the scale of his own judgment, in
his selfish-ordered world,
in which his life out-weighed all other lives.
So in his eyes expediency demanded that
this infant rival king be dealt with ere
he came of age to threaten Herod’s throne.
The other children were collateral loss,
indeed somewhat to be regretted
(as the later letter put it) due
to over-zealous overkill
by members of the royal forces.
(Politicians wipe away their crimes
as handily as crimes wipe out their foes.)
What? Never saw that letter?
Search the archives and I’m sure you’ll find
it, signed with Herod’s hand and seal.
“Condolences to all bereaved in Bethlehem
of Judah. Please accept my sorrow for
your loss, occasioned by excesses on
the army’s part. Those found responsible
will face review and discipline. Sincerely,
Herod, King.”
Tobias Stanislas Haller BSG
the image is “Aaronic Blessing #3 — The Holy Innocents” 12/26/13
Fine poetry indeed, Tobias. Quite poignant and - alas - applicable to our present times, too.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mimi. Yes, sadly applicable to present times... ;-(
ReplyDeleteSome things never change do they?
ReplyDeleteI posted this on the Anglodeacons list-serve earlier this morning:
Let us remember this day all the children who are harmed or killed because adults are more concerned with their own agendas than with the welfare of the children who depend on their good will.
Let us also remember all those who are losing their unemployment benefits because well-off legislators think that people would rather live on a pittance than get a job with a living wage.
Let us remember that there is a little bit of Herod in all of us and let us ask God to help us think more of the welfare of others than of our own.
Yes, reality just takes some getting used to, now as before now.
ReplyDeleteThank ou Tobias, that was very touching and eyeopening (best to not let them glaze over with pretend).
Happy everything to you,
Len