Litanies of Departure and Return
By John Herlihy

Litanies unravel
As departure and return.
In mirrors they travel
Thru the land of sojourn.

Night falls
As Death’s shadow.
Dawn rises
As Life’s awakening.
Snow descends
As a mystical miracle.
Mist rises
As a phantom ghost.
Summer arrives
With Spring’s dress.
Winter arrives
With Autumn’s undress.
Mountains roll
With strength unbound.
Rivers flow
With silvery sound.
Flowers bloom
With beauty’s mercy.
Trees die
In ancient sorrow.
The future appears
As today’s promise.
The past disappears
In today’s moment.
The mystery probes
As the unknown waiting.
The secret holds
As a surprise baiting.
Life unfolds
As a soul set free.
Death scolds
With its chilling cold.

The litany goes on
As departure and return.
Destiny’s pleasure
In life’s brief sojourn.