The Divine Matador

“Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?” 
Knowing their malice, Jesus said, 
“Why are you testing me, you hypocrites?
 Show me the coin that pays the census tax.”
 Then they handed him the Roman coin. 
He said to them, “Whose image is this and whose inscription?” 
They replied, “Caesar’s.”  At that he said to them,
 “Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.”
 Matthew, 22:17-21.


Magnificence, you are – O Matador!
  The bull, the beast, horns sharpened, eyes you –
  Stomping, snorting, its strength an homage due,
Lowers his great horned head, charges, to perfor-
Ate you – too late, adieu!  You turn before
  The deadly beast, sweeping your blood-hued cue,
  Your perfect, silent word, in front, above you –
Olé!  O what grace – how our hearts adore!

And Jesus attended to their questions,
  Teaching the Pharisees and Sadducees
    In the Temple, attempting to raise them,
And save them from their bloody intentions.
  He could so easily be trapped, each sees –
    Charges, to be untaught his own mayhem.

For the Divine Matador knew – the Lord –
  Each answer, His death, His blood, His Word.