Piece of a Puzzle
By John Herlihy

What am I but another piece of life’s puzzle,
When I feel like a dog just wearing a muzzle.
The world a puzzle in which I don’t quite fit,
Here in this cracked world in which I now sit.
Sometimes I can’t help but feel totally alone,
A lost piece of life’s puzzle pared to the bone.

The earth floats on its course through eternity,
While I drift, a feather in a land of temporality.
In my wandering, old voices tell me new tales,
Of ancient autumns, harsh winters, wind’s sails.
All of Mother Nature’s signs are there to read,
If only I could decipher them, plant their seed.

As I stare up from far below into remote heavens,
The stars in their constellations turn on wheels.
Even darkness is swallowed in the celestial dome,
The twinkling light of stars suggests a divine home.
If lightning should strike, I will gladly let it sear me;
If thunder may rumble, I will let it roar through me.

At least, I will know Mother Nature took notice,
Touched by the exotic scent of a primordial lotus.
Ancient voices sound from the sanctity of the woods,
Whippoorwills call each other in ways understood.
As I walked firmly into the woods it began to rain,
The rain felt cold and clean, as it always claimed.

For once, I leave earth’s puzzle behind on its own;
Without me, it can wander aimlessly just solid stone.