God is a name that human tongues design,
By faith declared, by proof no clear sign.
No test confirms Him, no strict law defines,
No scale can weigh the hope that thought confines.
Yet restless minds, like rivers fierce and deep,
Grow calm when faith commands the soul to sleep.
A mother's breath, in whispered prayer made still,
Finds ease where truth alone can never heal.
But bread is earned by labour, not by plea,
Nor lamps are lit by faith alone, we see.
Life moves like wheels that turn by daily toil,
Where hands must work and sweat must feed the soil.
Who stare at heaven, scorning earthly ground,
Return with loss where living should be found.
I neither kneel in haste nor God deny,
I trust the truths that tested acts supply.
Let faith give peace where wounded spirits lie,
But work alone makes human futures rise.
By Rajendra Prasad Meena
POET'S NOTES ABOUT THE POEM
About This Poem The Measure of Belief is a philosophical and metaphysical poem that examines the tension between faith, reason, and practical life. The poem argues that while the existence of God cannot be proved through empirical evidence, faith continues to offer psychological comfort and emotional peace, especially in moments of human suffering. However, the poem firmly asserts that material survival and human progress depend on labour, action, and responsibility rather than belief alone. This poem is written in heroic couplets (iambic pentameter) and employs metaphysical conceits and imagery, such as the mind compared to restless rivers and life to mechanical wheels driven by daily toil. These devices help translate abstract ideas into concrete and intellectual expressions. The poem is inspired by a close reading of John Donne's metaphysical poetry, particularly his method of blending logical argument with emotional depth. However, this is not an imitation; rather, it is an original attempt to write in a unique modern voice, using Donne's argumentative structure and intellectual style to address contemporary concerns about faith, work, and reality. Ultimately, The Measure of Belief advocates a balanced worldview: faith may heal the inner self, but purposeful action alone shapes the future of human life. Theme of the Poem The central theme of The Measure of Belief is the conflict and balance between faith, reason, and human labour. The poem questions the existence of God from a rational and empirical perspective, suggesting that divine presence cannot be proved through scientific or logical means. At the same time, it acknowledges that faith provides mental peace, emotional relief, and psychological comfort, especially in moments of human suffering. Another important theme is the primacy of action over belief. The poem emphasizes that material survival, dignity, and progress depend on work, effort, and responsibility, not on prayer or faith alone. Ultimately, the poem advocates a balanced worldview: faith may heal the inner self, but practical action shapes real life and the future of humanity. Literary Devices Used in the Poem 1. Metaphysical Conceit The poem uses extended and intellectual comparisons, a key feature of metaphysical poetry. Mind is compared to restless rivers Life is compared to wheels driven by daily toil These conceits connect abstract ideas with concrete realities.2. Imagery Vivid sensory images are used to make philosophical ideas tangible: "restless minds, like rivers fierce and deep" (visual imagery) "a mother's breath, in whispered prayer" (emotional imagery) "wheels that turn by daily toil" (mechanical imagery) 3. Heroic Couplet The poem is written in heroic couplets, consisting of: Rhyming pairs (aa bb) Iambic pentameter This formal structure strengthens the logical and argumentative tone.4. Antithesis The poem contrasts opposing ideas to highlight meaning: Faith vs proof Prayer vs labour Inner peace vs material survival 5. Symbolism Certain objects function symbolically: Bread symbolizes livelihood and survival Light/Lamps symbolize practical reality Heaven and earth symbolize idealism versus realism 6. Rhetorical Argument Instead of asking questions, the poem presents logical reasoning, similar to John Donne's argumentative style, guiding the reader toward a philosophical conclusion.7. Tone The tone is reflective, rational, and balanced, avoiding both blind devotion and aggressive disbelief.
