Get Your Premium Membership

Unmasked

Inside a boisterous tavern, a-light with drunken gaiety of spilled ribald laughter, he quietly sits alone ... gently cradling his mead darkly Brooding thoughts of past paid coverings buzzes inside his head Talking flies having the faces of the dead “Have mercy, please” This haunting cry, they all pled ... except the halo head ones “I forgive you” This they all compassionately say in time dispersed unison The self-muted giant rubs his eyes, still in somber inner disquietude, at this troubling sight he has seen several times Witnessing a bright, shining glow, which radiates all around the tops of those who call themselves Christian disciples — before descends the sharp, quieting blow It is by his liege, Caesar’s command, to eradicate the scattering vermin radicals, that he daily swings the severing blade The duty-bound Herodian executioner must always stay masked when the murdering performance ensues This is by privileged decree: the entertainment requirement rules A black cloth covering, sprinkled with scarlet droplets, is the terror mask his masters has him use Rabid crown sycophants love their crucifixions, the Roman preferred method of capital punishment But, his under-lord, Herod, still adheres to the ancient Molech ways — Death by the beheading blade Sighing, the brooding giant gazes about the riotous inn with roaring, unspoken disdain Even without the ritual Deimos mask on, all within the tavern knows his occupation, evidenced by his massive frame They yield a fearful wide berth to him, no one sits in the seats around his hulking presence Looking down at his Pilate-cursed hands, he sees the blood of the guilty and the innocent Bloody hands that can’t be washed clean ... never As long as he raises his arms, and lets the body-separating blade swing

Copyright © | Year Posted 2018




Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Date: 4/5/2018 3:42:00 PM
Remarkable insight into both the tenor of the times and the tenor of the man--and the cudgel that he swings. This ought to be published, Professor! Bravo!
Login to Reply
Date: 3/31/2018 6:46:00 PM
Are you sure you are not supernaturally channelling?. I was transported into your story. Have to read again...now you have me researching.
Login to Reply
Date: 3/30/2018 2:43:00 AM
Wow. I am sure that some of the meaning of the historical figures go way over my head, but the words and the sombre flow is beautiful. Many wishes, Kai
Login to Reply
Date: 3/29/2018 3:45:00 PM
Such a great writer! Shaking my head in awe! You can feel the emotion going on in this piece!
Login to Reply
Date: 3/29/2018 3:28:00 PM
Your words blow my mind!
Login to Reply

Book: Radiant Verses: A Journey Through Inspiring Poetry