Consolation
by John Herlihy
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Consolation – such a comforting word,
A more archaic, traditional word as well.
No one uses the word any more these days,
But today’s world needs much consolation.
Without the enchantment of earlier times,
Suggestive of falsehood, fakeness, AI wizardry.
All the brilliance seen in a finely cut diamond,
Without the beauty – or humanity – of a rose.
Such compelling symbolic images the word induces,
In the midst of tragedy, another’s words consoling.
Words sounding as a steeple bell, I feel consoled,
Organ cords of a fine instrument played consolingly.
Variations of this beloved word sound even better,
Various aromatic perfumes that emanate from florals.
The pungent smell of resin emitted from pine furs,
Incense smoke as consoling apparition of a presence.
We live the course of our lives with little consolation,
A hole in our hearts that consolation could possibly fill.
A cup replete with tears from all of life’s desolation,
A simple whisper of consolation remembered for years.
The loss of a loved one inspires words of consolation,
In feeling the suffering, one also feels the consolation.
A shift in focus so another’s suffering possible to bear,
Words of wisdom imparted with the force of a prayer.
Our afflictions as suns rising and setting on our lives,
Never a day that comes reckons the joy and sorrow.
Consolation as the harvest moon orbiting our lives,
The phases of the moon offering a new tomorrow.
I have penned these few words as a special offering,
An offering of consolation for a world in deep despair.
All the world’s unfortunate souls in need of blessing,
May this poem of consolation be my heart-felt prayer.
—
Copyright © John Herlihy
Sunday 6 September 2026
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In feeling the suffering, one also feels the consolation.
A shift in focus so another’s suffering possible to bear,
Words of wisdom imparted with the force of a prayer.
This thought never stops resonating in me, as it seems to be with you as well. Thank you for reminding readers of what they need to give some attention to.