Presence in Absence

by John Herlihy

We think of absence as an endless bottomless pit,

Quintessential loneliness we never dare to admit.

In the heart of absence presence there to emerge,

Absence a presence waiting for emptiness to purge.

Absence without presence an empty fathomless hole,

Even in the depths of a well a speck of sunlight stole.

Absence brings on the feelings of all that we missed,

Footsteps on an empty corridor reaching their crest.

Feelings of absence an empty cup waiting to be filled,

A beating heart, lonely and sad, waiting to be stilled.

Feelings of desperation we wish to escape in a rush,

Absence brings a sounding silence to listen to – hush.

The empty bubble of absence broken after oh so long,

Breath of feathers, brush of wings, notes of bird song.

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Copyright © John Herlihy

Friday 19 December 2025