The Kiss
Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "The one I will kiss is the man; seize him." And he came up to Jesus at once and said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" And he kissed him. Jesus said to him, "Friend, do what you came to do." Matthew 26:48-50
Did your breath stink of
betrayal when you leaned in
like stale smoke, garlic, and skunk,
all rolled into one?
Did your lips on his cheek
scratch and rip like sandpaper
leaving a red raw patch
that stings in the wind?
Did you smile even then
with that murderous mark
lingering on his skin—
a call to action,
“this is the one you want.”
Did the trumpets blast triumphant
in your victory?
And do I smile after you
every time I turn away?
Do my nails leave trailing red
when I push his hands aside?
Does my betrayal sting less than yours
now to him no more terrestrial?
Or am I just as injurious
with every kiss I blow his way,
fingers crossed—a cowardly display.
