Finding Solitude

by John Herlihy

Loneliness haunted by the ghosts of what's missing,

Solitude enlivened by the awareness of life's blessing.

Why do we focus on the things that we don't have,

When the things that we do have can act as a salve?

I awaken to the sounds of the birds sweetly singing,

Awaken to a new dawn day with fresh light bringing.

I focus on activities that bring a sense of the positive,

I shun stray thoughts that bring a sense of the negative.

The voices in my mind can resurrect memories painful,

The silence in my mind invokes an attitude peaceful.

When I see myself in the mirror, it gives me the shivers,

Age lines branching out like tributaries of ancient rivers.

Old desires of gaining success, having riches and fame,

Now written in my face in these rivers with no name.

I tremble in fear the day passes me by without noticing,

I tremble in awe the day passes me by all things noticing.

Having spent an entire lifetime trying to be someone else,

Now having the time of my life trying to be no one else.

So life goes on, sometimes lonely, more often in solitude,

Content to still rise to the surface with a sense of gratitude.

I will still fill my pockets with rare pebbles or read a book,

I will pick the first flower of spring and place it in a nook.

I trust that the currents of my life will not my future impede,

Until I reached that universal ocean as a single, solitary reed.

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Copyright © John Herlihy

Sunday 7 September 2025