The Reproof Poem by Keith Shorrocks Johnson

The old king reigned over bounty and plenty
But justice failed and none respected his rule -
Until a warrior came who stood firm in renown
Pledging honour and truth at the hill fort gates.
And the king, who was enchanted, wagered
The highest prizes of the kingdom's manifest
For the emblems that the warrior displayed
Signifying the everlasting beauty of what is true.

For the warrior held a staff bearing nine apples
Of red gold bonded from the orchards of Avalon,
And at his waist was hung the sword Answerer
That none could gainsay with lies at the last,
While in his pack he carried a golden bowl
That would break three times if lies were spoken
And meld three times, becoming whole again -
Bringing the dead to life - if the truth was spoken.

‘Take them all old man, for what is right is right -
That there be no more deceit or double-dealing,
That honour becomes the mainstay and cornerstone
Of your kingdom - the music of justice a delight
And amusement for those who are well, and a healing
For those who are ill - bringing joy, sleep and solace.
And as for me, I will take in return nothing that is special
Simply that which in nature is love and therefore truest.

And betimes the warrior returned to take up the bargain
Standing fierce in the power that honour brought -
First taking the king's daughter and then his son
And then his beloved wife - leaving only the honesty of loss.
Then the king saw beyond the excess of what had been -
Beyond heaviness, sadness, jealousy, envy, and pride -
Hearing true melody when the bough was shaken
The sword tested, and the golden bowl resealed.

Watch! Riders thatching with the wings of swans
Will not close the roof tree against the stars:
And the young lord turned profligate and wastrel
Will burn fine oak beyond replenishment:
See! The five streams of scant understanding
Run to sand from the Well of Knowledge:
And silence beset men of artistry and deception
As lies, dishonour and discredit come to nought.

For what was given must be received
And the cattle which stray be returned:
Such that which was brought is checked
And each ones' granary holding affirmed:
And the milk of the seven cows is yielded
As the fleece of the seven sheep lies shared:
That the king and his kindred be then restored
And the debts of the Land of Promise redeemed.

And so the old king slept, awakening to the truth
That to safeguard those he loved he must rule well,
That truth is to be seen in the smiles of those beloved
And that the commonplace is the source of what is sound.
And it passed in a dream - the sword was not put to the test,
The bough was not brought to harvest and the bowl held whole:
And the warrior who wrought the judgment reproving falsehood
Returned to the sea's enchanted realm and its righteous constancy.