Life of Breath (poem) by John Herlihy on AuthorsDen

Life of Breath
by John Herlihy → (All Poetry by John Herlihy)
Saturday, July 18, 2026 Rated "G" by the Author.

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The Life of Breath by John Herlihy We speak of the soulful music of strings, What then of the music the breath sings? Sounds of a breath in the tolling of a bell, Sounds of despair in the depths of a well. Breath that animates the soul of a piano, Hushed breath to gently echo pianissimo. The chill breath of wind from Antarctica, The sweet breath of a soulful harmonica. The breath of life that makes hearts soar, The breath of spirit earnest souls adore. Forget not that breath comes from the air, Air, wind, the breathless words of prayer. The whoosh of air in the breath of wings, The breath of the chill that winter brings. The white breath of the wolf that howls, The humid breath of a panther that prowls. The breath of words that our mind haunted, The breath of words that our heart taunted. A breath of wind draws from the eye a tear, In darkened shadows hear the breath of fear. Breath that gives live to the first human cry, Breath that welcomes death in the final sigh. The shrill, breathless sound of a musical fife, The soft, flowing sound in the breath of life. - - - - - Copyright © John Herlihy Friday 2 January 2026

Reviewed by Jms Bell

Reviewed on September 14, 2026

INDEED, NOT TO BE TAKEN LIGHTLY, AT ALL! FOR WITHOUT 'HIS BREATH'...'ABSOLUTELY NOTHING' ON THE FACE OF THIS PLANET HAS ... LIFE! FINE WORK, MY FRIEND, ENJOYED. LOVE, BLESSINGS AND FAITH...HID+INSPIRATIONS

Reviewed by Odin odin@aflx.com

Reviewed on July 20, 2026

As I've watched several films of late about the lesser aspects of animals, and I recall breathing as an often-voiced reality that has its own uique patterns. So, I especially took to this phrase: The whoosh of air in the breath of wings,

The breath of the chill that winter brings.

The white breath of the wolf that howls,

The humid breath of a panther that prowls.

Thanks for posting.

Reviewed by Ronald Hull

Reviewed on July 18, 2026

You have covered the breadth of breath here. But I didn't see a cough mentioned. A welcome breath when something is stuck in my throat.

Like our heart muscle, the muscles that operate our lungs do it regardless of what our brain feels or thinks. Breathing is like the heart beating, silent and continuing until it stops with death. Essential for bringing oxygen to the brain and body, it cannot stop.

To you I say, keep writing and breathe on�

Ron