What Is the Good of Seeing (poem) by John Herlihy on AuthorsDen

What Is the Good of Seeing
by John Herlihy → (All Poetry by John Herlihy)
Friday, May 10, 2024 Rated "G" by the Author.

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-- What is the Good of Seeing -- by John Herlihy What is the good of seeing, If in seeing we are but blind? What is the good of compassion, If we are thoughtless and unkind? What is the good of being blind, If being blind we nothing innerly see? What is the good of being kind, If our compassion eager to flee? What is the good of knowing, If we act not upon what we know? What is the good of unknowing, If we make no effort to grow? What is the good of suffering, If it offers no clear insight? What is the good of misery, If its shadow offers no clear light? What is the good of happiness, If we know nothing of despair? What is the good of peacefulness, If we never venture into prayer? What is the good of patience, If we are never willing to wait? What is the good of impatience, If left standing alone at the gate? What is the good of love, If there be no true fidelity? What is the good of life, If it contains no mystery? What is the good of the mind, If we follow not clear reason? What is the good of our trust, If we succumb to acts of treason? What is the good of living, If we think we will never die? What is the good of giving, If we on the gifts of others rely? Beware in dealing with the good of things, Lest we betray the essence that goodness brings. - - - - - - Copyright © John Herlihy Friday 29 March 2024

Reviewed by John Domino

Reviewed on June 29, 2024

I agree with Odin; every stanza is worth pondering. However, I have a favorite:
What is the good of the mind,

If we follow not clear reason?

What is the good of our trust,

If we succumb to acts of treason?

Unfortunately, today, clear reasoning is a rare and precious commodity. The same goes for trust. I used to make a deal with a trusted partner worth thousands of dollars on a handshake. Today, even signed contractual agreements are not as good as those honest handshakes! Amen

Reviewed by Jms Bell

Reviewed on June 18, 2024

WE LIVE IN A WORLD THAT IS HELD TOGETHER BY POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE FORCES. THIS ATTRACTION AND REACTION AFFECTS ALL ASPECTS OF OUR BEING.IN THIS LIFE WE ENDURE AND LEARN. YES, WE WILL HAVE TRIBULATIONS BUT IT IS THRU THE HARDSHIP OF OUR VALLEYS THAT WE 'OVERCOME'. ONCE FREE REMEMBER '...ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR..."GOOD"...' AND THERE WAS A 'GOOD PURPOSE' FOR THAT VALLEY, USE IT. A SHARING FILLED WITH WISDOM AND LIGHT...THANK YOU, JOHN. LOVE, BLESSINGS AND FAITH...HIS+INSPIRATIONS

Reviewed by Diana Legun

Reviewed on May 15, 2024

I am eagerly entering your writings in AD. There is no age limit on soul searching, on philosophizing, in re-examining awareness, attitude, perspective. Of writers I follow, I most enjoy the elder voices, likely because I am one of those. It is enjoyable to learn from you how curiosity, imagination, and ideas stretch into all aspects of life and observance. You seem like someone who could keep the campfire burning long into the conversational night. Write on, John! ~~ djl

Reviewed by Odin odin@aflx.com

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

A wise and insightful journey through the pitfalls of having a strong and constructive principle if one misuses it. Unfortunately, many proclaim to have these positive attributes, but as you suggest, fall prey to their misuse. Every stanza is worth pondering. Thank you.