Doubt

by John Herlihy

doubt, that ghostly shadow

that roams stealthy thru the night

that walks brazenly thru the day

an uninvited guest in the mind

in search of a comfortable niche

roots of doubt ancient and deep

as if claiming a basic law of nature

wherever the light of certainty goes out

the specter of doubt will soon follow

as branches to the tree

as rivers to the sea

that feels at home between the layers

that slides down between the cracks

as if the mind and body

have parted their merry ways

the mind taking the body

where it doesn't want to go

walks proudly, no bending of knees

specializes in creating discontent

casting doubt what things meant

life is full of mysteries

doubt is not one of them

doubt exudes the odor of certainty

with its birthmark of duplicity

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Copyright © John Herlihy

Wednesday 5 November 2025