As about this world we navigate,
We order what we know.
Mental integrity, a valued trait,
Keeps us straight wherever we go.

Myth, at core, may hold a truth,
While proliferating in a radial vein.
Verity can fade, after its youth,
Until no realisms remain.

So we balance with critical thought,
By questioning implications:
If this is true , then what’s it bought,
And what are the bifurcations?

Are there facts laid out for view?
If not, then why wouldn’t they be?
Comport with things known true ?
Integrate smoothly in logic tree?

And what of the answers they try?
Are they straight, and certified?
Or on scattered obscurities rely?
Old text that can’t be verified?

Are there loose ends attached,
Subtle contradiction of conformation?
 In other ways mismatched,
Or denigrate sound information?

Are assurances anecdotal and loose?
Assertions backed by hard proof?
Is it hearsay you’re asked to choose?
A linked chain of cultural spoof?

Questions should be discussed,
That get at truth of the matter,
Even if authority be nonplussed,
Or angered by insistent chatter.

Query, query. Query, you must,
Always due diligence do.
Independent sources you’ll trust,
But nothing is absolutely true .

Science, in this way, advances,
For no propositions are writ in stone,
And are deemed irrelevances,
When better ones them dethrone.

© 2007 R. Leland Waldrip