The Pilgrim’s Manual

Tread humbly in the presence of the Beloved, for even the wind whispers with awe in this sacred space.

‘Tis true that you are soon
About to meet,
The Beloved who turned
Even candy more sweet.

There is none like him,
In worlds twin.
Hard it is to say:
If anything to him akin.

Even then, take care
With each step you advance.
For, you are where, even wind
Drifts with reverence

Let not his love
Drive you mad
Be not
In wilderness clad

It’s been your regular habit
To throb
As if to make me cry:
Your only job

But this time
Be in better control
Blur not my eyes
Making tears roll

Don’t make me look
Here and there
No matter what you see
Around fair

Don’t ever feel
A seed of pride
Be as a wood
Burnt, dried

Be patient!

Never push, cause rush
Be smooth
As in the waters
Swim the fish

I have borne much pain
To reach
Ah! How many times
Shall I teach?

Don’t make
My legs weak:
I shiver
unable to walk

And become not meek:
With love’s pain break

I will give you
Another time and place
To show your emotions
As many times

But for now
Don’t break my voice
For I am about
To greet with ‘Peace’

29th December 2003. Edit July 2024