JESUS AND VAN GOGH

Like Jesus, Vincent Van Gogh’s humanity
Has been lost to us, they have both become

Something else, metaphors, projections,
Malleable, conveniently adaptable to

Whatever message anyone feels a need
To convey with borrowed authority.

They no longer need to shit, or eat,
Fart, belch, or consort with hookers.

Auras hover around images of them,
Followers worship at movable altars.

I want to smell Van Gogh’s farts while
Walking through Arles with his shrink.

When the Last Supper ends, I want to hear
Jesus’ hearty belch echo across time, proving

He was once human.

M.J.  Arcangelini (b.1952, PA) has resided in Northern California since 1979. He has published extensively in magazines and online, as well as over a dozen anthologies.  He has 8 published collections, the most recent of which are: PAWNING MY SINS, 2022 (Luchador Press), FIERCE KISSES (Rebels & Squares Press) 2024, & HOOKING UP (Pure Sleaze Press) 2025. He has twice been nominated for a Pushcart Prize.