MIRROR POEMS

-- A Light Heaviness –

John Herlihy

A weight on certain scales can prove to be light;

Just as stars offer light in the heaviness of night.

Never forget the weight of goodness on the scale,

Producing a levity of heart to tell a different tale.

We never forget that our sorrows can be heavy;

Sadness as prelude to happiness makes us ready.

Individual destiny may unfold as a heavy burden;

Yet overcoming challenges can lift life’s curtain.

Some bear weight of the world on their shoulder,

Feeling the lightness of wisdom in growing older.

In life, we are given no burden we cannot bear;

Our burden made light thru the power of prayer.

Strange how heaviness causes lightness of being;

The levity of a feather floats heavy in the seeing.

-- A Heavy Lightness –

John Herlihy

Lightness on some scales can prove to be heavy;

The bearer of certain emotions that seem a levy.

Some feelings of happiness we can hardly bear;

The feeling but temporary as prelude to despair.

A promise made in earnest makes us light to wit;

The broken promise is heavy in the darkened pit.

What of the scarcity of good deeds on the scale,

Producing a heaviness of heart to tell a sorry tale.

Our happiness is impinged by impending sorrow;

Feathery lightness here today but gone tomorrow.

We agree to take on a task we can do with ease;

Only to realize it as a burden designed to displease.

Strange how lightness causes heaviness in a feather;

Even birds are weighted down in torrential weather.

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Copyright © John Herlihy

Thursday 9 September 2021