Belonging

by John Herlihy

We spend a lifetime longing, more longing,

When, in truth, we search for belonging.

In the end, we only to ourselves belong,

Belonging feels right, longing feels wrong.

We spend a lifetime in the world to search,

In so doing we leave ourselves in the lurch.

Solitude and introspection are well named,

Their inner truth lies waiting to be claimed.

Longing lies indefinitely on the outer fringe,

Feelings of isolation that our hearts singe.

There deep inside lies the impulse of desire,

Cresting waves of a sea rising ever higher.

Longing as flaming tongues of a raging fire,

Panther on the prowl, heart full of desire.

Belonging as arriving after the long quest,

Safe, secure within the peace of the nest.

Belonging draws us into its warm embrace,

Tucks us into a blanket fringed with lace.

Belonging returns us to our ancestral home,

Serenity and peace under heaven’s dome.

- - - - -

Copyright © John Herlihy

Friday 22 August 2025