-- The One Thing That Always

      The One Thing That Never --

John Herlihy

The one voice listened to that he didn’t want to hear;

The one lasting sorrow that never produced a tear.

The one hoped-for promise not ever to be fulfilled;

The one enduring heartbeat that will never be stilled.

The one enduring hope that prevents impending despair;

The one solemn moment to whisper a heart-felt prayer.

The one painful goodbye that still echoes its farewell;

The one unbearable loss that casts its melancholy spell.

The once-in-a-lifetime memory of that first sweet kiss;

The one vivid fantasy that will always induce bliss.

The one hour that you wish had never occurred;

The one patient thought that in the mind stirred.

The one mounting wave that never meets the shore;

The one habitual desire that always asks for more.

The one blissful day that you wished never to end;

The torn tapestry within us that will never mend.

The one thing never to see, as if forever blind;

So many strangers remembered for their actions kind.

The one poem written down that was the first;

The one poem not yet written down that will be the last.

The one great blessing our destiny could to us give;

The one precious life that we were allowed to live.

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Copyright © John Herlihy

Friday 10 March 2023