PREACHER

PREACHER Stand up straight. Look at me. You say that man is dead— But what about your history? Were you modest? Were you mild? Or were you something Running wild? WOMAN 1 We did not— PREACHER Answer me! Were you obedient? Were you pure? Was your virtue Sound and sure? Or did you laugh Too loud at night? Did you burn Too bright? WOMAN 2 He touched— PREACHER TESTIFY! When did you first Invite the eye? When did you first Forget to bow? When did temptation Find you how? WOMAN 3 I did not— PREACHER (faster) Did you flirt? Did you sway? Did you lead A man astray? Did you kneel Without regret? Did you want What you now forget? WOMEN (low, pulsing underneath) Shame. Name. Blame. Same. PREACHER You claim it was defense— Protection— Instinct— Fear— But were you holy When he drew near? Did you freeze? Did you fight? Did you welcome The night? WOMAN 1 (stronger) He cornered— PREACHER You entered! WOMAN 2 He said mercy— PREACHER You answered! WOMAN 3 We told him— PREACHER (shouting) You tempted! WOMEN (growing dissonant harmony) We are not your Confession. We are not your Lesson. PREACHER (revival cadence, faster, breathless) Was he a shepherd? Was he a guide? Or did your wickedness Crucify A holy man Of God and grace— And now you hide Behind disgrace? TESTIFY! Did you scratch? Did you strike? Did you push him With spite? Did you feel Your anger rise? Did you look him In the eyes? WOMAN 2 (explosive) Yes! (Beat.) Not in sin— In rage. WOMAN 1 Yes— Because he would not stop. WOMAN 3 Yes— Because we would not drop. PREACHER (snarling rhythm) Ah— So now you claim It’s righteousness? That violence Was holiness? You speak of harm But what of him? A man now cold. A chapel dim. Who struck the blow? Who raised the hand? Who dared defy The Lord’s command? WOMEN (tight unison, grounded) We did. Silence. Then low, unified: We did.