The Devil

by John Herlihy

The devil comes in many forms,

So many whispers, so many faces.

Whistling a tune our mind adorns,

Taking us to many unwanted places.

Is the devil a real person, who cares,

A truth behind all the temptation.

Impervious to our fervent prayers,

With no interest in our reputation.

We wear the devil on our sleeve,

Ready to listen to whatever happens.

Inspiring us to acti without reprieve,

With dire consequences no one reckons.

The devil such an unsuspecting friend,

Leading us to places we shouldn’t go.

Then leaves us alone at the very end,

Leaving behind sour notes on a banjo.

What is the devil but a wanton thief,

Willing any and every soul to steal.

All the temptation without any relief,

Without any way for the soul to heal.

We build so many houses of prayer,

But if you make a close examination.

You’ll find a chapel to the devil there,

To draw in most of the congregation.

Upon this earth the devil will long live,

Ready to spring upon us with surprise.

Posing as true friend with a gift to give,

The voice be sweet but bitter the eyes.

The devil considers himself as oh so sly,

Crafty, sinister, his wrongs always right.

Causing evils he feels no need to justify,

As he walks merrily into the dark night.

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Copyright © John Herlihy

Sunday 20 July 2025