ON THE FOURTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS

                                                     (J.J. Tissot - Brooklyn Museum)

HEROD

Herod’s brain was

riddled with worms.

When the Magi

were presented

he wept

and trembled

even before they spoke.

They

sotto voce

sang charms 

each in the glimmer

of his own language

and calmed him.

Composure

regained

Herod sat

sharp eyed

listening.

Sly Herod

wished

the Magi would -

“return and tell me

of this new king’s

birthplace.”

They agreed, of course.

Weeks later,

when they hadn't returned

he voiced his command. 

His Chamberlain nodded

orders were given

soldiers dispatched

and the Innocents

were slaughtered

but not before

gold

frankincense

 and

myrrh

financed a family's flight

to safety.

I AM THE VICTIM

All lines excerpted from Adolph Eichmann’s final statements at his trial in Jerusalem, 1961-1962)

***

(crack of two stones rapped together)

I have heard the court’s verdict.

(crack)

I see myself…disappointed.

(crack x 2)

I am the victim.

The witnesses’ statements made my legs go numb.

It was not my wish to slay people.

(crack)

I was held fast in those dark duties.

Obedience was not easy.

I obeyed.

(crack)

I am tormented.

I never carried out killings.

No bloodguilt lies on me.

I would ask forgiveness.

I am not the monster.

(crack)

I am the victim of an error.

I suffer here for others.

I am the victim.

I must bear what fate has imposed upon me.

(crack x 2)