You will be on this site at least once a week and hopefully more than that! Respond thoughtfully and creatively and use textual evidence or outside resources if appropriate. Embrace fabulous literature and learn from each other!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
G Bell Glass Menagerie due November 19th by midnight
Use your knowlege of William's style in The Glass Menagerie, and the techniques for creating a memory play to portray Tom's attitude and perspective as he looks back after leaving his family.
Quicksand The interior of a bar. A haze hangs in the air, produced not only by the heavy smoke, but also of the ethereal and evaporated hopes of the few patrons. The smells of unrequited love and unattained dreams, forcefully asphyxiated in seas of liquor, linger in the atmosphere, beckoning like Sirens to wearied and despondent passersby. A small crowd of regulars has formed near the grimy windows, at a low table. The pale countenances contrast with the murky brown liquid in their glasses. From time to time they murmur, recalling past exploits or commenting on the bust of the barkeeper, a woman of nearly 40 years but with the miracle of make-up has rouged the wrinkles in her face into oblivion. A lone figure sits at the bar, swirling the ice cubes in his glass. Upon closer examination, one would see that he has not yet succumbed to the apathy apparent in all the other customers. He still possess the seed of hope, of a dream yet unfulfilled. Tom: I wonder what they’re showing over at the movies. That’s what I could use right now. A good movie to entertain me. Maybe even pick up a nice girl outside. Hey barkeep! Where’s the closest picture joint in this town? Bartender: [leaning grotesquely over the bar, leaving little to the imagination. Laughs.] Honey, I’m the only thing worth watching in this town. We don’t got no pictures here. Tom: What’s a man supposed to do around here for fun anyway? [bartender refills his glass] Thanks doll. You know what? You remind me a lotta of my…Wait. Never mind. Bartender: No, go on honey, I got all night. Tom: It’s just you look like my sister. Just a little. Bartender: is she a pretty thing? Tom: She was. Is! But she was a cripple so she never got out. My mother [fade to black. Laura appears to one side with a one soft light shining upon her] Laura: I know you loved me. That’s why you never wanted me to see you after you got back from the movies or why you always offered to buy me another glass animal. But you can’t keep living like this. [pause] You can’t drown your problems. Eventually they will drown you. [all lights fade to black]
[Standing at the front of the church as Laura walks down the aisle.] Tom: [quietly to himself] I am so happy I got them back together, even if the only reason I saw Laura was because mom died. I only left because I had to. I mean I’m just like dad. [Scrim comes down and on it the original family portrait is projected, spot light center stage framing Laura and Tom] Ah, I remember the times Laura and I shared looking through the picture books when we were such young children. I always compared my self to my father. After all I am just like him, even now. Laura: I love looking at daddy. Tom: Can’t you see, I am just like him! [Tom walks in a circle around Laura with his chest held high and accidentally bumps into the table in front of where they were sitting.] Laura: [casually then scared] Oh Tom, be careful! You’re much to close to them! She kneels down to the table, almost tearful as she sets the glass figures back up exactly how they were before the “earthquake” I provided. [scrim up, lights up] Tom: [again to himself Laura still proceeding up the aisle] She has done well. She finally found someone who understands her world. I know I left for a reason, just like dad, and even though I put myself first Laura turned out just fine.
Tom is walking down the streets of the quaint downtown as it begins to snow. The street lamps are flickering and Tom fears he cannot make it back home. Tom quickly looks for a place to sit to get out of the worsening weather. Tom: Oh, I knew it was going to snow, I just knew it. Why did I have to go outside? (looking quickly around) Oh, I will just go in here until the snow subsides. Tom opens the door to find a small restaurant, however, something begins to eat away at him inside. The restaurant is playing a low undertone of ominous classical music.
Waiter: Here sir, you can take a seat here. Tom: Thank you kind sir. What is the name of this fine restaurant? Waiter: The Glass House Tom looks around, and begins to notice in the dark lighting the gleaming small figurines that are carefully placed along the large back wall. The music becomes louder.
Tom: Oh…my (stutters) this, reminds me…of home…of… Laura....(Tom looks out into the distance towards the back wall as the candle flame on his table slowly fades). Waiter: I will give you a moment sir, I will be back shortly. You look quite pale sir…Are you alright? Would you like me to get you something? Tom: (barely able to speak) No…(Tom sits there thinking of his past) Tom: I thought I had left everything behind me, I thought I had forgotten it all. Just one year ago, I was miserable, but…I left my dear sister. Oh how could I?! I love her (Tom’s eyes begin to well up) She was so kind. I did not want to end it like this. I should have taken her with me. (Sobbing) I am such a horrible person, such as horrible brother. How could I do this...(The candle flame blows out, and Tom collapses while heavily breathing) Waiter: Sir…sir!!!! Someone, anyone…please, someone call a doctor!
