The Donkey

As we begin Holy Week, I hope readers won’t take it amiss if I share something not exactly solemn. Here is one of my favorite poems by G.K. Chesterton ­– the Triumphal entry into Jerusalem from the point of view of Jesus' mode of transport:

The Donkey

When fishes flew and forests walked
And figs grew upon thorn
Some moment when the moon was blood
Then surely I was born.

With monstrous head and sickening cry
And ears like errant wings
The devil's walking parody
On all four-footed things.

The tattered outlaw of the earth,
Of ancient crooked will;
Starve, scourge, deride me: I am dumb,
I keep my secret still.

Fools! For I also had my hour;
One far fierce hour and sweet:
There was a shout about my ears,
And palms before my feet.