THE HOUSE OF THE HIGH PRIEST

Pungent curl of smoke,
His face glowing in the firelight,
A draught chilling his back ‑
"I do not know the Man".

Jostle of rough elbows,
Eldritch firelight on scarred faces,
Furrowed, interrogative brows ‑
"I do not know the Man".

Shriek of a frightened fowl,
Eerie twilight shining,
A sharp, accusatory maid ‑
"I do not know the Man".

A second cock‑crow.
A look. A sword to his heart. Again
Peter, stumbling from the murderous house,
Began to know the Man.