The Green Pastures (1929)/Part 1/Scene 6

God’s private office in Heaven. It is a small room, framed by tableau curtains. A large window up center looks out on the sky. There is a battered roll-top desk. On the wall next to the window is a framed religious oleograph with a calendar attached to it underneath. A door is at the left. A hat rack is on the wall above the door. There are two or three cheap pine chars beside the window, and beyond the door. In front of the desk is an old swivel armchair which creaks every time God leans back in it. The desk is open and various papers are stuck in the pigeonholes. Writing implements, etc. are on the desk. On a shelf above the desk is a row of law books. A cuspidor is near the desk, and a waste basket by it. The general atmosphere is that of the office of a Negro lawyer in a Louisiana town. As the lights go up God takes a fresh cigar from a box on the desk and begins puffing it without bothering to light it. There is no comment on this minor miracle from Gabriel who is sitting in one of the chairs with a pencil and several papers in his hand. The singing becomes pianissimo.

[Looking at the papers.] Well, I guess dat’s about all de impo’tant business this mornin’, Lawd.

How ’bout dat Cherub over to Archangel Montgomery’s house?

Where do dey live, Lawd?

Dat little two story gold house, over by de pearly gates.

Oh, dat Montgomery. I thought you was referrin’ to de ol’ gentleman. Oh, yeh. [He sorts through the papers and finds one he is looking for.] Yere it ’tis. [Reads.] “Cherub Christina Montgomery; wings is moltin’ out of season an’ nobody knows what to do.”

Well, now, take keer of dat. You gotter be more careful, Gabe.

Yes, Lawd.

[Without turning around.] Now, watch yo’self, Gabriel.

I wasn’t goin’ to blow, Lawd. I jest do dat every now an’ den so I can keep de feel of it.

What’s dis yere about de moon?

[Suddenly remembering.] Oh! De moon people say it’s beginnin’ to melt a little, on ’count caize de sun’s so hot.

It’s goin’ ’roun’ ’cordin’ to schedule, ain’t it?

Yes, Lawd.

Well, tell ’em to stop groanin’. Dere’s nothin’ de matter wid dat moon. Trouble is so many angels is flyin’ over dere on Saddy night. Dey git to beatin’ dere ​wings when dey dancin’ an’ dat makes de heat. Tell dem dat from now on dancin’ ’roun’ de moon is sinnin’. Dey got to stop it. Dat’ll cool off de moon. [He swings back and puts the paper on the desk. He leans back in the chair comfortably, his hands clasped behind his head.] Is dere anythin’ else you ought to remin’ me of?

De prayers, Lawd.

[Puzzled, slowly swinging chair around again.] De prayers?

From mankind. You know, down on de earth.

Oh, yeh, de poor little earth. Bless my soul, I almos’ forgot about dat. Mus’ be three or four hund’ed years since I been down dere. I wasn’t any too pleased wid dat job.

[Laughing.] You know you don’ make mistakes, Lawd.

[Soberly, with introspective detachment.] So dey tell me. [He looks at Gabriel, then through the window again.] So dey tell me. I fin’ I kin be displeased though, an’ I was displeased wid de mankind I las’ ​seen. Maybe I ought to go down dere agin—I need a little holiday.

Might do you good, Lawd.

I think I will. I’ll go down an’ walk de earth agin an’ see how dem poor humans is makin’ out. What time is it, by de sun an’ de stars?

[Glancing out of the window.] Jest exactly half-past, Lawd.

[Opening the door.] Well, take keer o’ yo’self. I’ll be back Saddy. [He exits.]