My Only Skeleton Key
By John Herlihy

I always feel completely at ease inside my own skin;
I make my own decisions, nothing decided on whim.
I follow my natural inclinations, not considered prim;
I do not consider myself perfect and have my own sin.

I always feel completely at ease inside my own space;
Here I am a proud member of the noble human race.
The world has its rhythm and sets its own sure pace;
It is not from surroundings I draw on heavenly grace.

It makes no matter about my immediate surroundings;
Sit with prime ministers or children and their playthings.
Whether I am earthbound only to accept what life brings;
Or whether I am sky-bound to lift aloft on my own wings.

Clothing does speak for a person based on one’s attire;
What I look for in others are their virtues I may admire.
it is not from my immediate surroundings that I aspire;
I seek an otherworldly presence for my heart to inspire.

I like to preserve my own space so others don’t invade.
When I am by myself, in my solitude, I hear a serenade.
When I go about my business, I see much of a charade.
Still, life has moments and moves forward as a parade.

Society has its place, but I preserve my own inner cocoon;
By the day I work hard, but at night I enter my inner room.
I try to find things out, investigate, and do nothing assume;
Eventually I hope my knowledge can be wisdom in bloom.

The world is full of locks that block the true reality to see;
I need a key that in every instance brings revelation to me.
True questions abound whose answers are full of mystery;
A clear, open, and pure heart may be my only skeleton key.