What Is Truth? Poem by Matthew Donovan

What is truth?

Is it an order of reason to have much, yet give little/
or to know much, and teach none?

Should a man be as a plate, holding only which he feels light/
or airy on his slight and brittle brow?

Should a man feel pity for all men, yet not pray for those in need/
to raise heads on Pilate yet kneel for thee?

Oh God, my Christ, the angel of life/
Past towers and clouds, and all worlds thrice
I will ask one time more, to ease mortal minds
What is truth then, if you should find?