Betrayal

An imminent cloud of smoke

Rising from a fire on a hill:

Distant enough to arouse suspicion

Close enough to make ill-will its mission

 

And yet we are foolish

Enough to listen

As the embers crackle and die

Not perceiving

That very same fire

Still burning in our eyes

 

As we turn to others

To give them the murderous kiss

We have received

The black shadow of Death

Marks a stain as it leaves

 

Not once. Not twice,

Nor even thrice.

Betrayal is imminent,

An ordinary part of life

 

Where men turn their crosses

Upside down;

No longer a symbol of love

But a symbol of hate

“INRI, what became of your

Righteous crown?”

 

“Hidden, hidden away

Behind sorry veils

By those that believed

Their transgressions

Had brought them beyond the pale”

Cried He.

 

But even now

The bitter taste of betrayal

Like a soured wine

Fulfilled a prophecy

That would stand the test of time.