Especially (theology)

Features of the prototype can be
recognised without difficulty and
discussions often lead to the "mark of the beast"
if the beast be correctly
interpreted as referring to a Roman emperor
the technical signification bond, certificate of debt
very common in the Papyri
    merely stamped with the name 
    and date of the emperor
followed up with a real healthy, orthodox catechesis
rooted in divine revelation
in Byzantine legal contexts
equipping people for their mission

Papacy stumbles but does not fall
the seer acted with a free hand
    a scratch or etching
    a badge of servitude
    graven, idolatrous images
    the operation of a mint
    beasts in prophecy
    Paul's handkerchief and
    marks on horses

The deplorable word
is a profane grimoire
that focuses
exclusively on the abyss

In the not too distant future
a financial catastrophe thrusts society

In a time between now and tomorrow
all must receive the 'mark' and
I don't know why you're
looking at me just because

        Of the mark
        stamped
        on the forehead
        or the right hand
        as the badge
        of the followers of
        the Antichrist

Amidst the chaos, a military spy
is sent to infiltrate a religious cult

Three men with musical instruments,
seated in a shelter, among desolate rocks
by bitter streams