Poetry Update: On the difference between credentials and qualifications

Papers, Please

No es difícil fabricar un certificado que asegure con timbres y estampillas, que se es turco; no es fácil, en cambio, nacer en Turquía. – Manuel Rojas, Hijo de Ladrón

Papers, please. Credentials, sir, and proof of worth.
No exceptions, I’m afraid, and please don’t start
on proof and fact and claim
your mere existence proves itself.

We know, we know, but we do not believe:
the deeply rooted need for certainty
will overcome the truth
and I don’t make the rules,
so show your papers please.