-- Ode to Idleness --

by John Herlihy

They say idle hands the devil's workshop,

The idle mind wins the battle ever fought.

How peaceful the luxury of just being idle,

Listen to the songs of dawn birds audible.

To imagine, to dream, to lay down at rest,

No questions asked, only the feeling blest.

Day moves onwards with nary a demand,

To do what one wants without reprimand.

To fly forth over the earth as a solitary bird,

Echoes of sweet music never before heard.

There in the heart such sentiments content,

Who knows what such idle thoughts meant.

Rare and unique moments somehow to steal,

The peace of idleness to suddenly turn real/

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Copyright © John Herlihy

Thursday 6 February 2025