†CROSSES†

Me and some friends drove into a small town in northern New Mexico but the action soon became rotten sour so we left; and on the way out we stopped for lunch and ate at a little restaurant known as Casa de Cruzes.

We walked in and right away we could tell Jesus was checkin’ it out. This place I mean.

Crosses were hanging on all the walls.

The ceiling alone had about fifteen of them kinda sprawled out,

nailed down.

How ironic, I thought.

I especially remember this one that had a long, sad Jesus face to it but our food came and I saw that it was good and I ate of it.

As I chewed I looked around and realized that I’d never seen so many goddam crosses in one place

not even church.

I guess someone wanted to make real sure this place was securely blessed ~

holy like.

There was the velvet Jesus ~ Unlikely superstar but always the King.

Paintings of crosses ~ Local artists giving St. Peter the sleazy wink.

Twisted metal crosses gracing the masticating I.

Chandeliers and the hung Christ giving up face n flesh

Day and night.

Crosses in your face. Burrito on the table.

Lunch was divine but the hills were burnt charcoal black.

Hot sopapillas & honey for dessert.

Taos, NM. ‘95/‘96 – 6/11
Victor Millan