Sep 15 | Mark 14:43-52 (Poem)

Immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; and with him there was a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. 44Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, ‘The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.’ 45So when he came, he went up to him at once and said, ‘Rabbi!’ and kissed him. 46Then they laid hands on him and arrested him. 47But one of those who stood near drew his sword and struck the slave of the high priest, cutting off his ear. 48Then Jesus said to them, ‘Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest me as though I were a bandit? 49Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not arrest me. But let the scriptures be fulfilled.’ 50All of them deserted him and fled.

51 A certain young man was following him, wearing nothing but a linen cloth. They caught hold of him, 52but he left the linen cloth and ran off naked.

 

not i, not i

all deserted and fled

 

not i, not i

embedded in the heart

 

the sword of terror

the hands reach out

to grasp, to know

like an angel in sodom

i go

 

the force, the fear

hits a load-bearing wall

breaking all hope of honour

all followed and promised but none remain

the same who proclaimed passion

crumbled before a lashing expected

undelivered

we slithered

our legs hidden in knotholes, under trees

as punishment

 

i am not immune

i too

shattered before the coming of the storm

no honour worth nails and thorns

take it and leave me

i’ll give you everything

even though i promised it

to the prisoner

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