The Illusion of Certainty

I thought I knew everything, had all the answers down,

Never considered another view could come around.

In my head I'd played it out, tried every scenario,

Convinced my stance was solid, based on reason clear as stereo.

Why look for other options when I've worked it out so well?

No need to check assumptions, in my logic all was swell.

But life has funny ways to show our vision's far from sight,

New angles emerge each day to challenge views once held so tight.

What seemed a simple matter turns complex beyond my knowing,

Factors I'd not figured force my surety to go flowing.

We see but through a lens, views blurred by ego's clinging,

Clarity comes only when from rigid thinking we start winging.

Certainty's just a guise, an illusion we project,

To still the doubts within and bring a comfort we collect.

But comfort breeds complacency and shuts the mind from learning,

Openness and flexibility lead to true discerning.

For new details come to light with inquiring thought,

Revealing shades and textures certainty does not.

The path seems clear before, then clouds come rolling in,

Demystifying what appeared a simple win.

Life is flux and change, an endless flowing tide,

Only through adaptation can we safely slide.

The open hand receives what the closed fist cannot hold,

Wisdom waits within uncertainty, not facts we're told.

So I've released my iron grip on what I thought I knew,

Ready now for insight fresh perspectives may imbue.

This journey has just started, learning never ends,

With wonder as my teacher and an open mind as friend.