-- OUR GREATEST ILLUSION --

John Herlihy

Oh, would that we could be like the flowers, birds, and bees;

Would that we could be those blushing leaves amid the trees.

The sun rises and sets without a question of what it has done;

The turtle plods on its path without wondering why it can’t run.

Whether the turtle happy or sad, on determination she relies;

As random butterflies hover near to drink tears from her eyes.

Oh, would that we could accept our destiny, just be ourselves;

Would that we asked no awkward questions as naughty elves.

The bud graciously opens a petaled head into a glorious flower;

The seconds and minutes of the day know nothing of the hour.

The firefly makes no attempt to illuminate the midnight world;

Even star-studded galaxies have no clear idea that they swirled.

Oh, would that we could not betray the mandate of our free will;

Would that we not want the wrong thing to prove ignorance still.

The birds sing, the owls hoot, the crickets saw, the wolves howl;

Day gives way to night as ghosts make their way on the prowl.

We humans question everything until we fall back in confusion;

Our self-consciousness gives us away, with its greatest illusion.

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(c) John Herlihy 5 April 2019