The Kiss

(“Prayer for Judas”)

An island in a swelling sea
You faced the baying horde,
Intruders many proved to be
Imposters to their lord.

Wanting crowds drawn in to view
Their sinning to forgive,
Doubting that the way through you
Might teach them how to live.

*******************************

Scribes who heard his words resound
Soon set their ink to scrawl,
From their accounts so many found
Great solace from them all.

Their words disclosed a traitor’s pay,
A brother once so blessed,
How yet the closest will betray
The dearest and the best.

For him there came the darkest day
His soul destroyed by shame,
Sheep that from their shepherd stray
Must hold themselves to blame.

Foretold, a tempest did erupt
A prophesy held true,
The sinner’s pay could not corrupt
The kiss that he once blew.