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A soldier who routinely crucifies

people should never look into the eyes

of victims: there, one sees the human soul,

and, with it, that most basic human plea

(one that we all feel) to be merciful.

Even when sentenced Romans are beheaded

(exempt from crucifixion, that most dreaded

of tortures, the most heinous penalty),

the executioner---if he is wise---

will not allow one glance into their eyes.

For commerce, we build roads through marsh and mud;

for peace to have our commerce, we shed blood.

Pilate likes crosses---that is no surprise:

just do not look into the victim's eyes.

ENVOI:

Next day, on a small, local ridge called Calvary,

the young soldier worked his first execution:  three

men:  two robbers, and some preacher from Galilee.

Starward

[jlc]