Love and Loss (poem) by John Herlihy on AuthorsDen

Love and Loss
by John Herlihy → (All Poetry by John Herlihy)
Monday, August 3, 2026 Rated "G" by the Author.

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Love and Loss by John Herlihy ________________________________________ What steadies us more in love? What changes us more in loss? What makes us more complete? What clearly breaks our heart? The power of love that fills us, The power of loss that empties us, The sense of fullness that love brings, The sense of emptiness that lost brings. As the cup complete in its fullness, As the cup complete in its emptiness, We come to understand the one, We come to understand the other. In understanding, love empties us, In understanding, loss can fills us, In filling us, love will take us away, In emptying us, a loss never goes away. Love pours its emotion into life's cup. Loss empties its emotion from life's cup. In the fullness of love, dust can settle, In the emptiness of loss, dust never settles. —- Copyright © John Herlihy Thursday 9 July 2026

Reviewed by Jms Bell

Reviewed on September 14, 2026

NO MATTER HOW PAINFUL LOVE CAN BE...IT IS WORTH EVERY ACHE TO HAVE EXPERIENCED IT. LOVE, BLESSINGS AND FAITH...HIS+INSPIRATIONS

Reviewed by Ronald Hull

Reviewed on August 4, 2026

Having been alone and lost loves, I fully understand your sentiment. Fortunately, I'm surrounded by love these days making life beautiful every day.

Ron

Reviewed by Richard Cederberg

Reviewed on August 3, 2026

What I glean from this piece is the philosophical view that love is both a transformative force, and a source of deep sorrow, and that loss, while painful, and at times confusing, can be a necessary part of self-understanding and growth. Thanks for the insight. Hope you're well. Peace. r

Reviewed by Odin odin@aflx.com

I'm sure many, like myself, can identify with your enumberation of human to human love. Much of what you write abot here is also in sync with other manafestatuins of love. Yes, there is much to be gleaned from experiiencing love at it fullest, and the loss of its essence. Key word thoughout your piece is: understanding. Well thought and penned.