Maybe

by John Herlihy

Maybe such a fine word,

But what does it mean?

For one thing, it’s not yes,

Another thing, it’s not no.

It doesn’t do certain things.

It doesn’t open a door but

it doesn’t close a door either,

Yet it does do certain things.

For example, it offers hope.

If I ask another: May I kiss you,

Maybe possibilities in the heart stirs.

Yes, a word that can stir things.

Maybe doesn’t actually penetrate,

As a result, not heavy but light.

It feels like a feather that floats,

Suffers not the gravity of yes or no.

Maybe as the balance of certainty,

And as a pivot with uncertainty.

The everlasting subtlety of words,

Inspiring as the song of dawn birds.

Pure possibility conceived in a word,

Once said, it’s job is finally done.

Return to silence from whence it came,

Waiting patiently to be born again.

No turning back from yes.

No turning back from no.

Yes and no far too definitive.

Thank God for maybe.

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Copyright © John Herlihy

Friday 16 May 2025