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Poetry
by Chris Zachariou
United Kingdom


Τάκης Ζαχαρίου

Ποιήματα

Γιαλούσα, Κύπρος

Writer's pictureChris Zachariou

Judas Iscariot | A Poem About God

My love for The Son of Man and Christianity as a way of life is infinite, however, I find it impossible to believe in a metaphysical world.

This poem is my own personal view of God, Jesus, and Judas. Please do not continue reading if you are easily offended or intolerant of other peoples' views.

This poem is largely inspired by the novel The Last Temptation of Christ by Nikos Kazantzakis.


My Lord,

our covenant The Messiah

in a crown of thunder

in a blaze of glory.


There will be death, fires and Roman blood

and all the bells will ring 'Jehovah has come to Zion'.

How many more years Lord,

can you not hear Salem weep?


Now she sleeps with prefects and centurions;

the proud voice that sang

your praises, silenced.

A false king sits on

the throne of David

and the golden harp

sings to you no more.

How much longer Lord?

Each day I come knocking

on your door, and each day

you say 'tomorrow'.

But no more my Lord

I raise my head and say to you

'No more. Not tomorrow, today!"


Read all the poems inspired by The Last Temptation of Christ


A few words about the poem…


Judas Iscariot: The Valiant Fighter for Freedom | A Poem About God

 

In this powerful and introspective poem about God, inspired by Kazantzakis’s novel “The Last Temptation of Christ”, the poet invites us into a unique perspective, challenging the conventional narrative surrounding Judas Iscariot. Stepping away from the widely held belief that Judas was a traitor and a common thief, the poet portrays him as a valiant warrior fighting for the freedom of Israel from the oppressive grip of Rome.

 

Addressing the Lord, Judas initiates a conversation, expressing his deep longing for the arrival of the Messiah, symbolized by a majestic figure wearing a crown of thunder and surrounded by a blaze of glory.

 

The poem sets a scene of imminent upheaval and destruction, as Judas foresees death, fires, and the shedding of Roman blood. Amidst this chaos, he envisions a triumphant moment when the bells will ring, announcing the arrival of Jehovah in Zion. His impassioned plea echoes the cries of a grieving Jerusalem, beseeching the Lord to alleviate the suffering that has befallen the city.

 

Judas mourns the loss of a once resounding voice that sang the praises of the Lord, now silenced by the presence of foreign prefects and centurions. Jerusalem personified as a sleeping figure, has been taken captive by the corrupt and illegitimate rulers. He laments the absence of the golden harp, an emblem of the city's former glory, which no longer serenades the Lord. The throne of David, once occupied by a rightful king, has been usurped by a false ruler, intensifying the anguish.

 

As the poem progresses, Judas’s patience wanes, and his devotion transforms into determination. Each day, he visits the Lord's doorstep, seeking solace and a promise of deliverance, only to be met with the response of "tomorrow." However, a pivotal moment occurs within his spirit. With newfound resolve, he defiantly raises his head and declares to the Lord, "No more. Not tomorrow, today!" This declaration signifies the refusal of Judas to accept further delay and signals an unwavering commitment to act, even if it means challenging the divine plan.

 

In this thought-provoking and emotionally charged poem, the poet invites readers to reconsider the character of Judas Iscariot. By presenting Judas as a proud freedom fighter, the poet prompts us to explore alternative perspectives and unravel the complexities of history. The poem's invocation of Jerusalem's plight and the fervent plea to the Lord create a powerful backdrop for the subsequent verses, leaving readers eager to delve deeper into the poet's exploration of faith, sacrifice, and the pursuit of liberation.

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