It Was Like This

It was neither the Herod in me
nor the Pilate that spoke, it was
the mob’s mocking voice, no wonder
you cried out as if a spear tipped
with anger touched love’s flesh
this autumn day. How dare I call
for the judgment? After three weary
days (who breaks faith lives with
guilt), the bright spirit hid in the
crypt, you mourned as Martha but as
the angel rolled the stone away and
love rose up in time for me to ask
forgiveness.

    Original Citation
    Commonweal (14 July 1967) 445.
    Word Count
    83
    Original Publication
    Date Published
    1967
    Complete Poems
    173
    First Line
    It was neither the Herod in me
    Poetic Form
    open
    Observations
    Makes heavy use of biblical characters present for the execution and resurrection of Jesus, albeit with an ironic tone
    Twitter Quote
    How dare I call / for the judgment?