Paper Bag Jesus

Please forgive my intuition
Thinking what I thought you thought
God and guilt is not my institution
Who am I to give you absolution?
I'm not going to hold your head in my hands
I'm not going to try to make you understand
I'm not going to play the grand hypocrisy
Put my eyes out - I don't want to see

I'm not seeking the Messiah
Jesus in a paper bag
It's all very well to have a social conscience
But I guess that's not my experience
I'm not going to be the bride dressed in white
I'm not going to be in your bed at night
I'm not going to wear a smiling face
Don't put me down - it's not your place

Paper Bag Jesus
What can you offer me?
I feel as though
You're just going to smother me
Paper Bag Jesus
You don't have a prayer
There's a place inside
And I don't want you there

Please don't think it's a decision
I just came to overnight
I don't see religion as salvation
I can't understand your fascination
I'm not going to drink communion wine
I'm not going to pretend things are fine
I'm not going to cross myself tonight
Put the good book down to perfect hindsight

Paper Bag Jesus
You just can't offer me
Anything much
You're just going to smother me
Paper Bag Jesus
You don't have a prayer
There's a place inside
And I keep myself there


November 29, 1995
© Lela Kaunitz