Skinny bearded guy, a frail cross bearer,

a look too full of pain to give one hope -

This really Jesus, greater than a Pope?

The imaciated people-carer?

Why not a roly-poly supersize?

A jolly jiggling belly of a man

ruddy cheeks, bright-eyed, tall as several span?

Laying on great hands, one's healing no surprise!

Who fills the room whenever he comes in

Who's laughter rattles kitchen pans and pots

Who shakes the law, the dos and don'ts and oughts

Abundant joy dispels our narrow sin.

Such a Christ looks not like one afflicted

(An attractive God was not predicted).