-- The Enigma of the Emotions --

John Herlihy

In human emotions lies an enigma,

With contradictions for all to see.

Each of them bears its own stigma,

Each one with elements of mystery.

For example, revenge as case in point,

The burning desire to destroy another.

So as our own righteousness to anoint,

Making revenge akin to being a brother.

Hatred assumes the right of being mine,

A dark shadow that blinds all our light.

In emotional night, dark shadows shine,

Hatred roaming the night as moonlight.

Then the experience of living with grief,

How to live again in the realm of normal.

Settling into ground of soul brings relief,

When this twist of destiny made formal.

True forgiveness of others another story,

Whole years may pass before it is time.

To forgive an act of mercy with little glory,

With injustice, so tempting to simply pine.

A readiness for anger raises its eager head,

Why are we willing to enter this dark place.

A solemnity in anger fills others with dread,

A vengeful mask engrained within one’s face.

A lingering sadness can often seem unending,

Yet life goes on, sadness cannot forever stay.

A smile, laughter, hope may intrude, lending,

A process of healing only the heart can convey.

Finally missing someone, the forgotten emotion,

The longing for someone who will never return.

Missing brings them back somehow, a magic potion,

The fire now dusty embers that continue to burn.

We are as breakable glass, fragile and human,

Thru interplay of shadow and light we begin to see.

The heart beats steady, the mind exhibits acumen,

The unveiling of the human emotions ever a mystery.

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Copyright © John Herlihy

Thursday 10 February 2022