When whoso merely hath a little thought
Will plainly think the thought which is in him,
Not imaging another’s bright or dim,
Not mangling with new words what others taught;
When whoso speaks, from having either sought
Or only found, — will speak, not just to skim
A shallow surface with words made and trim,
But in that very speech the matter brought:
Be not too keen to cry — ” So this is all! —
A thing I might myself have thought as well,
But would not say it, for it was not worth!”
Ask : ” Is this truth ?” For is it still to tell
That, be the theme a point or the whole earth,
Truth is a circle, perfect, great or small?
(James Collinson)
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Based on Topics: Mind Poems, Thought & Thinking Poems, Truth Poems, Speaking Poems, Perfection PoemsBased on Keywords: imaging, mangling