Weakness in Strength (poem) by John Herlihy on AuthorsDen

Weakness in Strength
by John Herlihy → (All Poetry by John Herlihy)
Saturday, April 2, 2022 Rated "G" by the Author.

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-- The Weakness in Strength – John Herlihy Strength doesn’t necessarily mean we are strong. Illusion envelops our strength and feels so wrong. The British stiff upper lip, the American brave face, Winter discontent softened by beauty of frost lace. We are told to be tough, all our hardships to bear, Stoic in the face of adversity, tempered by prayer. No misfortune happens that we cannot overcome, No sorrowful song to listen to that cannot be sung. We are taught to be strong, never gaze into the void, Yet in strength lies weakness, things we cannot avoid. The image of our personal strength holds us in thrall, Yet in our heart of hearts, we know tears must fall. The death of a loved one, a country ravaged by war, The ocean wave surges until it breaks upon the shore. - - - - - - Copyright © John Herlihy Friday 1 April 2022

Reviewed by Jms Bell

Reviewed on May 12, 2022

OH THE 'STRENGTH' TO BE UNASHAMED OF OUR WEAKNESSES. TO BE ABLE TO CALL OURSELVES 'A FOOL', WHILE LOOKING IN THE MIRROR, AS OUR HEARTS BLEED. ALL HUMANS, HAVING THEIR 'MOMENTS'... DESERVE THE CHOSEN 'PRIVACY' FOUND IN THE ARMS OF ALMIGHTY GOD...AS HE TAKES THEIR TEARS AND PUTS THEM INTO HIS BOTTLE. AMEN. WELL DONE, MY FRIEND, THANKS. LOVE, BLESSINGS AND FAITH...HIS+INSPIRATIONS

Reviewed by Jane Noponen Perinacci

Reviewed on April 3, 2022

So many encouraging lines in this poem, John! Yes, sometimes it would be so easy to walk away from problems but in each line, there is a solution. Write on!!!

Love ya!

Jane

Reviewed by Rebecca McKeehan

Reviewed on April 2, 2022

I've learned a lot about true strength over the years. Yes, it can mean in a heroic sense. But sometimes it is born in acknowledging a problem and/or a personal weakness. Or even in accepting that nothing further can be done. From points such as that, strength becomes tempered. But it begins with first seeing where to begin.

Rebecca

Reviewed by Ronald Hull

The ocean breaking upon the shore, eventually breaks down the shoreline into sand.

As I read, I couldn't help thinking of the two leaders of Ukraine and Russia. The first considered weak because of his background and lack of experience in dealing with war, but strong with resolve and purpose. And the latter, perceived to be strong who turns out to be very weak because of his inability to understand his own people and their resolve.

Ron