The Truth of Facts
By John Herlihy

The truth of facts leaves something to be desired,
Some edge of beauty to be considered inspired.
We know that facts have mathematical precision,
A physicality brings with them an air of decision.
What the senses record never lie, leave no doubt,
Sane people wonder what all the fuss is about.

What’s more, they wonder how faith can be true ;
As the basis of a premise, it comes out of the blue.
To their reckoning, faith seems but a make-believe;
A form of betrayal where people themselves deceive.
Yet what of a faith that measures only facts instead;
To tell us all we need to know but leave behind dread.

And what is that feeling of dread facts leave behind,
But unanswered questions that drive us out of mind.
What about beauty, truth, happiness and yes despair,
Are these but things we need to measure and repair?
What of the intangibles that we claim to be only ours,
Our awareness and insight moving us thru the hours.

Children can take the measure of the live-long day;
Teenagers know the facts, but have nothing to say.
In our maturity, we are ready to conquer all of life;
We protect our growing children and love our wife.
As doubt lifts its head wondering what it all means;
The facts explain so little and nothing is as it seems.

There is nothing in facts where truth is precluded;
If anything facts have to a broader picture alluded.
The facts do suggest the singularity of the Big Bang;
But this begs the question of origins revelation sang.
What of the secular belief that life came from nothing;
A primordial swamp produces life as a miracle thing.

The truth about facts is that they have very little truth,
All dressed up in the world, but still looking uncouth.
True we can see, hear, smell, taste. touch their edge,
But beyond their physicality, they offer little pledge.
All the facts in the world will only give you temporality;
What lies within, beyond, opens a world of spirituality.