The Theology of Doubt

I've fallen in love with a new-to-me poet named Scott Cairns.  His 2006 book Compass of Affection: Poems New and Selected has this:

The Theology of Doubt

I have come to believe this fickleness
of belief is unavoidable.  As, for those
back lot trees, the annual loss
of leaves is unavoidable.
I remember hearing that soft-soap
about faith being given
only to the faithful--mean trick,
if you believe it.  This afternoon,
during my walk, which
I have come to believe is good
for me, I noticed one of those
ridiculous leaves hanging
midway up an otherwise naked oak.
The wind did what it could
to bring it down, but the slow
learner continued dancing.  Then again,
once, hoping for the last good apple,
I reached among bare branches,
pulling into my hand
an apple too soft for anything
and warm to the touch, fly-brown.

anon and peace,
Chris