Paradox of Power (poem) by John Herlihy on AuthorsDen

Paradox of Power
by John Herlihy → (All Poetry by John Herlihy)
Saturday, May 30, 2026 Rated "G" by the Author.

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The Paradox of Power by John Herlihy One dream more powerful than a thousand actualities, One mystery more powerful than a thousand realities. What is the true source of power as a force inscrutable, Just as beauty is a singular vision, indescribably beautiful. A single drop of water that can become a vast deluge, A brief moment of solitude offering us unique refuge. The symmetry of a garden destroyed by a single weed, Flowers, trees, forests of the earth from a single seed. Silence of a mountain cave reminiscent of a cathedral, Silence of the forest reminiscent of a force primeval. Silence speaks with power drawn from an ancient well, Eloquence of such silence evocative of a mystical spell. The awesome military power that proclaims sure victory, Yet the strategic goals not achieved, only a pyrrhic victory. What is the good of power if can nothing good achieve, The power of our faith lies in more than what we believe. Powerlessness of a helpless person easily confirmed, The kindness of a helpless person undeniably affirmed. Frailty as an ocean wave that can harbor hidden depths, An intimacy more invigorating than a thousand breaths. The power of stillness to quiet the ravages of the storm, Inner serenity that we can tap from within as native born. The power of a gentle gaze that can open a closed heart, The power of patience that never takes its leave to depart. One frail, fragile, sad memory remembered over a lifetime, An act of restraint that echoes the sound of a wind chime. The power of a word to shape the thoughts of all we know, All the forces that are released by the power of letting go. Forces of power can be mountain-heavy or feather-light, One never knows what to expect, meaningful or slight. We think we know what power is and all that it entails, The paradox of power often leads down surprising trails. - - - - - Copyright © John Herlihy Thursday 31 December 2025

Reviewed by Jms Bell

Reviewed on July 10, 2026

WELL WRITTEN AND IMAGED BEAUTIFULLY, JOHN. I AM AT A PLACE WHERE...I AM CONTENT TO EMBRACE THE FACT THAT I HAVE NO POWER AT ALL! ALL THAT I AM AND AM ABLE TO ACHIEVE FROM DAY TO DAY...IN THOUGHT, WORD, ACTION OR DEED...IS THROUGH GOD'S POWER, ALONE. HE IS THE KINGDOM AND THE GLORY AND THE POWER...FOREVER AND EVER, AND....I ECSTATIC THAT IT IS JUST THAT WAY. THE ONLY THING I REGRET IS THAT IT TOOK ME SO DARN LONG TO GET TO THIS PLACE, BUT, GOD! THANKS FOR SHARING. LOVE, BLESSINGS AND FAITH...HIS+INSPIRATIONS.

Reviewed by Richard Cederberg

Reviewed on June 1, 2026

Uniquely conceived and explicated John. "The power of stillness" could well be where true creative expression is birthed, and also where the solutions to difficult problems may be found and resolved. Seems one aspect of the power paradox is that we can gain power by advancing the welfare of other people, and enhancing their lives, and yet, when we feel powerful for doing it, it can turn certain individuals into impulsive sociopaths, after which they lose the very skills that made them powerful. Much to think about here. I like that. I will return to this several times to glean more from it. Well done. Peace.

Reviewed by Ronald Hull

One of your best. You have thoroughly covered the aspects of power and what it means. Sometimes with a bit of exaggeration like a drop of water becoming a deluge, but also taking aim at the ridiculous audacity of thinking that military power can bring a small nation to its knees.

Reminds me once again of the power of love, acceptance and forgiveness. Reaping much greater rewards than rejection and hatred.

Ron

Reviewed by Odin odin@aflx.com

Reviewed on May 30, 2026

As you've given here, paradox is a slippery concept, as it often pits good against evil, happiness against sadness. Absolutes are a misnomer, except in science. To keep paradox on the tip of one's tongue is to see experience as it truly is, not his way or her way, but the proven way, is getting the most out of any given moment. I always enjoy reading about this subject. Thank you for posting.