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The Denial

Darryl Willis
Aug 26, 2017 · 2 min read

What was in that mind of yours?
For you we gave up everything:
homes and houses — families!
Three years walking dusty roads
calling crowds and biding time:
waiting. But when the moment came —
“Drop your swords. Give it up.
Stop and turn the other cheek.”

There is no way I know this man.

Fires lit throughout the night
cannot consume the creeping chill
that kill and withers loyal hearts.
It was you who turned away
and denied what we confessed.
Lamps and seeds, kingdom come
and on earth His will be done.
Do you even know what kingdom means?

I don’t know — he’s not the man!

I will not cower, I do not fear.
I was willing to die right here
and now; but this — he called me Satan!
But I’m the one who stands accused
as I watch a failed pretender
beaten to a bloody pulp.
He’s not the one I thought he was!
Let God curse me otherwise.

Dammit, I don’t know the man!

Fire burns down, embers die.
The chill now touches the nape of neck.
Shadows surge around my face
as if to hide what cannot hide.
A second shrill clarion call
pierce my ears as his eyes
pierce my heart like his hands
will soon be pierced on piece of wood.

Oh God, dear God — what have I done?


To support the poet’s benign coffee addiction: Coffee.

Poets Unlimited

Six Years of poetry-only publishing, PoetsUnlimited was a diverse, engaging and authentic poetry magazine. For most of that time a daily publication, it was always diverse and original, and free-to-read by all.

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Darryl Willis

Written by

Has worked in non-profits for over 36 years and is currently a Regional Director for an international non-profit. He holds an MA from Lipscomb University.

Poets Unlimited

Six Years of poetry-only publishing, PoetsUnlimited was a diverse, engaging and authentic poetry magazine. For most of that time a daily publication, it was always diverse and original, and free-to-read by all.

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