it was I

it was I
who dragged her, objecting in despair
to your feet, you to deal to her
it was I
full of pride, watched you stoop down

scratch some words in the ground
a challenge laid bare
it was I
the first to leave
eyes rimmed with tears

it was I
strolled up, self-assured yet unaware
to you great rabbi, for your counsel,
on what one should do to acquire the thing
for which I still had need

it was I
walked away, not to leave that which lay
‘neath the earth in short while
your good gift I betrayed

it was I
faced with crowds writhing, irate
washed my hands of your fate
let them all get their way

it was I
‘spite best intentions resolved to sit down, to wait
watched you lead away...

...still worse...
it was I
who laughed, spat and jeered
and when you were whipped

it was I
who cheered

E Read. (C)