At the Heart of Reality (poem) by John Herlihy on AuthorsDen

At the Heart of Reality
by John Herlihy → (All Poetry by John Herlihy)
Sunday, August 30, 2026 Rated "G" by the Author.

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At the Heart of Reality by John Herlihy ________________________________________ Ah, how I wish to find the right words— words that can strike at the heart of reality, an unquestioned reality that draws us in under the merciful folds of its soft blanket. We seldom see the true nature of reality, To witness the reality that lies unseen beneath the shiny surfaces of the day’s unreality, waiting to make itself known, waiting to gleam. A reality unseen by the outer senses— something to hear without really listening, to be touched when no one there touching, a fine smell that brings about a fresh awakening. We are surrounded by so‑called realities, subtle unknown realities waiting to be known, truths that whisper, suggest, unveil themselves— a reality that feels comfortable once made known. Why do we allow ourselves to live on the fringe, floating on waters that keep us on the surface, content with what the five physical senses tell us— until suddenly a door opens wide as if unhinged? As if once blind, now seeing for the first time; once deaf, now hearing melodies sublime; to be touched as if never touched before; to taste life’s nectar—and now you want more. We all want secrets in our minds to hold, secrets we treasure when we are finally told, to be singled out to receive such a valued gift— a secret no one else knows, a secret that hearts uplift. A secret that brings forth a bud into bloom, a secret that turns a caterpillar into a butterfly, a speck of light in the waters of a deep well, a soothing resonance echoing from a tolling bell. The next time you awaken, be sure to think again of all the hidden wonders that might have been— of what lies deep within the heart of life’s mystery, truths to be found within the heart of life’s reality. --- Copyright © John Herlihy Saturday 1 August 2026

Reviewed by Jms Bell

Reviewed on September 14, 2026

EACH PERSON'S REALITY IS DIFFERENT. THUS, EACH HEART EMBRACES THAT WHICH IS 'REALITY' FOR THEM. THANKS FOR SHARING. LOVE, BLESSINGS AND FAITH...HIS+INSPIRATIONS

Reviewed by Ronald Hull

Reviewed on August 31, 2026

Reality is a very personal thing. I believe that everyone of us have a different view of what reality is. According to quantum physics, everything that we sense and think about, particularly those things we think are solid and nearly forever, like gold and diamonds, at the heart, their atoms and their quarks, are dancing and whirling sub elements that seem to have no substance at all. As if everything we have is just temporary in the life of the universe.

Wonderful attempt at defining reality the way we see it.

Ron

Reviewed by Richard Cederberg

Reviewed on August 30, 2026

I struggle with finding the right words too. Always have. It can be a journey (for me) that spans days sometimes. Truths and wonders to be found. I can attest that they're all around us always. And (in my experiences) many can be found in plain sight. A neighbors generosity, a sunset over the hills, a piece of music that moves you, a hummingbird fearlessly hovering a foot in front of your face communicating with you, or a moment of clarity in prayer, meditation, or in writing. Many of these wonders are not rare, they are just part of the fabric of daily life. Thank God for that.
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Seems the wonders in our lives are both external and internal. Many of them can be found in what beauty remains in the world, the strength and loving kindness of others, and the depth of our own personal experiences, spiritual and corporeal. Bottom line: it's important to live aware, cognizant, mindful, watchful, vigilant, observant and open-eyed, it allows for more presence, purpose and wonder in the dailiness we all experience. A sound message, John, that can be applied in various ways to each readers lives. Nicely written. Thanks for sharing. Peace... rlc