Facing It

I do not
believe in God...
There, it is said.
But before you throw
your hands into the air, 
I testify, "God Is"
and that is quite the fair
assessment of what I know, you see,
for there is not a human thought
which may enlighten me
about a deity that one might 
with a certainty believe in,
worship for the sake of humankind,
nor bless; not us, 
nor even all the clerics you may find.

I do like the appurtenances
of faith. I appreciate
the great cathedrals, lofty art,
the music filling us with
thoughts of beauty and of sacrifice
or indeed, that love alone
may serve as the epitome 
of any God one thinks about.
But there it is, and then the counterpart
that I at length must face.
for anguish too will take its place.

Perhaps my murky thoughts 
allow some muddy exercise; 
any thought of God I entertain
embraces glory to be sure
and turmoil will confound the mix.  
The creed of William Alexander Percy
says it best:

"The peace of God, it is no peace
but strife closed in the sod.
Yet brothers, pray for just one thing--
the marvelous peace of God."
       ~
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Guzzi Avatar
August 12, 2014 at 3:36 PM
And someone said ... "whatever gets you through the night is alright, is alright - by me!"
Ludden Avatar
August 12, 2014 at 3:41 PM
Thanks, Debbie
Guzzi Avatar
August 12, 2014 at 3:35 PM
Wonderfully thought provoking verse, excellent quote too, in the end I guess individually we chose to believe what adds us in surviving ;) Light & Love
Manassian Avatar
August 12, 2014 at 3:27 PM
I read this twice through to catch every nuance, my dear. When all is said and done...there are no atheists in foxholes. Is that what the end of the matter is? You make my mind ponder....Hugs
Ludden Avatar
August 12, 2014 at 3:34 PM
If I can help anyone ponder, that is good. But no, it has nothing to do with atheists in foxholes--that I can see! :-)
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace