A Patchwork Quilt
By John Herlihy

What is our life but a patchwork quilt,
A running river as it accumulates silt.
What is our destiny but yarn unravelling,
A crooked path that sets us travelling.
An endless series of mountains to climb,
With a few brief rays of the sun to shine.
At times, just stirring dust in our tracks,
As we carry a heavy burden on our backs.
Let us not forget to mention the sorrows,
To burden our days with sad tomorrows.
We each have a patchwork quilt unique,
A snowflake that mimics what we seek.
Beckoned forward by our fitful dreams,
Hoping that life will turn out as it seems.
We set forth on the journey by firm will,
At journey’s end, I will be seeking still.