Do Not Forget
by John Herlihy
What is it that I should never forget,
What is so imperative to remember.
A thing to remember with no regret,
A reality that harbors no pretender.
A thing with import of major concern,
A thing the heart has always wanted.
In this dark cave flaming embers burn,
Whispers beckon with an air haunted.
Forget not this one thing remembered,
This memorable thing as perfume sweet.
In the mind, a simple memory sequestered,
Lying patiently in wait our longing to greet.
If one thing need always be remembered,
What would that one thing stand out to be.
A thing treasured, without it – dismembered,
An indelible watermark that lies within me.
What happens when I end up forgetting,
The one thing that needs remembering.
As if forgetting a major part of the self,
That when remembering I know myself.
What happens when I end up remembering,
When I do remember that one very thing.
No more forgetting, blessed to remember,
That one very thing that makes hearts sing.
And so we end up dealing with life’s paradox,
Passing the hours forgetting the one true thing.
Occasionally, someone on our door knocks,
As deathly winter gives way to eternal spring.
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Copyright © John Herlihy
Saturday 21 March 2026
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