___

In the Praetorium

His is the name on everyone’s lips
the Galilean who talks in riddles
tangled like empty nets.
We know his kind, fiery, foolish
enough to turn up this week
of all bloody weeks.
What are they saying this time
in the courts about his chances?
Oh, it’s not looking good.
Foolish Galilean, he should go
back to his riddles and nets
and let his name be forgotten.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

___

Half Asleep

What makes this grove so holy?
Routinely you go looking
in the hills for hours.
Tonight you don’t stray so far
alone while we nod off.
Holiness won’t happen here
among ordinary olives
will it?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

___

To Cephas

On this rock I’ll build
my family unbeknownst
to you in the garden
or the pub or pulling wires.
Temple mounts aren’t always
informed of the long term
building plan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

___

Betrayals

Last meals,
secret meetings;
garden supplications,
midnight accusations;
kisses, crosses, character
always betrays itself by morning.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

___

Royal Tour

He’s not my problem
pack him off to the puppet
king and let him land a verdict.

Give us just one trick.
How about a cape – now what?
My dear, he is a boring king.

Him again. Well, the people
seem to have a king already
nailed down.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

___

Naturalist Eastertide

As clouds change on the hour
(it’s fair then to surmise)
and bees renew the flower
so Christ is a surprise.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

___