How could anyone have known he was the real deal?
He didn’t look the part—no crown, no jewels, no gold,
no army of warriors.  He was this sad-looking guy

in dirty robes, unwashed hair, some wag with an eye
for seeing through the bullshit.  He sold
himself down the river.  The future will reveal
I did nothing wrong.  I washed my hands and let
the crowd decide—that’s democracy.
He looked harmless, but I was willing to throw a bone
to the people.  The Jews believe the body is on loan
in this world anyway.  The soul, I think, is the key.
But I’m fine now—life’s good. Seriously, I have no regrets.