Before the Cock Crew

I denied Him,
Not once, nay twice, but thrice.
Swords saluted that preordained night ,
Clamorous voices muted quietude,
fleet-footed fright stunted my fortitude.

I denied Him long before the morn
from night was shone,
shielded my cowardly face against accusation,
disavowed charges of alliance
due to mortal trepidation,
deserted a close allegiance.

I denied Him,
slouched slowly away on shy tiptoes
a covenant to forfeit
as He was buffeted by countless foes
and targeted by their spit.

Yes over, over, over prophetically true,
I denied Him thrice before the cock crew.