-- The Emptiness of Consolation --

John Herlihy

Consolation brings little satisfaction,

Its solace waits patiently in the wings.

Feeble relief whose tide has no traction,

Like a wind whose breath briefly sings.

Sudden bereavement mounts its wave,

That surges in a torrent into the heart.

A loved one gone without a final wave,

Small comfort fills a heart broken apart.

Thru hardship and sorrow there lingers,

Gentle hints that all will soon turn well.

While little consolation slips thru fingers,

Just grains of sand without much to tell.

Empty consolation brings little to inspire,

To leave behind feelings proven still dire.

-- The Fullness of Consolation --

John Herlihy

Consolation brings fulfilling satisfaction,

Its solace waits patiently in the wings.

Welcome relief whose tide has traction,

Like a wind whose breath happily sings.

Sudden bereavement mounts its wave,

That surges in a torrent into the heart.

A loved one gone without a final wave,

Then comfort fills a heart broken apart.

The hardship and sorrow never lingers,

Consolation knows soon all will be well.

As misery slowly slips thru open fingers,

Just grains of sand without much to tell.

Fullness of consolation will always inspire,

To rekindle our hearts with its spark of fire.

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(c) John Herlihy 23 May 2019