Paradox of Knowing and Doing (poem) by John Herlihy on AuthorsDen

Paradox of Knowing and Doing
by John Herlihy → (All Poetry by John Herlihy)
Monday, August 1, 2022 Rated "G" by the Author.

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-- PARADOX OF KNOWING AND DOING – John Herlihy We wonder but do not fathom. We imagine, but do not explore. We question, but do not answer. We reason, but do not understand. We think, but do not use intuition. We have faith, but do not believe. We have trust, but do not use trust. We want charity, but do not give. We want justice, but are not just. We want mercy, but have no pity. We gaze, but do not see. We see, but have no vision. We hear, but do not listen. We listen, but do not respond. We touch, but do not feel. We breathe, but do not smell. We do some things, but don’t do others. We have some things, but don’t have others. We want things, but don’t get others. We offer some things, but don’t offer others. We sense some things, but don’t sense others. The enigma lies in the not doing. The paradox lies in the doing. The conundrum lies in the unknowing. The revelation lies in the knowing. Wisdom lies in knowing what to do. Virtue lies in doing what we know. - - - - - Copyright © John Herlihy Monday 1 August 2022

Reviewed by Jms Bell

Reviewed on August 20, 2022

THE KEY HERE IS WISDOM; THAT IS, 'KNOWING' AND HAVING THE WISDOM TO SHUN WHAT SHOULD BE SHUNNED...LEAVING IT ALONE. WHILE AT THE SAME TIME, HAVING THE WISDOM TO DO AND GO AFTER WHAT SHOULD BE PURSUED. IN LIFE, THERE WILL BE TRIALS AND ERRORS...! WHAT THEN? WELL, THE WORDS SAYS; '...IF ONE LACKS WISDOM, PRAY FOR IT...'. AFTER THAT? PAUL WAS NOT ASHAMED TO ADMIT HIS DILEMMAS, NOR TO GIVE IT ALL TO...GOD(RON 7:18-25). FOR THERE IS ABSOLUTELY ...NOTHING...NEW UNDER THE SUN! AMEN. THANKS FOR THE SHARE. LOVE, BLESSINGS AND FAITH...HIS+INSPIRATIONS

Reviewed by E Phillips

Reviewed on August 3, 2022

For every trial, there is an error.
For every opportunity there is a failure.
That's about all I know. You are way ahead of me.

Reviewed by Ronald Hull

Reviewed on August 2, 2022

Like your poem suggests, the majority of the population just rides along on the crests and downs of the waves of life without acting. And some of them are the most vocal of all but still not moving their butt where their mouth is.

So I once again suggest, that all of you reading the moral in John's poem come back tomorrow and give him a comment he deserves for your privilege of reading his work. I'm sure he will reciprocate and comment nicely on yours.

And let's stop blaming the politicians and get busy doing the right thing ourselves.

Ron

Reviewed by Diana Wiles

And such sadly is the human condition�
The reward�is being able to break free
Of these chains�and fly!

Diana�

Reviewed by audrine max

Reviewed on August 1, 2022

i particularly love this piece, very wise and knowing, something to come back to and ponder on.

Reviewed by Poets Soul

This reminds me of the famous words of Yoda. There is no try, there is only do and do not, Excellent write.

PS

Reviewed by La Belle Rouge Poetess Of The Heart

So wise and true, John. Enjoyed.

Reviewed by Odin odin@aflx.com

Much insight in these stanzas of alternate ways to perceive the everyday challenges. Your last line sums it up perfectly, even though vetting thoroughly in today's dishonest world is mandatory. Good write.