WITHIN THE SOUL OF MYSTERY

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JOHN HERLIHY

In times of war, preparing for the initial coming fight,

What sole advantage could make the encounter right?

The element of surprise can be worth ten thousand men,

Raising to great heights what might never have been.

In times of peace, preparing for any coming fight,

What sole advantage could make the encounter right?

The element of patience can be worth ten thousand hours,

Waiting for the right moment brings with it special powers.

In times of uncertainty, what creates a level playing field?

What allows a sense of certainty to make uncertainty yield?

The element of belief as a thread that weaves through a life,

Bringing a sense of truth that can cut thru falsehood as a knife.

In times of certainty, what preserves a level playing field,

To ensure a sense of certainty better than sword, horse or shield?

The element of certainty we comfortably wear as a winter cloak,

Surveying the field like eagles sitting on the branch of an oak.

In times of hardship, what takes us by the hand to give us hope,

A miracle of forbearance that can be found in the divine rope?

The element of perseverance walks by our side as a true brother,

Leading thru the turmoil of the way like no one and nothing other.

In times of happiness, what guides us thru pitfalls of our desire?

What shows us the true way and will keep our hearts on fire?

The element of surrender that opens the door to the One Reality,

Ten thousand steps that will finally lead us to the One Great Surety.

In times of overwhelming vice, what can bring a sense of balance,

So that a person may deal with vice using ten thousand talents?

The element of virtue contains more than ten thousand shades,

Draining any quagmire of evil into which a righteous person wades.

In times of virtue, what do we need so we may our virtue ensure?

How to preserve that inner balance so that our hearts remain pure?

The element of truth that lies sequestered within the heart of reality,

Preserving the truth of a reality that lies within the soul of mystery.

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(c) John Herlihy 13 January 2020