-- OH, WOULD THAT I COULD --

John Herlihy

Oh, would that I could frown as the imperial face of thee,

Such storm clouds as gather on the horizon of eternity.

With all the forces of nature’s wind at my command,

I would call for silence as I utter my universal reprimand.

I would send forth lightning bolts that would seize the heart,

A sword of light powerful enough to sever aged trees apart.

Oh, would that I could frown as the imperial face of thee,

Such storm clouds as gather on the horizon of eternity.

Oh, would that I could flow onward as I set forth my stream,

And reflect on my surface waters sparkling sunlight to gleam.

With harrowing depths that no surface turmoil could survive,

My clear waters run deep to overflowing, as I begin to thrive.

I have absorbed all the borrowed moonlight the sun has given;

I have followed sinuous pathways, through parched earth striven.

Oh, would that I could flow onward as I set forth my stream,

And reflect on my surface waters sparkling sunlight to gleam.

Oh, would that I could absorb that blackness of the black night,

Revile in all the dark mystery that outer space brings to our sight.

To float in freefall thru space and time with an emotion sublime,

Lifted by feathered wings of the night, my head nestled outside time.

All of nature knows that day is no less day and night is no less night;

Infinity has taken leave of space and eternity from time’s own right.

Oh, would that I could absorb that blackness of the black night,

Revile in all the dark mystery that outer space brings to our sight.

Oh, would that I could imbue the lush, the glorious frivolity of spring,

To become the very incarnation of the spirit this season will bring.

To throw off all the stiffness of the rigor mortis that fills winter air,

The peaceful beauty of snow cannot erase a douleur found in despair.

To become reborn, suddenly resurrected alive, a bud about to bloom,

Filling the cup of promise without the restraint of winter’s gloom.

Oh, would that I could imbue the lush, the glorious frivolity of spring,

To become the very incarnation of the spirit this season will bring.

Oh, would that I could fill myself with the warmth of summer’s hearth,

To refresh in the waters of her springs and ponds as in a primordial bath.

Everything seemed as fresh as a daisy as if inner light turned on within,

Whether within or without amid the hopeful surrounding, I need only grin.

Summer’s garden fills hearts with joy, its cascades of flowers a cornucopia,

That marks this season with its profusion of delight to create a virtual utopia.

Oh, would that I could fill myself with the warmth of summer’s hearth,

To refresh in the waters of her springs and ponds as in a primordial bath.

Oh, would that I could fill myself with the inner depths of a world unknown;

Curiosity aroused, heart enflamed, venture forth where wind has never blown.

We are surrounded with mystery wherever we go until I finally know I am there,

Arrived within the heart of a mystery that no magnitude of wonder can spare.

To fill me, to thrill me, to instill in me all the darkness and light of truth’s beauty,

To peel away layers of life’s mystery to enter the inner sanctum of the Divinity.

Oh, would that I could fill myself with the inner depths of a world unknown;

Curiosity aroused, heart enflamed, venture forth where wind has never blown.

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(c) John Herlihy 21 March 2019