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The voice in this narrative poem by Ren Jackson explores the heartache and journey of praise in response to 1 Samuel 2:1-10.
1 Samuel 2:1-10
Hannah's Song
By
Ren Jackson
Credits:
Curated by:
Jonathon Roberts
2018
Spoken Word
Primary Scripture
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I will offer this: What struck me from the start was Hannah's voice. On one level, it was fascinating to go through several iterations of the passage, i.e., God's Word, Good News Bible, Amplified and particularly The Message to see how her story was related. Then, on another, to hear how she made her promise to God, in some cases it said, vow, and her subsequent exaltation, to God, for the promise that was fulfilled. It was that exaltation, her song of praise, that resonated with me and is the core of the narrative of the poem. I wanted to explore how might that sound in a contemporary tone, yet rooted in Hannah's voice.
As I continued to compose the piece, I felt compelled to include echoes of what transpires in 1 Samuel 1. I thought the reader would appreciate the context of the narrative better with a few more lines providing that referenced where and why the 'song' was lifted up.
I know there are diverse examples of this kind of praise throughout the Bible. As much as I was inspired by Hannah's act of worship, it was also the tenacity, and specificity to which she spoke that captivated my imagination. There is clearly an emotional distance that Hannah covers, and what I hoped to convey by the 'end' (because it's a beginning, too) was a sense that along the way she found the space to accept that she was no longer 'broken or barren'—indeed, never was—and that she came to the conclusion to make the choice to dance till her home-going.
Spark Notes
The Artist's Reflection
Ren Jackson: Born and bred in Indianapolis, this Midwest kid was molded in the deserts of Arizona, and forged on the stages of Chicago. Ren emerged amid the thriving theater and teaching artist community in New York, having logged miles regionally as a professional actor, including time as a company member with the Brooklyn-based, site-specific theater company, Brave New World Rep, in addition to building on his stints as a teaching artist in Chicago and New York.
Being a former competitive athlete, much of his approach to his work is grounded in his exploration of a story's physicality. Whether it be through stage combat, dance, gesture or stylized movement, his commitment and enthusiasm to creating a physical narrative that supplements and highlights a text are evident.
Ren is always up for collaboration on projects with a focus on strong storytelling, spiritual development, ensemble building and mentoring youth in the performing arts, fitness or sports.
Ren Jackson
About the Artist
Ren Jackson
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Broken and barren to the bone
I'll haunt this step till You call me home.
{ SILENCE *kneeling, lips moving*}
HANNAH'S SONG
Ren Jackson
Broken and barren to the bone
I'll haunt this step till You call me home.
{ SILENCE *kneeling, lips moving* }
The pastor was in the church that day.
Eyes defiant at what they beheld.
Still, I knelt and silently released my lament
despite his critical que.
"You dare come into His house drunk?
He accused.
What's wrong with you? This ain't the place to get crunk!"
I was delirious in my cry.
"I asked Him for a son!
I'll bring him to you
To have and to hold, to teach and to annoint.
He will even eclipse your sons,
By His will, I hope you will appoint."
With a shiver, I turned to accept his blessing
Then went on my way.
I knew when I conceived, felt it in my core.
In an instant, the insults, and slights -
the marital prosecution dissolved.
I was full - ripe with the joy that my prayer had been answered.
Broken and barren to the bone
I'll haunt this step till You call me home
{*kneeling*}
This time I come before your throne,
To praise you for the blessing of my son, Samuel.
because I asked You for him.
Names she called me, said I was second best
She couldn't handle the truth
of my love
the conviction of my faith
I was a rival of hers that put her to the test.
Regardless of rank or privilege I did my duty
Wife #2? No, I'm not no regular Betty.
I am Hannah, and I respect the game.
She has her brood: four out the door
Two on the floor, and another wailing at her chest for more.
But I'm not hatin'. Nope not me.
Even though in the beginning I was bereft of the bounty
that might flow from from my womb,
Ready to risk it all, even to lay down in my tomb
I still raised my voice like a rushing river,
Lifted my eyes like a morning sun blazing
Flung my arms like the eagle soars on the wind
Despite her crushing ways
To praise Him
To ask of Him
To thank Him for His Love.
Broken and barren to the bone
I'll haunt this step till You call me home
You established my salvation before I was born
Reached back in the generations to knit a promise
And saved it for the day when I thought I was alone.
You are the Creator, no one,
no thing,
greater.
My Rock, my sword, my shield,
my wheel in the middle of the wheel
The Lily of the valley, a bright and Morning Star
It made no difference what she said
I still fall on my knees and sing,
"I'll wait right here, for ya Jesus, till You come."
Cause you firm up my backbone, and make my steps certain
While humbling the stiff and loosening their way.
You rejuvenate the listless, give hope to the homeless;
You revive some from that lasting sleep,
while others are laid to rest.
You make plenty, where there is lack;
Change paupers into princes
And even the White House Black.
Our world was built by Your word,
and through the Word everything came to be;
When the Word became Flesh
Though many didn't recognize,
Your patience surpassed all understanding.
Healed and whole in my soul
I'll dance this step till you call me home
Hannah prayed:
I’m bursting with GOD-news!
I’m walking on air.
I’m laughing at my rivals.
I’m dancing my salvation.
Nothing and no one is holy like GOD,
no rock mountain like our GOD.
Don’t dare talk pretentiously—
not a word of boasting, ever!
For GOD knows what’s going on.
He takes the measure of everything that happens.
The weapons of the strong are smashed to pieces,
while the weak are infused with fresh strength.
The well-fed are out begging in the streets for crusts,
while the hungry are getting second helpings.
The barren woman has a houseful of children,
while the mother of many is bereft.
GOD brings death and GOD brings life,
brings down to the grave and raises up.
GOD brings poverty and GOD brings wealth;
he lowers, he also lifts up.
He puts poor people on their feet again;
he rekindles burned-out lives with fresh hope,
Restoring dignity and respect to their lives—
a place in the sun!
For the very structures of earth are GOD;
he has laid out his operations on a firm foundation.
He protectively cares for his faithful friends, step by step,
but leaves the wicked to stumble in the dark.
No one makes it in this life by sheer muscle!
GOD enemies will be blasted out of the sky,
crashed in a heap and burned.
GOD will set things right all over the earth,
he’ll give strength to his king,
he’ll set his anointed on top of the world!
(1 Samuel 2:1-10, MSG)
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Broken and barren to the bone
I'll haunt this step till You call me home.
{ SILENCE *kneeling, lips moving*}
