Act 2 Scene 16.1 The WEIGHT as witnessed by Simon of Cyrene

[ACT 2 • “THE WEIGHT” Simon of Cyrene’s perspective Hip-hop cinematic… slow… breath-driven] ⸻ [Beat: drag of footsteps… chain rattle… low bass rumble] SIMON I came here for the market Sun in my eyes, just a regular day Crowd pushing, soldiers yelling I was never here to stay Then a hand grabs my shoulder Voice sharp as the steel they hold “Pick it up. Walk behind Him.” No choice… just orders told I don’t know this man But I know what pain displays Back shredded… blood threaded Yet He stands through the haze This cross ain’t just wood It’s every sorrow ever known He takes the sin I take the beam But He’s bearing the world alone ⸻ [Women crying — ensemble, soft] Weeping… Weeping… What have they done? ⸻ SIMON He stumbles And the earth beneath me shakes Not weakness… but a weight All humanity makes I look back See the women breaking in tears Their cries cut deeper Than these splinters and spears I speak what He spoke Through breath barely holding shape “Don’t weep for Him…” But for all the hearts that break “For yourselves and your children” Cuz grief’s gonna visit your land This road ain’t the end It’s the beginning of the plan I’m gripping this wood He’s gripping all creation One step at a time He’s dragging salvation Not a curse in His mouth Not a plea to be freed Just silent strength Still doing what love decreed I came as a stranger But I leave as a witness If this is a King Then this weight is forgiveness ⸻ [Beat slows… soldier command echoes] Move… Move… [Final line — whispered resolve] If He walks to that hill Then God… find me here still