KING FOR A DAY

The hazing starts with rolling dice:
A prisoner is “king” –
The soldiers’ lot: to “serve” a lord –
The Lord is suffering.

The role reversal mocks the King –
The whole band takes a turn –
“Anointed” Him with “crown” of thorns:
His blood not their concern.

“Endowed” Him with a purple “robe”
As one by one they toss –
They “scepter” Him with filthy reed –
Make Simon bear His cross.

The round of torture’s wheel twists on –
The cohorts play their “game” –
They almost sense His dignity,
Sufficing in their shame.

The King of Kings will now be “throned”
In piercing infamy.
Forgive them for they did not know
They hung Eternity.

(17 March 2009, Antonia Fortress, Jerusalem, Israel)