If (poem) by John Herlihy on AuthorsDen

If
by John Herlihy → (All Poetry by John Herlihy)
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 Rated "G" by the Author.

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If by John Herlihy If you could recall All that you have ever known If you might fall When the candlelight be blown If you could now keep All promises you have broken If you could truth seek When all lies nothing betoken If you could remember All memories that need be held If you could forget False hopes that need not dwell If you could find joy When you are feeling so depressed If you could find peace When worries have you obsessed Then tell me all that you know Give light to the way of darkness Find ways to keep your promises Give up the telling of all your lies Recall memories for their sweetness Forget the hopes that turned sour Take notice of all those little joys Task leave of all your surly worries Finally feel that sense of lasting peace Remember the true reality without cease - - - - - Copyright © John Herlihy Saturday 13 December 2025

Reviewed by Jms Bell

Reviewed on May 21, 2026

SUCH A SMALL WORD...IF...BUT WITH AN ASTRONOMICAL MEANING! 'EVERY'... PROMISE OF GOD... IS MINE! BUT ONLY ...IF...I BELIEVE IN AND TRUST HIM BY FAITH, WITH ALL MY HEART, MIND AND SOUL. AMEN. SO THOROUGHLY APPRECIATED! LOVE, BLESSINGS AND FAITH... HIS+INSPIRATIONS

Reviewed by Rebecca McKeehan

Reviewed on May 12, 2026

There are so many if's in our lives and you've laid out many in this thought provoking work. You've given me much to consider.

Rebecca

Reviewed by Odin odin@aflx.com

You often write about those aspect of life many of us forget, or conveniently hide in a drawer. We need these kind of poetic reminders to help us keep a balance and avoid the trip-over-shoes into the abyss. Ideas well worth paying attention to and the way you patterned it in this arresting poem was perfect. Thanks for posting. PS- your market piece I really can't respond to as all my investment life (earlier before the 2008 recession that killed me) was all in resort real estate. But that's another story... one that your poem reminded me of.

Reviewed by Ronald Hull

You are describing what Maslow called self actualization. To reach a point in your life where you no longer have to struggle with your thoughts or even your physical presence.

Ron