The Sallman Head -- edit 3

[Todd]

Hi Lizziep,

I don't remember seeing the original post, but this revision is a lot stronger. Some comments for you below:

Jesus seems false, photo-shopped--Great opening line! It really pulls me in.
to look brighter, lighter;

so light, in fact, he floats.--Nice play off the idea of the ascension.
It only shows one side,

and that makes me wonder
if it's his ugly side that hides.--Love the thoughts behind this. Maybe personalize it a bit to make the line read stronger: "if he hides his ugly side"

He's framed as a role model:--Good use of framed.
chiseled jaw, cheekbones rising up --again nice subtle nod to the resurrection

to heaven – candlelit eyes,--love the modifier
Mel Gibson blue – --especially nice after his passion movie

his pillowy gaze without desire,
and looking up        to his dad--Clever use of spacing to mimic the activity.

with a history of violent behavior. --I get the OT/NT Angry God/Loving Savior dichotomy but this line feels out of place. I think the poem would probably be better if you cut it. It  could have its own poem but I don't think it's actually this one. We are focused on the "head".
I wonder how he ever enraged

or engaged empires;
his heroin stare doesn't inspire

visions of an historical force.--You might even be able to cut this line and end the thought on inspire above, which is another loaded term.
Maybe people came to him to see the light --Wonderful break here

show – the radiant show, the halo show,
the skin show – fair --this is also a nice progression, it reads well, and it the use of fair on the same line as skin points subtly to another issue.

and gleaming in his Hampton Whites,
in a time long before bleach. --And now we have a reference to the atonement. Very subtle placement.

Very much enjoyed the read.

Best,

Todd