-- The Wisdom of Paradox --

John Herlihy

Every point of a circle holds an end and beginning;

In one person’s end lies another person’s beginning.

Listen to our sorrows and not drown in their silence;

Sorrow breaks our hearts, the crack lets the light in.

One person’s tears are only another person’s water;

One person’s water is life for one dying of thirst.

When the door to happiness closes, affliction opens;

In the passing of great sorrow lies a door to happiness.

The lightest load can turn into the greatest burden;

While the greatest burden can offer a valued reward.

When an angel speaks to us, we take no care to listen;

When a devil speaks to us, we do take care to listen.

Darkness surrenders when the light of day takes hold;

Light of day surrenders when darkness takes hold.

A flawless diamond may hold the greatest price;

None of the virtues was ever bought at any price.

On an open plain, we marvel the sight of one tree;

In a majestic forest, we never see individual trees.

Just as in the flower bud lies hidden unfolded petals,

In the wisdom of paradox lies a multitude of levels.

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Copyright © John Herlihy

Thursday 15 December 2022