-- Searching for Happiness --

by John Herlihy

I do not search or ask for happiness,

On its own merit it knows that it arrives.

Life’s routines find measure in persistence,

If happiness appears, it comes as surprise.

I do not search or ask for my belief,

My faith accompanies me wherever I go.

Amid all doubts the world offers – relief,

The axiom: so shall we reap what we sow/

I do not search or ask for anyone’s trust,

I trust the Lord, even for the impossible.

With the strength of steel never to rust,

With trust in God the impossible possible.

I do not search or ask for things unearned,

What right have I to expect things for free.

Fire produces heat from the wood burned,

The destiny I live from the efforts within me.

I do not search or ask for excessive wealth,

Fresh food on the table, a place to lay my head.

What use the world if gained through stealth,

Things unearned may corrupt the soul instead.

I do not search or ask for life excessively long,

I am content with the notion of appointed time.

Give me health, well-being, to sing my own song,

Whether it be long or short, my life will be mine.

One thing that I do search and openly ask for,

The ability to lift the veil, to reveal life’s mystery.

To read from nature’s signs secrets to stand for,

In reply, to live in harmony with the true Reality.

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Copyright © John Herlihy

Saturday 3 February 2024