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.'