wherever there is reason, there is reasonable doubt
if that which had been reasoned has been well thought out
so that, where these ideas are growing, only those will sprout
that serve their own conceiver's epistemic clout

doubt casts its judgement on the pond'rous plants of mind
so that those it finds wanting may be left behind
their threads unravelling to form the wond'rous, other kind
from weeds to grow what doubt to spare yet is inclined

and yet, this habit may not tend the garden well
if, overeager, it begins ideas of hope to quell
"Good things exist." "It will get better." - to the trial!

the lies of healthy minds might fall under its spell
lies keep us sane. without, we don't fare well
"Do I deserve this?" "Am I good?" - this doubt is vile!