Ode to Simplicity

by John Herlihy

This quality of simplicity—

what is it but a mystery,

lost in embellished lies,

found in the naked truth.

Simplicity asks for nothing;

complexity asks for everything.

Simplicity gives everything;

complexity gives nothing.

Either good or evil—

therein lies simplicity:

as simple as possible,

but never simpler.

The simplicity of the circle,

where eternity forever flows.

The simplicity of the night sky,

filled with stars a child knows.

The simplicity of silence,

that only in silence heard.

The simplicity of a poem,

built word by every word.

In the blooming of the rose

lies the simplicity of the tale.

The simplicity of a mystery

hidden securely behind a veil.

The simplicity of a line,

the complexity of its direction.

The straight and narrow sublime,

the diversity of its perception.

In problems lies complexity;

in solutions lies simplicity.

Emotions express diversity;

faith expresses simplicity.

I wrote a complex letter

because I had the time.

I didn’t write a simple letter

because I didn’t have the time.

In listening to harmony,

we can hear perfection.

In finding perfection,

we feel the simplicity.

Complexity is easy to attain;

simplicity not easy to attain.

Complexity turns out to be easy;

simplicity turns out to be difficult.

The greatest falsehoods complex;

the greatest truths simple.

To understand complexity, ask an adult.

To understand simplicity, ask a child.

Simplicity: nothing more to add.

Simplicity: nothing more to remove.

In simplicity lies great beauty;

in mystery lies great simplicity.

Blessed are the simple of heart,

for they belong to another heart.

Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for they belong to a richer Spirit.

Simplicity and purity—

two wings that lift us aloft.

The simplicity of a useful life;

the purity of a chosen life.

—

Copyright © John Herlihy

Friday, 3 July 2026