-- Our Thoughts --

John Herlihy

What are thoughts but uninvited ghosts,

Arriving unannounced as if from nowhere.

Hindering departure as ungracious hosts,

Introduced into our lives without a care.

Our thoughts come of their own accord,

Unwanted desires as if there to stay.

Deep in the well of our minds stored,

Until we can successfully chase them away.

Hand-painted colorations of a restless mind,

Shades of light and darkness that hover, glow.

If you ask them to leave, they become unkind,

Turning brown, grey, black as foul winds blow.

Some thoughts float on the breeze as clouds,

Uplifting, inspiring, soaring on wings of hope.

Some thoughts wrapped up tightly in shrouds,

Clinging desperately, darkly, on life’s thin rope.

Some thoughts fly heavenward on golden wings,

As butterflies, fireflies, wandering day and night.

In the cave of our heart with rhythm that sings,

Joyous melodies in the mind that feel just right.

Some thoughts drift thru our minds as farm dust,

Premonitions of a multitude of sinister imaginings.

Maledictions with power to turn steel into rust,

A sound foreboding as when a church bell rings.

Some thoughts arrive alone and leave as easily,

They make their claims, then take their leave.

As light-weight feathers that move on breezily,

They are what they are, no desire to deceive.

When thoughts leave, what do they leave behind,

The ground of the soul where we truly reside.

Such peace and contentment of a unique kind,

My deepest thoughts with the Spirit to confide.

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Copyright © John Herlihy

Tuesday 20 September 2022