I Never Knew (poem) by John Herlihy on AuthorsDen

I Never Knew
by John Herlihy → (All Poetry by John Herlihy)
Tuesday, August 16, 2022 Rated "G" by the Author.

Save

An earlier poem from a few years ago that I came across when preparing my new collection of earlier poems. I am not sure if I am getting better or worse at this; I'll let my readers decide.

I Never Knew These things I never knew, Until I came to know them. I never knew what silence was, Until I heard my first sound. I never knew what love was, Until I felt hate all around. I never knew what daylight was, Until the dark fell across my path. I never knew what peace was, Until the storm’s aftermath. I never knew what mystery was, Until its secret became a gift. I never knew what wings were, Until I felt their awesome lift. I never knew what happiness was, Until sadness tore me down. I never knew what salvation was, Until I felt the devil’s frown. I never knew what fear was, Until I saw the angel of death. I never knew what life was, Until death stole my breath. I never knew time’s true face, Until eternity took its place. These things I never knew, Until I came to know them.

Reviewed by Jms Bell

Reviewed on August 20, 2022

ISN'T IT A MARVEL...THE THINGS ONE 'MUST' PERSONALLY EXPERIENCE...TO COME TO KNOW THEM. THERE'S JUST NO OTHER WAY. LIFE, INDEED. BEAUTIFULLY PENNED. LOVE, BLESSINGS AND FAITH...HIS+INSPIRATIONS

Reviewed by audrine max

Reviewed on August 16, 2022

you are one great alchemist, John. bravo! much enjoyed your piece.

Reviewed by Richard Cederberg

You're not sure if you're getting better or worse? You need someone else to tell you that? Here's some thoughts that rose up in me after reading this. If you are arrantly truthful in your writing, your originality will flourish. The 'original' poet becomes a channel for things far greater than self-seeking. For a writer/poet to find their real authentic voice they have to stand with people, not above them. �There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.� Write on.... r

Reviewed by Ronald Hull

Your poem seems to be all about experience and discovery from experiencing. We can't get everything we know from sticking our noses in books. We have to get out and experience life if we are to know all of its ups and downs.

This older poem seems similar to what you are writing today. Seemingly riddles with lots of questions that get answered in the next line. A kind of affirmation that you are writing on the right track.

I have checked back on a few of my poems and find that I was writing much more into a fewer lines back in those days. Until I ran out of trying to top my last poem each week. Now I am merely dropping an eclectic attempt now, jumping genres randomly.

Ron