To The Stars

“To The Stars” Copyright © 2009 John Ecko.  All rights reserved.

The Scar Examined at Midnight

 

“The Scar Examined at Midnight”  Copyright © 1998  Jim Pascual Agustin.  All rights reserved.   Visualized with author’s permission by John Ecko 2009. 

It’s a real honor for me to feature this exceptional poet and have the privilege to visualize one of his pieces.

I’ve known Jim for a couple of years now through his thought provoking poetry. His unique perspective and imagination shine brightly throughout his poems as he tackles various subjects ranging from today’s issues to the intimate; From the overlooked subtleties found on the surface of a small stone to the intricate paths of wisdom found within a leaf. Jim strives to master his craft by making every word count, challenging his readers to dig deep and consider what’s going on behind the scenes in this world. I strongly encourage you to read Jim’s powerful poetry and discover what lies beneath the surface.

 

Jim Pascual Agustin writes in Filipino and English. His two books of poetry are Beneath an Angry Star (Anvil Publishing, 1992) and Salimbayan: Pagaspas sa Bintana (Publikasyong Sipat, 1994). He is widely published in Philippine periodicals and anthologies. His more recent poems have appeared in GUD (Greatest Uncommon Denominator) Magazine Issue3 and Issue 4 and Dash Literary Journal. He maintains a blog at http://www.matangmanok.wordpress.com which contain some drafts of his work.

 

Jim welcomes your input and I encourage you to stop by his blog “Matangmanok” and share your thoughts.  http://matangmanok.wordpress.com

 

(Here is Jim’s original version)

 

 

The Scar Examined at Midnight

 

 

tell me about that.  that scar.

 

it is a burn.  something has grown

over it that mimics skin.

feel.

 

my memory goes blurry

when you smoke.

i know you need to, but please don’t.

or i won’t tell you the story.

 

it is not a burn.

more like a reminder.

like some people stick notes

above doorknobs

 

so as not to forget

something they must take

before leaving.

 

i threw my arms around this woman

who wanted to leap into the fire.

but it was too late.

 

we held each other too late.

 

tell me about that.

yes, tell me about that.

 

-o-

 

 

 

Copyright © 1998 Jim Pascual Agustin.  All rights reserved.

 

 

Treasure Unknown

“Treasure Unknown” Copyright © 2008 John Ecko.  All rights reserved.

From the published book:  “Signs of Life, A Book of Visual Poetry” Copyright © 2009 John Ecko.  All rights reserved.

Michael

 

“Michael”  Copyright  © 2009 John Ecko.  All rights reserved.

Thank you Michael for your inspiration and for the positive influence you had on my life.   There is nothing I could give back for all the years you shared your gifts with me.  This is the best I can do.  Farewell and safe journeys.  Those circus clowns can’t reach you now.

With love and respect,

John Ecko.