Death's Dalliance
(on efforts to televise a terrorist's execution)
The mystery of iniquity enthralls
With fascination for mass murderers
And though a heinous nature oft appalls,
Behold the throng of keen interpreters
Who fain would see into the hell-seared mind
As if expecting there to find some key
To understand humanity, but bind
Themselves, scorning true fame with infamy.
This murderer in martyrdom's pretence
Blasphemes true martyrdom exemplified
By Him who died in lamb-like innocence
And for our sakes was cruelly crucified.
Then ye who peddle in the devil's theme,
Beware the coming judgment lest ye be
Accomplices to his malicious scheme
And earn your banishment eternally.
God mocks the mortal grace of mortal men
(That praises and esteems what should be shame)
But on His hands
has writ with searing pen
His loved ones whom he called each one by name.
What better price than anonymity
Can we exact, and sweep from memory
Denying the murderer notoriety
Lost from the Book of Life and history?
Rash fools this execution would broadcast
But mute the volume, turn your backs at last.
April 2001
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