Awful Silence

Herod’s robes pulled tight around him
as he listened to the magi speak
his brow grew furrows as he held his chin.
Who is this the wise men seek?
His scribes searched through their parchments
found the chapter and the verse
watched the magi’s re-embarkment
but thought the news could not be worse
On his face he feigned affection
for the new Messiah King
Set a trap of gross deception
said “come back and good news bring.”
He never heard God’s word again
as his heart filled up with violence
when before his son, Christ was dragged by men
Herod’s words were met with . . . . . .
Silence.     -id