Father, forgive them
– not yet, Jesus. Give us time.
We are in no hurry for new life.
Give us time to think about what we have done,
to consider how we might compensate
you and one another. Give us time
to find the perfect sacrifice,
scapegoat or self-immolation,
either way, give us time to reach a settlement,
God, for, you see, we do not want to owe you,
but rather, to own you
– for they know not what they do.
