-Easter-time blues-

Jesus said:
ugh...

this guy's feet stink.—

basin water’s turning to mud.

look at those toenails,—

brittle, curled-in, yellow as a parrot's beak.

this is my job.

Jesus said:
I’m a carpenter of wood

turned washerman to the foot.

one hand for the lathe––

one hand for the washbasin.

I’m open for business.
O come all ye to the rock of ages! —

sign says:

“I Am That I Am & Son” open-air marketplace

for the washing of feet.

Jesus is saying:

now I hear they're out to get me.

I should learn.

I should keep my mouth shut.

I’m quite mad, you know —

madder than the hatter!

distressed, Jesus says:
ugh...

the guy next in line

looks like Jerry Rubin.

I should tell him:

"sorry, fella.
temporarily out of service"—
send him on his way,
maybe Papa can shelve him for Chicago.
ugh...damn!

look at those feet.

goddamn !  hey! listen, fella !

I need to see a ticket !

you got a ticket, buddy?

you should’ve taken a ticket, man !

listen.

for chrissakes, I'm begging you.

wash your own goddamn feet !