Teen Age Jesus by Al Ortolani

Jesus came home one afternoon
while his mother was cooking fish
she’d bought from the Simon Brothers.
Are you making plans for tonight
with that Magdalene girl? She asked.
Jesus shrugged, She’s cute, mom,
but I think we’re better off
just as friends. Besides,
I’m hanging with Lazarus tonight.
He’s been in a dark place since Passover.
We’re meeting cousin John
for locusts and honey. He knows a place
down by the river where
they serve them up on platters.

Jesus Examines the Blueprints by Al Ortolani

The wiry little carpenter with the pointed beard
Digs into his tool belt for nails, slips
His pencil behind his ear. He’ll work
Sundays if he has too, knowing well
The price of being underbid.
Remodeling costs more per square foot
Than any new spec house
But the old place is a mess. Peter suggests
A triplex. Judas a bulldozer.

As an independent contractor
He’s got to start somewhere, if eventually
He wants to turn water into wine
And to divide the fish and the loaves
Among the hungry. Then there’s the matter
Of the building permit. The city inspector.
The other guy who walks on water.