jesus, emerging with his cross and his floss...

i grew up in oklahoma. my family were not christians but we did celebrate easter. it was to be
anticipated, as halloween was as well, but this particular holydaze did require one to don a
costume in the frosts of near winter. we did not have to approach the doors of strangers and
petition for handouts under yellow bugzapping apparatus. there was less element of satan.
my family of artists created some lovely eggs the night before easter. they were dyed of course,
the home smelled of vinegar. we drew on the symbols of fertility. and in the morning, they
magically transported themselves out into the tall grasses, the improbable niches, the so obvious
i can't believe that i can't see it, hiding places.

and riding shotgun with the multicoloredeggs was candy. i distinctly recall finding an ostrich
sized sugar diorama that you could peer into and see a tiny chocolate, ethiopian styled Jesus, who
had emerged from his glistening green cave clutching a little cross shaped toothbrush! now, if that
wasn't some fine indoctrination for me, i don't know what chance of redemption i ever stood...