Late teaching

       (Mark 12:1-12)

Time’s Visitor feels time upon his head.
Tuesday of Holy Week. Sunday’s parade.
Monday’s prophetic Temple escapade.
And three days hence “beloved son” is dead.
(This was the designation Mark had heard
From Peter’s lips: “Christ said ‘beloved son.’”)
Now, since his earthly race is nearly done,
No calembour must cloud Messiah’s word.
So we require no fancy exegesis,
Creation’s gifts are here; the Covenant;
Moses; the prophets; foul sin’s great affront;
Pater absconditus, Father of Jesus.
He knew the issue of these words, so clear,
He even knew the time of chanticleer.