Forgive me, Saul, if I’m perverse
But feel I do the time is right
To question Pauline "faith", through verse,
And for its acts the Jews requite.
I am not vexed that "Christ" you wrought
Into a finespun synthesis:
Through Leader-Prophet-Sage you’ve taught
Some gentiles Jewish godliness.
The bone I wish to pick with you
Involves your Lord’s "divinity";
For such a creed repels the Jew
And gives the pagan sanctuary.
Jerusalem
25 January 1994