Mirror Poems: Young Child // Old Man (poem) by John Herlihy on AuthorsDen

Mirror Poems: Young Child // Old Man
by John Herlihy → (All Poetry by John Herlihy)
Tuesday, December 21, 2021 Rated "G" by the Author.

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MIRROR POEMS -- A Young Child – John Herlihy When I was a young child, I was living as an old soul. My impulses were ever mild, My instincts were age old. I was given to silence, As quiet as the ground. The sacred held in holy reliance, My mind wisdom found. Born with behavior that knew, Certain errors no need to learn. Choices made from enriching brew, With a taste of how emotions churn. I slowly aged with decision, Never to be confounded by choice. My soul in thrall with vision, My heart with emotion to rejoice. Dedicated to an avowed motive, As ephemeral as it was clear. To my goal, I remained devoted, With a tenacity I always held dear. No denying there were mistakes, To sink into the depths, penitent. Dragged thru seaweed by sharp rakes, To rise to the surface, repentant. We are but beings imperfect, Broken pieces seeking the whole. Honing an inner desire to be perfect, Guided by the wisdom of an old soul. - - - - - - Copyright © John Herlihy Sunday 22 August 2021 -- An Old Man – John Herlihy When I was an old man, I was living as a young child. Still seeking, still human, Facing the unknown, still wild. I am still given to silence, As quiet as consecrated ground. Never plagued by feelings of defiance, My mind a still lake profound. I lived the life that only I knew, Certain errors I needed to learn. Hesitant choices were only a few, Some things I knew I had to earn. As a body ages, the mindset still young, Age but a number, useful for counting. My life a demanding aria faithfully sung, All obstacles and challenges surmounting. Dedicated to an avowed motive, As ephemeral as it was clear. To my goal, I remained devoted, With a tenacity I always held dear. No denying there were mistakes, The way to perfection littered with error. Self-improvement the lucky person partakes, So the road of our life remains free of terror. Old age can be a state forever fresh, Fitting broken pieces into the whole. The body may give way to aging flesh, Guided by wisdom of a young soul. - - - - - - Copyright © John Herlihy Sunday 22 August 2021

Reviewed by Odin odin@aflx.com

Reviewed on December 26, 2021

Such is the potential of all who acknowledge and protect the child within. Unfortunately, as you do with most of your poems, the world as some would have it, is not what it is. There is a risk of lethargy for those who might read your work and appreciate its message, then turn around and behave in opposite ways. That is the ruse only a few of us can truly appreciate and act accordingly. Reality presents a sad state of affairs. Perhaps that is why the few of us who see things differently keep the flame of honesty alive.

Reviewed by Jms Bell

Reviewed on December 24, 2021

THERE IS 'PERFECTION' TO BE FOUND IN EACH OF THESE STAGES OF LIFE ...BUT ONE CERTAINLY CANNOT REACH PERFECTION IN EITHER STAGE WITHOUT ACQUIRED WISDOM FROM EACH. MERRY CHRISTMAS! LOVE,BLESSINGS AND FAITH...HIS+INSPIRATIONS

Reviewed by Ronald Hull

Reviewed on December 22, 2021

Not one of your best mirror poems, but I especially appreciate you incorporating mistakes that mold everyone from a na�ve youngster into a wise old man. Preferably, still young at heart to not be grumpy and complaining over everything that went wrong. Even though it created the kind of person that it did.

Ron