Neanderthal Messiah — 169

The Jordan River I

[A Roman Centurion to John the Baptist:] ‘I know your kind.

Evangelist.

Now z’time!’ [Mocking local language habits, educatedly.]

…

‘You mix up -

So the brain’s compromised:

So many swimming deaths — fear of drowning.

Entering backwards.

Likely, their first time in a floating sensation.

Special dress.

Barefoot.

Religious conversion.’

…

[John:] ‘Add awaiting.’

[Roman Centurion:] ‘What?’

[John:] ‘Whom.’

[Centurion, unconclusive:] ‘’Who?’

[John:] ‘He.’

[Centurion:] ‘Whenzthat?’

[John the Baptist:] ‘Now.’

[Centurion:] ‘Why?’

[John, gestures past:] ‘He.’

[The Roman’s Aramaic was what travelers called hotel.]

[The Centurion turns to look upon Him.]

[Iesu:] ‘Will you join me?’

[Visually claiming the water.]

[The Roman adjourned.]

[Iesu to a bowing John:] ‘Arise.

Shall we show them?’

[Judas on the embankment, kneeling, arms aloft.]

[A bird flew through golden light.]

[Centurion warns:]

Iesu

Nazarensis

Judorum

Rex

…

Iesu transformed, now INRI, walks from the baptismal water.

Past the centurion

Touching his wrist:

[Shlomo, Sal.]