The Sense of Nonsense

by John Herlihy

The word nonsense 

Like a butterfly without a care.

Without any false pretense,

With no intention to snare.

The word lands in the mind, 

At times like a falling stone.

Neutral -- neither kind nor unkind, 

A carving pared down to the bone.

I listen to what you say,

But it makes absolutely no sense. 

What else can I call what you say,

But the truth: just nonsense.

Then there is the occasion,

To use the word as in play.

A frolic without any evasion,

A wayward child having its way.

She says: I am in your debt.

Nonsense, I playfully reply.

No need to worry or fret.

She listens with grateful eye.

Spoken as a cushion, a pillow,

So comforting, just teasing.

To make the moment billow,

A sense of lightness, pleasing.

She said: I feel like a pest,

Nonsense, you’re exaggerating.

She said: Oh, I don’t look my best,

Nonsense you look inspiring.

Then the sense of the practical.

I can’t do it, it can’t be done.

Nonsense can seem philosophical.

Hasn’t the spider its own web spun?

Say it softly and it simply soothes.

Say it harshly and it induces a moan.

Say it sharply and it simply seethes,

Finding added meaning in its tone.

Often, the word just makes sense,

Calling something plain nonsense.

Taken as moment of mirth, of joy,

Said with a smile, an honest ploy.

Whether serious, playful or factual,

The word finds much variety in use. 

To convey one's meaning as actual,

It is what it is, no trickery, no ruse.

Just plain, old-fashioned nonsense.

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Copyright © John Herlihy

Friday 2 January 2026