Looking at the Eclipse
By John Herlihy

Who can shun the glory of the light of day,
When in ignorance of what the day might say?

Who can escape the darkness of the night,
When our dreams stir as stars in a firmament of light?

Who can resist the temptations of life’s lurking evil,
When the evil clings as constant as a shadow primeval?

Who can ignore the contagion of a child’s laughter,
When the bells of its sounding lift us into the hereafter?

Who can ignore the profound wisdom of a sage,
When they turn their backs on the mysteries of the age?

Who can feel remorse for what they have done,
When they accept the evil alternative of all they shun?

Who can accept the benevolent mercy of their faith,
That opens the inner eye, making a saint of a wraith?

Who seeks the endowments of princes and potentates,
When what they cling to are the mere rags of reprobates?

Who can relinquish the meagre power we are invested,
When we freely give such power away when we feel rested?

Who can escape the clutches of the devil’s power,
When seconds and minutes tick on with the passing hour?

Who would want to preserve the status of small beginnings,
When the lure of eminent domain calls forth with all its winnings?

Who dares look at the eclipse of the sun as rightful endeavor,
When they run the risk of losing the eyes of their soul forever?