JOHN THE BAPTIST AMONG DISCIPLES

These stones are smooth.
As if worn by the sea,
Worried beyond promise,
Washed by tears.
They are true companions,
Faithful disciples of the sun.
They bear beams of love,
Hold heat in darkness.
I ordain myself,
Preach in their name.

This is how I come to believe.

HEROD ON "AMONG DISCIPLES"

Belief? Bear beams of love?
It's darkness here. That's all
It ever was. But yet . . .
A deep memory, a story, some,
Something my mother whispered.
What was it? My father killing
All the boys near my age.

Because of this man? This John?
John himself is mere shadow.
Where is substance? What reflects?
Is it not just I alone?

It is too dark to see my hand, my feet.
Maybe I am only spirit,
That which haunts this palace,
One of the innocents long ago lost.