-- The Little and Big Things –

John Herlihy

If we can’t do the little things,

That take so very little care.

How can we do the big things,

That require the strength to dare.

If we can’t keep our promises,

To enhance another’s pleasure.

Then how can we keep a secret,

Considered as a hidden treasure.

If we can’t clearly see the seen,

As plain as the nose on our face.

Then how can we see the unseen,

Lifting the veil the world to efface.

If we can’t understand the facts,

That stand in a row as irrefutable.

Then how can we understand mystery,

That boldly confronts us as inscrutable.

If we can’t see things in clear daylight,

As the sun moves minutes to the hour.

Then how can we understand the night,

As darkness spreads its nocturnal power.

If we can’t savor goodness of the good,

That lends the sweetness of its blessing.

Then how can we shun the forces of evil,

That daily occurs and needs addressing.

If we can’t let ourselves easily fall in love,

Giving ourselves away to those in need.

Then how can we control forces of hate,

That in our minds only multiply and breed.

Lost all big things in the litter of the little,

If we can’t accomplish the simplest thing.

In the end, we will only ourselves belittle,

And into our hearts further darkness bring.

In accomplishing doing all the little things,

In doing the big things they are precursor.

After all, little things can turn into big things,

If that happens, little things not the usurper.

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Copyright © John Herlihy

Friday 2 December 2022