These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

What Is Belief?

What is belief? How can we know
we're in without a doubt?
How can the life within us grow,
until our faith is stout?

Can we eat out until we rest
upon the goodwill of man?
Is the food quite safe? Will we be blest?
Doth their reputation stand?

We eat oft by the word of mouth,
that the food for mouth is good.
Yet, rest we in The Word's redoubt,
securely as we should?

Great saints of old have questioned much
about the Truth once giv'n.
Eternity's most lasting touch
means Hell or better Heav'n.

They knew the terror of the Lord.
One life so soon is past.
The needed slab of God's Own Word
secured the Hope that lasts.

Believe we in the facts on a page,
or believe One, Who is Truth?
If Life's last breath will not engage,
what purpose we from our youth?

Believe we bridge o'er torrent's roil,
while standing on the land?
Believe we faith it ne'er will foil
a-crossing sturdy span?

by Jay O’Toole
on September 5th, 2025