Betrayal
The hymn’s last chords
resolve to midnight’s calm
as Judas goes to meet his guard
through streets
littered with brittle palms.
While Jesus prays
his garden allies sleep
their watch away, but Judas pleads
as well,
Let judgment pass! and weeps.
Now to the gate
where Jesus greets a crowd
of soldiers, priests—though they forget
to stand
before a king is rude,
he is who
they seek, so to his crown
must go. Here Judas’ hand rings to
his ears
the empty clang of coins.
What has he earned?
How sad, how infamous
he is who callous self-concern
betrayed
in his ironic kiss.
About David Oestreich
David Oestreich lives in northwest Ohio with his wife and three children. He is a maker of poems, photographs, fishing flies, and Saturday afternoon semi-haute cuisine. His poetry has appeared in various venues, both print and online.
