-- Value of Knowing and Not Knowing --

By John Herlihy

What is the value of knowing,

Buried in the grave of the known?

Yesterday already planted, growing,

Pieces of tapestry together, sewn.

What is the value of not knowing,

Unspent forces waiting to arrive.

In the distance, challenge bestowing,

The unknown wishing to be alive.

I am familiar with patient waiting,

The calm of patience beautiful.

The unknown out there baiting,

Soon to be revealed – hopeful.

I know not what lies in tomorrow,

Yesterday has already had its day.

Minutes and hours only on borrow,

Tomorrow will soon have its say.

There is sorrow in knowing,

Wishing something never occurred.

Destiny’s forces cruelly sewing,

Just NO found in a single word.

There is sorrow in not knowing,

Fearing the worst may occur.

Destiny’s forces cruelly sewing,

Simply YES the future to blur.

There is much joy in knowing,

Anticipation taken by a breeze.

The known satisfaction bestowing,

Leaving behind a sense of ease.

There is much joy in not knowing,

Sweet anticipation soothing as balm.

A sense of lightness in not knowing,

In the distance, rhythms of a psalm.

Whether knowing or not knowing,

Hidden value that feels content.

Give me not knowing over knowing,

Waiting patiently for what it meant.

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Copyright © John Herlihy

Monday 29 May 2023