the uncertainties of the unbeliever

we do not possess the knowledge
of what truly exists here
there and everywhere
but doubt the truth
the existing tales
of gods

deeply imprinted
by accidental birth
into a people
from whom
god is inherited
propagated
and woven in
with national identity

doesn't stop us
from figuring out
what goodness is
and to grant it to all

we do know
that many believe firmly
that they surely know
the unknowable
though their faith-truth
is in direct contradiction
with the firm belief
of the next fellow
and a third
fourth,
four thousand
million
and sixty
with the same
or even loftier
self-assured knowledge
that they alone have hit the true point
surrounded on all sides
by unprovability

every god a number on a lottery ball
good luck with your choice
the draw takes place
just after closing time

why so afraid
to live with doubt
of simply admitting

you don't know

before you seize
the improbable
as truth

how much freedom
do we really have
to weigh
and consider

god

and measure him
against evidence
if the guilt-burden
of religion
is folk custom
bestowed on at birth
learned from fathers
from forefathers
who long ago
locked their descendants
into a god
whose word
is sin
to dispute

or is it precisely the numbers

of the misled

that bring the false comfort
believe become certain
when others believe

tell me
what is the tipping point
when does

speculation turn truth

a thousand
million
billion

however big the number
more people believe
you are wrong

my faith
is a belief
i hold true
and
is compatible
with every faith

i acknowledge
accept
and know
for sure
every faith
is a faith

by contrast
the chosen
believed belief
offers its believer
less objectivity
about his religion's
believability

yet the doubting
unbeliever lives
with relative certainty
measured against
the assured believer's
uncertainty
which drives him
to spread his dubious faith policy
to cellphones worldwide
twelve baskets full

wonder who
should receive
the message

the receiver
or the sourer