Touch of Sadness (poem) by John Herlihy on AuthorsDen

Touch of Sadness
by John Herlihy → (All Poetry by John Herlihy)
Sunday, May 31, 2026 Rated "G" by the Author.

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A Touch of Sadness by John Herlihy A touch of sadness upon those that live here on earth, A touch of gladness for those that live out their days. We go about our lives never knowing what to expect, Our tapestry fringed with threads of hope and regret. To spend long hours looking at the horizon and beyond, The mind open to the imagination as if by magic wand. A sadness made manifest found from the depths of soul, As we gather the pieces of ourselves to make us whole. An empty bowl within that speaks the need for fulness, Pieces of the puzzle found that promises completeness. A great longing that addresses our need for closeness, Chains of love as chains of steel that offer togetherness. A sense of belonging lying in the reflection of the mirror, At one with the universe to ward off any sense of terror. The mind reads all of nature’s signs the unseen to witness, In the far land of beyond lies the secrets of the universe. Here I am all alone, all put together of a hundred pieces, Now home in the hearth after living in a thousand places. The touch of sadness once with us and will be with us still, Briefly in exile here on earth in the shadow of God’s will. - - - - - Copyright © John Herlihy Friday 26 September 2025

Reviewed by Jms Bell

Reviewed on July 10, 2026

OF COURSE...HERE AND THERE, WHEN ONE TAKES THE TIME TO REFLECT, THERE WILL ALWAYS BE JUST...'TOUCHES' OF SADNESS IN OUR LIVES. BUT PRAISE GOD THEY ONLY ENDURE FOR A...NIGHT...FOR 'HIS JOY' THAT DISSIPATES IT ALL... COMES WITH EVERY NEW MORNING'S LIGHT! WELL DONE, AND ENJOYED, MY FRIEND. LOVE, BLESSINGS AND FAITH...HIS+INSPIRATIONS.

Reviewed by Ronald Hull

Reviewed on June 3, 2026

I think that it is at times of being alone that we come upon an occasional sadness. It may be a memory, it may be just that we don't know everything. Especially when it comes to the universe.

I think it's normal for us to feel sad once in a while. But if it persists, it is most likely depression and that can be more difficult to deal with.

Ron

Reviewed by E Phillips

Reviewed on May 31, 2026

I believe we were on parallel paths today, John. Mystic journies are like that, Well penned.

Reviewed by Rebecca McKeehan

A true poem of introspection. Who hasn't looked within and faced the sadness and loneliness that can fill our souls? But I've found I'm able to find quiet nooks and niches within myself that harbor beauty and hope. I choose to concentrate on those rather than the sadness that would rob me of them.

Rebecca

Reviewed by Odin odin@aflx.com

The battle to keep sadness at a distance has become an even greater focus, given the world shares less and less of happy feelings. As may have to work harder at what was penned at an Academy Award by McConahay: Rise each morning with something to look forward to; someone to look up to; and someone to chase. The chase, as he put it, was yourself which we never catch up with. I heard this some time ago, and have used it continually. It works. All this is to say that sadness may be the exagerative nature of obsession, even with one's misfortune. Your words are full of serious consideration, but as you show, everyone must find the solution for themselves. Well done. Thank you for posting.