consequence for tourists

 

so…it remains Church art…enshrined
not vandalized… this well-intentioned
restoration oiled on Martinez’ fresco
when she, Gimenez, a Good Samaritan…slipped
sanctuary doors without due diligence
of those who saw her, hourly, painting there…
curious duality of care and carelessness

she despaired long decades depredations…
of blessings touch…of humid prayers and
incense smoke…disfigurement of mold
compelled her rash redemptive mission
her vision of a holy incarnation

her Christ has matted fur for hair…
His head’s no longer crowned with thorns,
His newly Greek masked mouth…a smudge
His Heaven gaze turned vacant now to viewer stare

opinions still abrade her brash interpretation
with bluster fury admiration wonder ridicule despair
for it’s now famous infamous to paying curious crowds
who flock the tourist shrine and facemail selfies yet…
there are a few who simply think and smile and kneel
and sigh and pray

Bonnie Marshall

Artwork by Elias Garcia Martinez, 1930
and Cecilia Gimenez, 2012
Sanctuary of Mercy Church
Borja, Spain