I know how Thomas felt; although he saw
Their shining faces telling him what they
Had seen, for him it could be nothing more
Than second-hand experience: the way
Of learning, not the way of truth. I know
What Thomas craved: not proof that satisfies
Vague doubts - for who can doubt the inner glow
Of witnesses - he longed to feast his eyes,
To hear with his own ears what they had heard,
To fall upon his knees and, as he knelt,
To touch Christ's hem. He did not doubt their word,
He envied them. I know how Thomas felt:
Like all of us he longed to cry, 'I know! ',
Not murmur feebly, 'Someone told me so'.
How true, Mary, &, again, so well crafted. I see so many Thomases where I teach, & when the odd one visibly grasps something the difference is so, so clear. Thank you.
Brilliantly insightful, Mary! How refreshing to read original thought on issues of religion, particularly in a time when our religious leaders prefer to spoon-feed the official, sanctioned idea to us, and watch us nod in agreement as we reach for our wallet. Don
Brilliantly leading us into the mind of Thomas and the end line is the superb surprise. Thank you Mary for such original thinking.
This is your best poem Mary, despite its antiquated style. I know why you like the antiquated style, but since Wilfred Owen it is impossible to write in it. It belongs to another, long since vanished world. As does (sadly) the world of belief. The problem of today is that we can accept neither absolute religious faith (9/11) nor 'I told you so'. The only faith that we must adhere to is scepticism. And the likelihood that we will be proved wrong..........
This is your best poem Mary, despite its antiquated style. I know why you like the antiquated style, but since Wilfred Owen it is impossible to write in it. It belongs to another, long since vanished world. As does (sadly) the world of belief. The problem of today is that we can accept neither absolute religious faith (9/11) nor 'I told you so'. The only faith that we must adhere to is scepticism. And the likelihood that we will be proved wrong..........
Even if one is in midst of spirtual one may doubt isnt it a hallucination......... unless one reach the highest peak of spirtual experience the doubt couldnt cease. ........... Even christ said father why thou has forsaken me............. Good write...........
Brilliant, insightful, well written - guess I liked it then! !
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
This is so true, so good your poem, inspiring me... -T. Bell