“Naivity”

Ahoy! You look a kind and faithful sort!

This pilgrim lost his donkey in the reeds

and left the road. (…Forsooth, a last resort,

for I had no resource to tend his needs,

nor to my own, without his saddlebags—

I could just pray and stroke him—spare the rod!)

Forgive me—I have nothing but the rags

that hide my shame, and love and praise for God—

may all His truest followers be gay—

but, if you know the way, I’ll follow you:

where does one place his candlestick to pray?

(Is that not what your other pilgrims do?)

They told me, “…through the valley,” and I crossed.

Is this the Holy City? Am I lost?