This page was created by Charlie Serigne. The last update was by David Squires.
Kneel
This poem is from the perspective of Reverend Ambrose and his struggle to get Jefferson to listen to him about the significance of his salvation. Reverend Ambrose recognizes his goal as important, but some of those around him, namely Grant, ignore his intentions. By the end of the text, Reverend Ambrose is frustrated by not being taken seriously, an emotion I tried to capture within this erasure poem. Additionally, I was inspired by Malahlia Jackson's "Move On Up a Little Higher" to focus on the salvation element of the text. The speaker of Jackson's song is imploring the listener to lay down their burdens and join them in heaven, a notion reminiscent of the Reverend's appeals to Jefferson.The scene is from the script of the Christmas program.
Kneel
Suddenly, light, Christ, and Reverend Ambrose.
Light came from a star, bright.
Wish to correct his mind.
No one seemed to have noticed, anyhow.
Three men entered, several snickered and made comments.
Tell us, what yon mean?
Shine down on man.
We must go to him.
They were all looking at the person, getting tired.
What it mean?
You know.
He'll know.
God on High works.
The person was changing, giving to someone else.
Perform nothing but the highest, Brightest star.
Got to mean something.
The person holding the light, me.
Kneel down.
Kneel.
See Jesus, stand beside, look up.
We close now.
Enter and immediately kneel before Jesus.
O Lord, Each beside My Savior,
Your Savior.
Jesus is Come, men stand,
including the boy.
Again thank God,
again not saved from sin.
Still fools did not have God in hearts.
Thank God.
"Amen, amen, amen."