-- Child and Father --

John Herlihy

Father,

Is it wicked to be ugly?

Of worse things to be guilty.

Is it fortunate to be beautiful?

One’s beauty may end up as penalty.

Father,

Is it always right to be generous?

Take care not to give yourself away.

Is it wrong to be stingy?

Life itself can be stingy in its way.

Father,

What can I expect of hope?

Hope can be as thick as twine.

Is there truth to my dreams?

Our truth and our dream intertwine.

Father,

In what may I trust?

Trust the day will bring light.

When will I ever die?

The little death in each twilight.

Father,

Will I always stay young?

As young as the ageless stars.

Will I grow old?

Your soul is already old.

Father,

Will I ever fall in love?

Black the hawk, white the dove.

Will I have a faithful friend?

A guardian angel until the end.

Father,

Will I be true to my name?

As true as your name, rose.

Will I ever find fame?

Only fame free from blame.

Father,

Will I ever find happiness?

Every good deed brings its own bliss.

Will I at times know sorrow?

Sadness will come with all we miss.

Father,

Will I ever know myself?

This a gift God will bestow

Will my soul be wiped clear?

As clear as all the eye holds dear.

Thank you, father, for such advice.

May you find mercy in my reply.

I promise, touch my heart thrice.

Ever strive, until the day you die.

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(c) John Herlihy Friday 31 August 2019