The Nearness of Distance

by John Herlihy

Miraculous the feelings aroused by the nearness of distance,

Feelings overwhelming that lay upon us with persistence.

Feelings remarkable that fill the mind and heart with joy,

Feelings despicable that only the mind and heart annoy.

The treachery now in the distant past still feels near,

The betrayal by a good friend still feels close, held dear.

Sadly held recollections that still feel like a bee sting,

Callous rejection as sad lament that still in the heart sings.

The secret mystery the stars bring to the night’s firmament,

The exquisite design found in the spider's web and its filament.

All of nature's artifacts lend their probing mystery from afar,

The nearness of incredible distance found in the light of the star.

What's nearer than sad longings of a loved one sorely missed,

A presence still in the mind and heart as a sentiment blessed.

Falling a great distance down into the will of cavernous despair,

Whispered on a trembling tongue hopeful treaties of prayer.

What could be more distant than the things lost and never found,

The sensation of loss as a wave without shore, cresting profound.

What could be nearer than the kiss of those precious soft lips,

Nectar drawn from a distant flower savored with meager sips.

No, let no one tell you of the distance found in the near distance,

For in the distance lies a nearness that echoes with persistence.

The distant horizon of heaven and earth marked by a fine line,

Drawn as a near horizon of the soul with its message sublime.

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Copyright © John Herlihy

Sunday 6 June 2025