when a “prophet” dies

when a “prophet” dies,
finally having been spit out of
a population that seems to
grind their teeth
chattering
chattering
chattering,
when they don’t have someone to
follow,
what do the minions do?

has there been a “prophet” in the making?
did s/he see the writing on the wall?
is there a secrecy already in the mix,
where said smaller circle round the “prophet”
has been given the heads up
regarding the health of the
“holy one?”

are there individuals who once
brainwashed, now gather whatever lil’ bits of
rationality might be left inside them &
suddenly question what a cult of personality
might be
without
said personality?

and is anyone lucky enough to free themselves
from the web of lies, delusions &
complete
utter
idiocy,
during the interim,
no matter how slight,
when one “prophet” dies &
is replaced by
another?