Compassing the Truth
Modern poetry modern verse contemporary poetry contemporary verse modern poem contemporary poem
“Suffer the little children” ~ Jesus Christ
If you are tempted to fly up to truth,
Consider bending down instead where you
Might find a childhood fact. Clear-sighted youth
Is maybe better than religions’ crew
At reading instruments and maps to take
You to the port that you are aiming for.
Remember when your mind first came awake
To knowledge of your death. Within your core
You knew the certainty that no faith can
Displace. No set of words and robes or rite,
Of candles, crosses, incense, make a man
Immortal. You are doomed to endless night.
The child you were that moment knew your fate
Was fixed. There really is no true debate.
“nearer when we stoop
Than when we soar.”
~ William Wordsworth, The Excursion¸ (III, 231)