Sermon Central
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Antwone Fisher: "Who Will Cry For The Little ...
Contributed by Rickey Bennett on Aug 15, 2009 (message contributor)
Antwone Fisher: "Who Will Cry for the Little Boy"
Based on a true story, the film Antwone Fisher tells of a young man who grew up in an abusive foster home. Over the years, Antwone grew bitter towards his natural family for giving him up. By the time he enlisted in the Navy, his anger got him into so many fist fights that he was sent to Navy psychologist Jerome Davenport (played by Denzel Washington), who becomes a father figure to Antwone.
After they have built trust with each other, Antwone shares a powerful poem with Davenport. At this critical juncture, his counselor raises the key issue that Antwone must deal with to find healing.
The conversation takes place just after the Thanksgiving meal at his counselor’s house. Antwone gives Davenport a folded piece of paper, and Davenport reads it aloud thoughtfully.
Who will cry for the little boy
Lost and all alone?
Who will cry for the little boy
Abandoned without his own?
Who will cry for the little boy?
He cried himself to sleep.
Who will cry for the little boy
Who never had for keeps?
Who will cry for the little boy
Who walked the burning sand?
Who will cry for the little boy
The boy inside the man?
Who will cry for the little boy
Who knew well hurt and pain?
Who will cry for the little boy
Who died and died again?
Who will cry for the little boy?
A good boy he tried to be.
Who will cry for the little boy
Who cries inside of me?
Davenport says, "Who will cry?"
Antwone responds, "I will. I always do."
To which Davenport replies, "This is excellent, Antwone. You’re good because you’re honest. You are more honest than most people. Even in your anger—-the only thing you’re not honest with yourself about is your need to find your own family; your natural family. You’re upset with them because you feel they didn’t come to your rescue. Maybe they didn’t know."
Antwone replies bitterly, "How could they not have known?"
Davenport says, "That’s the question you need to ask. 'Regard without ill will despite an offense'... That’s Webster’s definition of forgiveness."
Antwone says, "Why do I have to forgive?"
Davenport answers, "To free yourself, so you can get on with your life."
[Content: PG-13 for violence, language, and mature themes involving child abuse. Elapsed Time: 01:11:10 to 01:13:45 (DVD Scene 20)].
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