My Only Skeleton Key

By John Herlihy

I always feel completely at ease inside my own skin;

I make my own decisions, nothing decided on whim.

I follow my natural inclinations, not considered prim;

I do not consider myself perfect and have my own sin.

I always feel completely at ease inside my own space;

Here I am a proud member of the noble human race.

The world has its rhythm and sets its own sure pace;

It is not from surroundings I draw on heavenly grace.

It makes no matter about my immediate surroundings;

Sit with prime ministers or children and their playthings.

Whether I am earthbound only to accept what life brings;

Or whether I am sky-bound to lift aloft on my own wings.

Clothing does speak for a person based on one’s attire;

What I look for in others are their virtues I may admire.

it is not from my immediate surroundings that I aspire;

I seek an otherworldly presence for my heart to inspire.

I like to preserve my own space so others don’t invade.

When I am by myself, in my solitude, I hear a serenade.

When I go about my business, I see much of a charade.

Still, life has moments and moves forward as a parade.

Society has its place, but I preserve my own inner cocoon;

By the day I work hard, but at night I enter my inner room.

I try to find things out, investigate, and do nothing assume;

Eventually I hope my knowledge can be wisdom in bloom.

The world is full of locks that block the true reality to see;

I need a key that in every instance brings revelation to me.

True questions abound whose answers are full of mystery;

A clear, open, and pure heart may be my only skeleton key.