-- Perfection of the Paradise --

John Herlihy

Children bring down with them the perfection of the Paradise;

They float freely as fluff feathers before landing on earth’s vise.

As they float through the darkness of space, they breathe in soul;

Multiple galaxies swirl around them until they are created whole.

They ignore the stars as commonplace and pass into the clouds;

Until landing in the arms of the mothers and the adoring crowds.

We gaze on the beloved face of an infant who knows no wrong;

Its smile and laughter accompany the notes of lyrical bird song.

Their helplessness only highlights just how little they are aware,

Of all the vicissitudes of an enduring life they will have to bear.

The silky skin, the pudgy limbs, crystal clear eyes, the down hair;

Not a single person looks upon them but feels wonder to stare.

Soon, any clear proof of heaven’s perfection will soon be gone,

In earth’s multitude, the infant will no longer with stars belong.

The first cry of life pierces the world with the voice of rejection,

As the infant feels loss of Paradise and its sublime perfection.

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(c) John Herlihy 22 January 2019