Entr'acte

between Acts 1 and 2

He thinks he's God.
Prophesy to us, O Christ!
You who would destroy the Temple--
leave not a stone upon a stone--
Its stones will crush you!
Abraham will crush you; Moses will crush you.
The Samson who would pull down the Law
fulfills the law that crashes on his head!

Before Abraham was, you are, you say:
Ancient of days, riding on the clouds.
But Abraham is dead; and you will die,
and where then all your words of eternal life?
You thought you were God, above the Law;
the Law will make you know that you are man.

And we will help the Law. Give us some words:
Tell us who slapped you, spat on you,
kicked omnipotence into senselessness.
We know who did it, if you do not:
We did. Each of us. All mankind.
Judge us. Condemn us all together, if you dare!

And you--Are you a Galilean also?
Did I see you in the garden, sleeping?
Or in a corner of the church, shaking hands?
Come out here by the fire, and warm yourself;
bask in the glow of the world, and let us see your face.

Now, look into our eyes, and tell us:
He thinks he's God. What do you say of him?
Elijah? Moses? A philosopher?
Look into the flames again, and see him there.
They show him as another Socrates. And you?
Ask not for whom the cock crows; it crows for thee.