The Persistent Widow-Am-I (The Parable of the Persistent Widow)

Scripture Reference: Luke 18:1-8

A Dr. Seuss-style parable on the persistence in prayer.

Cast:
WIDOW
JUDGE

Costume:
Modern attire. Because of the cartoonish nature of the dialog, the costumes can caricature the characters. For example, a shawl, granny glasses, and a cane for the WIDOW; a robe, a gavel, and possibly a powdered wig for the JUDGE.

Props:
A table and chair for the JUDGE’s bench.

(The JUDGE is on stage seated at the table when the WIDOW enters from offstage stands before the JUDGE.)

WIDOW: I am the widow; the widow am I.
I come for justice, that is my cry.
I’m here for justice, it’s justice I seek.
In the name of the Lord, please let me speak.

JUDGE: I will not let you speak,
I do not fear this God you seek,
Do not ask me how or why,
I will not help you, Widow-am-I.

WIDOW: Will you help me in the Square?

JUDGE: I will not help you in the Square,
I will not help you anywhere.

WIDOW: Will you help me in a house?
Will you help me with a mouse?

JUDGE: I will not help you in a house,
I will not help you with a mouse,
I will not help you in the Square,
I will not help you anywhere,
Do not ask me how or why,
I will not help you Widow-am-I.

WIDOW: Would you help me in a box?
Would you help me with a fox?

JUDGE: Not in a box, not with a fox,
Not in a house, not with a mouse,
I will not help you in the Square,
I will not help you anywhere,
Do not ask me how or why,
I will not help you Widow-am-I.

WIDOW: Would you, could you, in a cart?
For the Lord, please have a heart.

JUDGE: I would not, could not, in a cart.

WIDOW: You will help me, you will see.
You may help me in a tree.

JUDGE: I would not, could not, in a tree,
Not in a cart. You let me be!
I will not help you in a box,
I will not help you with a fox,
I will not help you in a house,
I will not help you with a mouse,
I will not help you in the Square,
I will not help you anywhere.
Do not ask me how or why,
I will not help you Widow-am-I.

WIDOW: Say!
In the light? Here in the light!
Would you, could you, do what’s right?

JUDGE: Not in the light, not in a tree,
Not in a cart. Widow! Let me be.
Not in a house, not in a box
Not with a mouse, not with a fox,
I will not help you in the Square,
I will not help you anywhere.
Do not ask me how or why,
I will not help you Widow-am-I.

WIDOW: Could you, would you, with a lamb?

JUDGE: I would not, could not, with a lamb.
Not even with Green Eggs and Ham!
Not in the light, not in a tree,
Not in a cart. You let me be!
I will not help you in a box,
I will not help you with a fox,
I will not help you in a house,
I will not help you with a mouse,
I will not help you in the Square,
I will not help you ANYWHERE.
Do not ask me how or why,
I will not help you Widow-am-I.

WIDOW: You will not help me, so you say,
You do not care, and yet I pray
That you will help me anyway.

JUDGE: Widow, will you let me be?
I will help you, you will see.
I’ll grant you justice on this day.
Now won’t you please just go away.

WIDOW: Thank you judge, you are a deuce,
So ends our story – with apologies to Dr. Seuss.

(The WIDOW exits joyful that justice has been done. The JUDGE put his head down on the desk exasperated and exhausted.)