-- Empty vs. Full --

By John Herlihy

Empty vs full an age-old struggle,

Elements we the entire life juggle.

Woe to a fullness that feels empty,

Happy an emptiness that feels full.

Why does this fullness feel so empty,

Satiated to the brim by much plenty.

Fullness waiting to be finally emptied,

Of the burden of fullness finally freed.

Why does this emptiness feel so full,

All of our debts now add up to null.

Emptiness waiting to be replenished,

Opportunity lies in feeling famished.

Pivot of half full fearing to be empty,

Worrisome thoughts will tempt me.

Pivot of half empty wishing to be full,

Secret desires our heart strings pull.

Fullness sometimes longs for hunger,

When feeling full losses its thunder.

Emptiness sometimes longs to be full,

Second nature to us, dyed in the wool.

When feeling full, I never feel satisfied,

With emptiness waiting to be gratified.

When empty, I never succumb to fear,

I know feelings of fullness lie ever near.

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Copyright © John Herlihy

Friday 2 June 2023