Come with me in comfort out of hostility and into warmest arms to bare no malice.

I did notice for a short time a mild wind enchant a biding carpenter who only now chooses words to speak.

"Hearken to ye–my fellow man, in times where no man tremble.

Behold your shoulders baring no great toil–your feet hold little weight, your back be supported only by the air that your lungs hold free from bondage".

This news–so long awaited–frightened the citizens; swept up by such words.

For they so long now felt his coming, believed not a single word.

"Coward!" They cried, "You are not he who comes a second time. Nor are you a wanderer fit to behold our praise!

We know who he wants us to be–and you who tell us of painless ease are certainly a fool–for we are saved by him alone–and you who come bring only deceit."

The traveler only laughed and blushed:

"My message is not for you–children of old who do not see. I speak openly to those who hear and warn nothing to the lame that heed their bondage wisdom.

Go ahead and dig at dirt and find ye no treasure in my foot steps–for I have thrown no pearls for swine today".

A second laugh came from the audience–this laugh came not from the people of the crowd, but a lame old man holding a walking stick while walking his dog.

"I see the truth," says he, and picking up his lantern turned to leave. "I have no more use for you good people." He joined the traveler–who of course, is his equal.

An angry murmur from the crowd erupted in fowl words and grand degradation–where the first stone was thrown–and missed the traveler and companion. For no aim of theirs is precise enough to shudder–let alone hurt one who can travel alone.

More and more stones were in the air–but not at the traveler and company. Yes, there are more who recognize this traveler–the anger charged by bigotry corrupted each aim so that the crowd themselves became the target.

Much blood was shed on that day–for of course, it was the last for the audience.

There was no room for those who follow.

The only ways lead through flames and courage alone would allow our citizens to pass on through…

Unscathed.

• September 19, 2003 - No Shame Charlottesville
  

  Performed by Seth Silverman
  

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