Defeating doubt

'How did you find the way

Into my thoughts', I ask

'I do not know you, yet

You spoil my present task

Who gave you permission?

To affect how I decide?

And what purpose brings you

To sit at my bedside?'

'You have previously not

Had the pleasure to know

My name is Doubt

Other pictures I show

Making you question

Your views without Hope

Your certainties fade

With your ability to cope'

'Go away, I won't listen

Advantage you take

Of me being tired

You make a mistake

Yes, I was listening

And I almost believed

That you were right

You are not! I'm relieved'

The image of Doubt

Then began to fade

Inner pictures brightened

Of future plans made

Yes, I am tired,

Yes, I have been ill

But I have managed

The long hours to fill

Doubt never helped me

In any way

Just undermined conviction

And ruined the day

No friend of mine

Casts a gloom on my mind

So, I call upon Hope

The answers to find

'I'm glad you've returned'

To Hope, I said

'I cannot see truth

With doubt's words in my head’

'I can only return

When you send Doubt away

Then we are able, together,

To greet every day

Poem is CopyrightA Coatesworth2012

'New poem for my next book' - Audrey Coatesworth