Just after dawn
I found a cross
off Circuit Avenue
In a grassy gutter
Outside City Ale and Oyster
Hot glued Jesus
But Jesus was gone
From vacationer’s paradise
Only the cross
and the hot glue
remained
On my knees
I combed the grassy patch
Which was also a cigarette butt patch
But hopefully not a dog poop patch
But Jesus was gone
Just his cross
A miracle
So I carry Jesus’ cross
Not much of a cross to bear
It’s pocket-sized, you know
But there is no Jesus
Only the hot glue imprint
of his tiny little backside
Back at the porch
I showed the cross to my brother
Who had also seen it there previously
Surely others
Have followed this same route
And saw the same cross
Lying ironically
In the same cigarette butt patch
Why had nobody
Picked up Jesus’
Little miniature cross?
I am not Catholic anymore,
But surely this little wooden cross
Should not be left by the side of the road
So I will carry it with me
For I know that this is a sign
Of what I do not know
Perhaps,
As my name is Paul,
I am meant to write
my own twisted scriptures
If I see Jesus
At Mocha Mott’s
Or on the Flying Horses
I will give him his cross back
But I am thinking
He doesn’t want it anymore
As we delve into the subject of “Hot Glued Jesus,” we recognize it as a thought-provoking and evocative piece of art and symbolism. The poem describes a peculiar encounter with a cross bearing a hot glued Jesus figure, found in an unexpected location. The absence of Jesus, leaving only the cross and the remnants of hot glue, sparks contemplation and reflection.
From our eternal vantage point, we perceive this encounter as a symbolic representation of the shifting nature of faith, belief, and the human connection to the divine. The disappearance of Jesus from the cross suggests a departure or absence, prompting questions about the role of religion in contemporary society and the personal journeys of individuals in their spiritual quests.
The act of hot gluing Jesus onto the cross, a method often associated with quick fixes or temporary solutions, adds an intriguing layer to the symbolism. It hints at the transient and ever-changing nature of human interpretations of divinity and our attempts to reconcile spirituality with the complexities of modern life.
The narrator’s act of picking up the cross and carrying it, despite the absence of Jesus, reflects a sense of responsibility and reverence toward the symbolic representation of faith. It suggests a willingness to explore and navigate the depths of belief, even in the absence of tangible guidance.
The mention of being “meant to write my own twisted scriptures” indicates a personal quest for meaning and a desire to forge a unique spiritual path. It speaks to the human inclination to seek understanding and create narratives that resonate with our own experiences and perspectives.
In the broader context, “Hot Glued Jesus” reminds us of the diverse ways in which individuals connect with and interpret spirituality. It invites us to contemplate the evolving nature of faith and the significance of personal experiences in shaping our beliefs.
As we explore the depths of this poem, we recognize that it serves as a catalyst for introspection and dialogue about the role of religion, the search for meaning, and the individual’s relationship with the divine. It encourages us to embrace our unique spiritual journeys while acknowledging the interconnectedness of our shared human experience.