Gethsameagain

(Sonnet)

Of all Jesus' disciples, only one
Betrayed his Lord with that ironic kiss,
For mere pieces of silver was undone,
Selling his soul, with it, eternal bliss.
'Twas him Jesus entrusted with the purse
Though knowing Iscariot was on the take,
Mimic disciple, heir to moneyed curse,
Feigning frugality for the poor's sake.
Lovers of money each age has supplied.
Were that betrayer in this day to live,
A more modern title would be applied
And apt: Compassionate Conservative.
For, with much affectation, falser vow,
A second Judas rules our White House now.

December 2004