No Creed Can Be All Belief

Who among you doesn’t live
In a world of half-belief?
Can you step out of the game?

You can. You know precisely
Where each game begins and ends.
That knowing makes it a game,

Whether it is make-believe,
Theatrical performance,
A sport, or legislation.

But you can’t get past knowing
Of the existence of games
Of the importance of games

And, frankly, language is one
And not just storytelling.
When drugs or awe touch people,

It’s memorable in part
Since even language recedes.
Without words no half-belief,

Which is a relief, which feels
Like real belief at last, but
You know you have to come back.