‘It is dark in the east,’ Chet said. ‘A darkness that envelops all it encounters,’ he continued. ‘I touched the darkness and it had substance,’ Chet observed. ‘It is a foreboding day for a journey, yet we must go,’ Chet noted.

‘We felt the freedom of hope, the touch of grace that brings light to the dark heart,’ Jane whispered. ‘Standing together we knew the truth separated we doubt ourselves,’ Jane explained. ‘I feel queasy in the pit of my stomach and silent nameless fear that grips many hearts,’ Jane said with a shudder. ‘Is all going to be alright or is this the beginning of the end?’ Jane said.

‘Let us drink a glass of Merlot and rest a bit before departing for the parade,’ Neva J admonished. ‘There will be a great crowd and much celebration…the Preacher is coming to town,’ Neva J exulted. ‘Finally, he will be recognized for his wisdom,’ Neva J observed.

‘He is coming with many of the marginalized and forgotten in the crowd, interspersed with the religious and political leaders,’ He said. ‘His eyes are sad,’ He said.

‘Now we will be free…now our oppressor will lift his foot from our neck,’ a Church Member said. ‘Preacher will restore us to our rightful place and vanquish our enemies,’ the Church Member said. ‘No more hiding from the oppressive government…we will be the government,’ a Church Member promised.

Preacher rode through the adoring crowd in silence with sad eyes. Sounds of victory and hope abated the clouds of doubt. The worm had turned. Now Preacher will be the leader and Politician will be the servant, the throng cried!

‘Take this cup from me…not my will but thy will be done,’ the Preacher said.