I Have Grave Doubts Poem by ivor or ivor.e hogg

Long ago when the world was new
It was a perfect paradise
Which every living creature knew
And none of them thought otherwise.

But then the Lord created man.
Equipped him with a brain to use
That's when the troubles all began
Man decided to refuse

To do as he was bidden to
Defied the lords authority
He thought he was entitled to.
As it turned out mistakenly.

Man was cast forth from paradise.
Or so the bible stories say.
A mixture of half truths and lies.
The church is teaching still today.

We have free will so we choose
What to accept or to reject
Amongst the many varied views
Promoted by each different sect.

I choose to disregard them all.
Despite their claims to know the truth.
The tale they tell of Adams fall
I can't believe without more proof.



I think religions are designed
to exercise social control.
A fact I do not really mind.
Which seems effective on the whole.

But when the founding figure dies
His followers will fight to take his place.
His spoken word no longer applies.
He is impossible to replace.

That's why we have so many sects
Which all attempt to dominate.
and show each other small respect.
With no attempt to integrate.

The separate wisdom which they teach.
Although they are quite similar.
Nor do they practice what they preach.
My words may sound familiar.

Because they have been said before.
By men much wiser far than me.
I am no fiery orator.
Nor do I think I'd like to be.

I see no point in taking part
In debates or arguments.
Which have no base from which to start.
Reviving ancient discontents.



What I believe is up to me.
Though I admit I might be wrong
It's my responsibility.
I merely try to get along.