

HOW I WOULD DESCRIBE MYSELF

People often say to me
“What can you tell me about yourself”
guess it’s my duty to explain to them
and so I look them in the face and reply

My eyes are deep like two tiny oceans
just be careful you don’t drown in them
you’ll never reach the bottom
and there’s not a beach in sight

My arms and legs are a library
ruined by several scars
each one tells its own story
of how it came to be
but none can be bothered to read it

My mind is a battle field
full of the tangled wreckage of ancient conflicts
parts of it are like covered with mines
each one a painful memory
every now and then a fresh war will start
bringing new carnage and suffering
the remains they leave are left to rot in the sun
only to be consigned to the past

My personality is a broadsword
razor sharp and straight to the point
it only can be wielded by me
the blade is often glowing
letting you know how genuine I am

My honesty is a radiant beacon
shining like a miniature sun
it helps my truth stay pure through this life
never dimming or even going out

My truth is a shotgun
let me give you both barrels
a useful weapon in this life of deception
because I have no space for lies or cheating
no bull trash will ever stand in for it

My patience is a tranquil lake
surrounded by many beautiful trees
every tree is in full bloom in a variety of colours
yet when the leaves and petals fall
they make not even a ripple on the water
there's always time in this peaceful place
and none of it can be wasted by those who deserve it

Yet my temper is a volcano
often smoking as a warning to others
sometimes it will blow its top for a while
but its often short lived unless the lava runs
in which case be somewhere else

My happiness is a meadow on a summer’s day
full of millions of flowers
each one living in harmony
the stems bowing slightly in the gentle breeze

My love is like a huge blanket
soft and comforting to those who feel it
let me wrap it round your shoulders
and it will keep you safe and warm

My loyalty is a lovable dog
always faithful always there
as long as you stay true it'll love you
but it will turn on you if you abuse it

I have described myself as best I can
now you know a little about me
it’s time for the favour to be returned
what will you tell me about you

John Westlake
April 11,2014

_________________________________


WHO I AM

I wish I could be clearer too
But when a mirror comes to view
I find reflections blur the tons
Of promises I've yet to keep.
The virtues to which I aspire
Just kindling in God's cleansing fire
A testament to what I've spent
In daytime dreams before I sleep.

At times my eyes are shallower
Than tadpole bog from summer shower
But there’s a depth in self-less mirth
That fathoms ocean’s honesty!
I have my scars and injuries
Reminders that I sometime please
With sad stories and past glories
For which there is no amnesty.

I don’t take pride in vanquished foes
Or stealthy night walks on my toes,
The charges led, the grateful dead,
Aren’t bullet marked on résumé.
Yes, memories of past wars hurt
And new one's benefits seem curt,
The battles won, the killing done
And winning joy's naiveté.

In personality a spark
Of servanthood, like Noah’s ark,
Yet to serve God, His judgment odd,
World lost to save humanity.
And honestly how can this stand,
This horrifying reprimand
Where saints all fail and demons wail,
Is Justice too insanity?

But Bible’s truth is Parable
And God’s Love not unbearable
Though we may fret, bemoan our debt,
God's Justice earned, but Grace God’s gift.
Though truth may not be found in me
In loving God I can be free,
My sails are full, sin’s lost its pull,
My restless heart no more adrift.

Direction comes with good intent,
And peace the fruit of time well spent,
Green pastures call, demand my all,
My patience ripples on a lake.
For service is a restful noise,
Like one the wind in leaves employs
Ripples caress, service redress
Wounds of a soul lost on the take.

Sure I’ve a temper, hear me roar,
But keep your gun locked in its drawer
My passions vent, my anger spent,
I’ll soon be sleeping like dead tree.
My happiness the world of Pooh
With flowers that are meant for two,
Or three or four, open the door,
Here friendship has no enemy!

My love a cloud embracing all
Its form envelopes like a shawl,
With scent of earth, infusing worth,
Dew drops condensing on a rose.
I’m loyal like no one you’ve seen,
Like color in an evergreen,
Put doubt aside, embrace the pride
Of emperor without his clothes.

I’ve tried to do sir what you asked
But you did set me quite a task
Hope that you see, something of me,
In my poor effort at this verse.
And now as I am close to done,
I swear it’s been a lot of fun,
Though poetry’s not rocketry,
Well, hell, my friend, it could be worse!

Brian Johnston
March 3,2015

Poet's Notes:
My poem 'WHO I AM' is an Echoed response to a popular poem on PoemHunter.com by the poet John Westlake called 'How I Would Describe Me.'