-- We Are But Mortals --

John Herlihy

To expose the secrets in stones and the mystery in mists;

The strength in our bones and the weaknesses of our lisps.

Drawn in by a thread, tied up into knots by a thick rope;

To fall in love with an angel to revitalize a sense of hope.

To play music on lyre as though you live inside the sound;

To stand as firm as a tree with a howling wind all around.

With a dazzling intelligence, sparkling as light upon waves;

To find the still heart of the universe whose silence saves.

To roar with the voice of thunder, to speak as falling rocks;

To realize the mystery of time without the help of clocks.

To be the flame in fire, to scorch with a searing tongue;

To reveal the sweet mysteries that have never been sung.

To be the dark gem that shines when held to the light;

To be shadow that follow the light, to give shade to sight.

I fly eternally with soft feathered wings in the invisible air;

I feel as smooth as river stones that shines in light as a flair.

I live in fear of losing myself in falling under life’s heavy yoke;

May my name live eternally in the calligraphy of cold smoke.

What are we but mortals and as mortals we do live and die;

When the days of our lives pass, we return to the open sky.

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(c) John Herlihy 25 January 2020