PostPoems Be Artistic. Be Creative. Be Inspired!

Tiberius believes the old conceit
that all of life can be accounted for
within the columns of a balance sheet,
and profit show thereon as less or more.
Unlike his predecessor, he requires
a greater dividend from his empire's
possessions.  Taxes; order:  your vocation
ensures these---now a shadowed obligation
that has replaced your once brilliant career.
But now these local priests, assembled here,
question the color of your loyalty
to Caesar.  They make subtle implication
that they will raise more than a little fuss
in Rome itself, before Tiberius.
Their frenzied plan is very obviously
directed toward that man from Nazareth
(insult toward you is just collateral
damage).  False charges brought, they boldly lied
against him, and their trap has cornered you,
as well as him.  Despite what you would do---
setting this harmless, quiet Rabbi free---
you give in to their loud, relentless urging.

And he, who, innocent, endured a scourging,
must now be taken out and crucified.

Starward
 
[jlc]