Never Sway, Never Betray
By John Herlihy

These are the things that never stray;
These are the things that find a way.

A bud that flowers but never blooms,
A courage that toughens but never swoons,
A mystery that inspires but never reveals,
A silence that whispers but never speaks,
A music that soothes but never grates,
A secret that protects but never breaks,
A despair that suffers but never flies,
A hope that soothes but never denies,
A wish that promises but never fulfills,
A hatred that destroys but never creates,
A love that creates but never destroys,
A future that promises but never arrives,
A mirror that reveals but never lies,
A life that awakens but never survives,
A death that takes leave but never dies,

These are the things that never sway;
These are the things that never betray.