Substitute

In the depths of the sinful mind
I substitute everything I know
with the truth.

Simple explanations
open conversation like an oyster,
pearl at the center
blushing,
with irrefutable evidence
of all my failings.

My skin sags
and has been gouged
by time.
And yet, I smile
infectiously
despite the  risks
of appearing
uninformed.

I refuse to hide what I know
like a spy on a mission.
I will abandon the ignorant paths
that have not served me.

This time I have vowed to acquire a map
and ask questions
often.