-- With Beauty, Without Beauty --

by John Herlihy

With beauty,

Bliss in what nature may give.

Without beauty,

The human being cannot live.

With beauty,

All of creation to espy.

Without beauty,

On what can we rely.

With beauty,

The enchantment of falling snow.

Without beauty,

Stark, bleak winter on show.

With beauty,

Untold mysteries unveiled.

Without beauty,

The heart by a spear impaled.

With beauty,

The warmth of summer spread.

Without beauty,

An eternal winter instead.

With beauty,

I see snow dust in a star.

Without beauty,

I see darkness near and far.

With beauty,

In the desert a well.

Without beauty,

A mirage as magic spell.

With beauty,

I see the celestial throne.

Without beauty,

I am simply alone.

With beauty,

My soul as whole.

Without beauty,

The devil my soul stole.

With beauty,

I feel nature’s bliss.

Without beauty,

I will nature’s gift miss.

In nature’s beauty always at home,

Serenity and peace under heaven’s dome.

- - - - - -

Copyright © John Herlihy

Friday 2 February 2024