-- The Paradox of Doubt and Certainty --

by John Herlihy

Within the heart of certainty lies doubt’s spear,

Surety enjoys brief moments before feeling fear.

Doubt a price to pay for any sense of certainty,

The paradox of opposites can unfold as mystery.

No person can claim to be a stranger to doubt,

Au contraire, more like a friend using its clout.

Doubt opens windows that lead into the mind,

As if the luxury of certainty now hard to find.

Our doubts make way in the realm of the finite,

Certainties make way in the realm of the infinite.

Doubts make their point, then lead us forward,

Certainty the goal along a way straightforward.

Between doubt and certainty lies our belief,

The assumption of knowledge to lend relief.

Uncertainty behaves more like a curious pupil,

Not knowing, not doubting, just feeling neutral.

Doubt often useful, keeping certainty in check,

But never serving as millstone around the neck.

Daring to doubt builds belief with its courage,

Allowing belief to serve humanity as its refuge.

Doubting more can lead us to knowing more,

The mind wanting to know thru its open door.

Lonely beliefs lack certainty, often feel vague,

Doubts can lead to beliefs that ultimately save.

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Copyright © John Herlihy

Tuesday 18 February 2025