Christ’s Silence

Before adversaries and accusers

reminds me I don’t have to answer to

tyranny, nor remain a prisoner

to war’s overstayed visit. In silence

and vigilance camellias pink the bush.

They bloom like roses against what’s left

of winter’s dark, cold-creased grief. Hush,

do not defend the warp or weft

of loomed lies. The lamb before shearers

remains spine to belly soft, its brisket dry,

passed over and smoothed as blades purr

close to the docile face of peace, in wry

imagination, if nowhere else. Likewise,

say what you will, Janus faced Trump. Be false.