-- As Old as New --

by John Herlihy

The old as well as the new,

Each one puts its stamp.

As ancient winds blew,

Each one holds a lamp.

These new waves as old,

As the rhythm of the sea.

This fresh snow as new,

As a growing sapling tree.

The dawn light is old,

As today’s dawn is new.

The dusk light is old,

Limping away as if sold.

The mountains as old,

As valleys where they rest.

These valleys be as verdant,

As if they were newly blessed.

The ebb tide rises the shore to meet,

The crescendo reached in a hush.

The flow tide departs on little feet,

Older, wiser, no longer in a rush.

This young man, fresh and free

Lonely young eyes, everything to see

This old man, aged and wise

Sees the horizon thru hooded eyes

Nothing as old,

As the birth of time.

Nothing as new,

As thoughts that are mine.

The past ever so old,

And yet has still survived.

The future ever so young,

And has yet to arrive.

Time so very old,

As ancient as can be.

Time so very young,

As new as will ever be.

Love, patience, hope, beauty,

Such things seem so very old.

Hate, impatience, despair, misery,

Such things feel so very new.

Life’s secret as old,

As its message concealed.

Life’s secret as young,

As an unfolding bud revealed.

Life question as new,

When for the first time heard.

Life’s question as old,

As the warbling of the first bird.

Life’s mystery is old,

As each distant night star.

Life’s mystery as new,

As the rising of the North Star.

My arrival in this world,

As new as the first human.

My departure from this world,

As old at the death of everyone.

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Copyright © John Herlihy

Sunday 4 August 2024