If You Read These Words

by John Herlihy

If you ever read these words,

Know my heart is extended.

Nestled among ancient birds,

Love leaves the heart mended.

If you are somewhere out there,

Sitting on your own under stars.

Know I have one earnest prayer,

Escape a loveless life behind bars.

The unison of love between two,

Bound as one, a seamless whole.

Without limits, as the wind blew,

Riding rhythms that a dove stole.

Knowing finally one is not alone,

Witness unravelling of a mystery.

The gift of oneself, skin and bone,

Riding a cresting wave of ecstasy.

Of course, ecstasy doesn’t last,

Still, our love will always endure.

The thrill of the body may be past,

The thrill of true love rests sure.

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Copyright © John Herlihy

Thursday 17 April 2025