The Luxury of Solitude
by John Herlihy
Remember solitude
Or have you forgotten?
Solitude’s infinite quietude
From the Divine begotten.
The bliss of being alone,
Just me, myself, and I.
Pared down to the bone,
Upon solitude to rely.
Remember accountability
Or have you forgotten?
Fine-tuning one's sensibility,
From the inner self begotten.
Solitude always stays with me,
Whenever, wherever I go.
A loving child at my knee,
As gentle breeze did blow.
Immune to things, unattached,
I go about my merry way.
At ease with myself, detached,
With next to nothing to say.
I do remember solitude,
Something I don't often forget.
As I walk onward in gratitude,
To find solitude I never regret.
Ah, the exquisite luxury of solitude,
Everywhere betwixt and between.
Lonely solitude offers lovely plenitude,
As silent voices say what they mean.
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Copyright © John Herlihy
Sunday 25 January 2026
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Ron
.
The premise of your poem brought to mind something Pablo Picasso proffered: "Without great solitude, no serious work is possible." Amen! Productive solitude (IMO) is not being isolated for its own sake, but a deliberate discipline that nurtures creativity, as well as the mind spirit and soul. "The quieter you become, the more you are able to hear." Rumi. A nicely written relatable insight, John. Well done! Peace. r