-- Swans in Moonlight --

John Herlihy

You set yourself up as burned offering,

Another sets you down in sad suffering.

You serve up full dinners to those close,

But they only leave you feeling morose.

Robbed of all the admiration you deserve,

While others expect you to bow and serve.

You have your whole world of self to offer,

Misty secrets and dreams lie in your coffer.

While I accept the crumbs from your table,

Your gifts extend value to make me stable.

Self-sacrifice but a love of others to behold,

My night is made of silver, your day of gold.

Speak to me of love; I make bold to respond,

Two swans in moonlight on a midnight pond.

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(c) John Herlihy 22 June 2019