The Virginity of the Senses
By John Herlihy

We are bestowed with five instruments of sense,
Each one representing an ability most intense,
Instruments of desire that we have at our disposal,
To help us uncover the mystery of life’s proposal,
To see, to hear, to smell, to taste, and yes to touch,
All unique measures of reality; God has given us much.

There is a virginity to the senses that is undeniable;
The uniqueness of the experience is fully verifiable.
Ask the blind man what most he would like to see,
He may well respond the rare likeness of me and thee.
What would the person wish to hear who is deaf and dumb?
She may respond with conviction the voice of her loved one.

Why should it be any different for the fullness of our faculties?
Our senses experience the world with no undue tragedies.
If we take care to note the impressions of the senses,
The senses will take note of the impressions of themselves.
They will fulfill their duty without taking leave of the senses,
They will give us their due without offering us any pretences.

I have seen the pale moon on the horizon many times;
But its pale light enters my heart as if for the first time.
I have heard birds sing and chipmunks chatter many a time;
But every song and sound greet me as if for the first time.
I have eaten at feasts and banquets as long as a lifetime;
But the drop of lemon and honey seem always the first time.

Let us always recall and never forget to remember,
Two further senses add richness to life’s incredible splendor.
The sixth sense singles us out with its vision and understanding,
Our egoism, selfishness and unruly emotions notwithstanding.
The seventh sense allows us to contemplate untold worlds internally,
Then communicate our innermost thoughts to one and all universally.

The virginity of all the senses remains their one unique trait,
Returning us for a few moments back to the lost virgin state.