I Speak Not

by John Herlihy

I speak not, but recite the words,

I hear not, but listen to the birds.

I see not, but contemplate the Unseen,

I touch not, but touched by a sunbeam,

I imagine things, but You greater things inspire,

I want things, but You are my inmost desire.

I am hopeless, but You give me hope,

I am supportless, but You give me rope.

I am blind, but I still innerly see,

I am unkind, but You are kind to me.

I am deaf, but hear music of the spheres,

I am dumb, but my prayer reaches Your ears.

I am thoughtless, You are my inspiration,

I senseless, but You my every sensation.

I ignorant, but thru You I know,

I a shadow, but You give me a halo,

I have no destination, You show me the way,

I am without words, You tell me what to say.

When I am totally alone, I feel You are near,

I am but flesh and bone, Your Spirit I hold dear.

Even if You at times never seemed real,

I could never my love from You conceal.

Even if at times You never seemed true ,

It is only You that I live for, it is only You.

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Copyright © John Herlihy

Saturday 20 December 2025