[David Callin]

Somebody had to be Judas.
Don't think I don't see that.
Bad luck

for me.
Good news, of course,
for Christians everywhere.

It was such a strange week:
the febrile arrival -
Jesusmania -

the nervous soldiery,
the angry shaken beards.
The transaction.

And then that wholly awful night -
"Is it me, Lord? Is it me?"
That business with the bread.

Then general hubbub,
upturned tables ...
You try flouncing out in sandals.

They say he agonised for hours,
crying "Lord, I am not worthy!"
Was I worthy?

Through me was accomplished
the Redemption.
I could not

not kiss him
in the garden,
in the torches' flare.

The cosmic marbles
rolled into place.
The scriptures were fulfilled.

There was never more joy in heaven.
One homecoming king.
One fatted calf.