They found their way at close of day,
The band of stalwart men.
At city’s gate and now quite late
With plan to visit kin.
At supper time they sat to dine
On cushions on the floor.
The meal they ate at Martha’s place
Was ample, with decor.
By candle flame then Mary came,
Some perfume to present.
She had to reach to Jesus’ feet.
An offering was meant.
Anointment past, discussion fast,
The comment really tore,
As Judas said, with mealtime spread,
“‘Twould better help the poor!”
The hours they passed, he came at last
To dicker with the priests.
The deal was sealed, his task revealed,
The Master’s fate complete.
In Upper Room they spoke of doom,
So fearful of the night!
He gave them words to calm their nerves,
Then outlined all their plight.
But Judas came and asked the name:
“Can it be I, my Lord?”
The Master’s words seemed so absurd,
Betrayal to record.
Judas withdrew and Jesus knew
The Judas plan defined.
With risk at hand the Holy band,
Gethsemane to find.
(February 1997)
(Note: Written for a contest.)