The Whiskey Taster’s Flavor Guide
Notes About The Poem

Brian Johnston
April 30,2014

 

Damaged But Still Salvageable

So just what does one do with oneself
When your life knocks you down more than once? 
Do you just plant your ‘tush’ on a shelf, 
Or frame your act and pass as a dunce.

You hurt less when people laugh with you? 
Are you happy when no one’s in sight? 
More comfortable at a big do
With no one cognizant of your plight? 

Do you quail when tides aren’t your ally? 
Do you run to your bedroom and hide? 
Is courage always in short supply
When your fears bubble up deep inside? 

What qualities do you want in friends? 
Is this what you offer to others? 
Weaknesses not requiring amends
Good enough for sisters and brothers? 

Damaged folk may still hope for the best
But settle for just what is offered
They think that they failed some crucial test
And act like their virtue’s un-coffered.
 
What hurts you more, your wife was a whore
Or she carries on now with no end.
Called upon, can she manage the store, 
Has she skills on which you depend? 

Take heart my friend, we’re all damaged goods
There’s no need for pretense at our age
Put out to pasture must nots and shoulds	
Just enjoy our brief time on the stage.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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The Whiskey Taster’s Flavor Guide
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace