The Preacher: Ruminates behind the Sermon

Gwendolyn Brooks

(b. 1917)

I Think it must be lonely to be God.

Nobody loves a master. No. Despite

The bright hosannas, bright dear-Lords, and bright

Determined reverence of Sunday eyes.

Picture Jehovah striding through the hall

Of His importance, creatures running out

From servant-corners to acclaim, to shout

Appreciation of His merit’s glare.

But who walks with Him?––dares to take His arm,

To slap Him on the shoulder, tweak His ear,

Buy Him and Coca-Cola or a beer,

Pooh-pooh His politics, call Him a fool?

Perhaps––who knows––He tires of looking down.

Those eyes are never lifted. Never straight.

Perhaps sometimes He tires of being great

In solitude. Without a hand to hold.