Finally becoming the sailor that he had dreamt of becoming, Tom believes that he is on top of the world. After working tenaciously throughout the day, Tom goes to bed to rest his body. After saying his prayers, Tom begins to think of the horrid life he would have had to live if decided to stay back with his mother and sister. Suddenly one of his co-workers walks into the room.
Co-worker: Hey Tom, what are you doing?
Tom: Nothing, I was just thinking about my family.
Co-worker: (puzzled) Your family, Oh yeah…you seem to never mention anything about your family.
Tom: Well, its not a topic that I enjoy talking about because it depresses me. But I had a sister and a mother back home. My mother was awfully controlling. She restricted me from participating in any of the activities I enjoyed. She burdened me with taking care of her and my sister because my father had left us. She forced me to go and work at a shoe factory everyday because that was the only source of income coming into the family at the time. Therefore, despite my hatred for the job, I was coerced to continue. Co-worker: How 'bout your sister? Tom: Aww....she was a sweet lil thing...my sister was alway very quiet...you can her a pin drop when you would be sitting next to her....my sister was very innocent...and she was the one reason that I wanted to stay back....(looks down sadly)....so that I could take care of her....and find her a suitor that would take more care of her than me and my mother ever had....but was left as only a dream because the one suitor I brought for her was already committed to someone else Co-worker: Do you miss your family? Tom: To tell you the truth, I honestly don't miss them too much...My life right now...here (looks around)....is much better....all the income goes to only me and my expenses....I can do whatever my heart may desire without anyone standing on top of my head like a hawk to judge me and dissuading me from doin what I want to....but I just wish (looks down)...that I had given my sister into safe hands so that I was sure that she would live a secure life...thats one thing I regret about leaving without informing them...butmy hatred for my mother had reached a new level therefore I'm happy here so I think it was worth it Suddenly there is a sound on the intercom: Tom and John please return back to the deck... Tom: (standing up) well, lets go John......
(Dim lights to begin) Tom sits, lonely, on one of the barstools, he has become a regular at this place. Sitting quietly while he drinks his beer, he notices the shadows dancing across the walls they almost seem to resemble a family, but no, it's impossible, maybe it's just his mind playing tricks with him again. There they are again though, two feminie-like shadows and one lagging behind. It can't be, his family, his mother and...Laura? No, that can't be right, he's had too many drinks, it must be time to leave. Tom gets up in rather a rush and stumbles into a table knocking the candle over and therefore destroying the shadows he so feared. (Lights brighten)
Bartender: Hey! Watch where you're walking, you knocked over my candle! My wife and daughter love those. Tom: I'm so sorry, I wasn't paying attention, it's not broken. (Picks up the candle and sets it back on the table) Bartender: You erased all the shadows I was watching though, that's a shame. Tom: The shadows? I..I'm sorry...I didn't mean to, I just...why were you watching the shadows? Bartender: Oh, they always seem to resemble my family, they make me happy. Tom: Your family? And I erased the shadows...? (Falls to his knees and all lights fade) What have I done? Laura, Laura, please forgive me! (Lights fade to complete darkness)
Tom found himself walking down the street. It was cold and he was alone. He stopped, standing under a lone street lamp. Everything was dark except for the small circle of light that surrounded him. He saw something twinkling on the ground and he crept closer to take a closer examination. He realized it was a broken piece of glass. He was overwhelmed with a sense of regret and sadness, but he pushed the feelings aside and continued walking. He reached a local dinner and went inside and sat at the bar for a bit to eat.
Tom: "I'd like a cup of coffee and the house special please."
Waitress: "Sure thing."
Tom: (heard laughing, glanced over his shoulder. It was a young man and girl, who appeared to be brother and sister. Once again he was overcome with sadness.) "If only..."
Waitress: (thinking Tom was talking to her) "What?"
Tom: "Oh, nothing. I just feel as though I could have done things differently in my past."
Waitress: "Well don't we all? There are a lot of things I wish I could change about my past, but its all too late now. If I were you, I'd fix things if you can. You don't want to continue life living in regret. You want to make right before its too late."
Tom: (began to speak and then paused. Looking back over his shoulder at the boy and girl. A woman, maybe their mother had returned to the table. they were all sitting there laughing and talking about the events of their day.) "I want to be able to live knowing i've made the right choices."
Imediently he rose, and nodded his head to the waitress. He left money on the bar-top overing his meal and the tip. He then put on his coat and turned towards the door, leaving before he even recieved his food. He knew he had to make things right before he could truly be happy. He started running, running home."
(It was a brisk November night where the trees were not yet bare. The colorful leaves blanketed the ground like fresh snow. The streets were empty except for an older man sitting on a nearby bench. His scruffy white beard and raggedy clothes implied that he lived in poor conditions. Tom, who finds his nagging thoughts of his past halted by the sight of the feeble man, scuffed towards him, kicking rocks to the side on the way.)
[Approaching the man from the left] Tom: Do you mind if I sit there? Man: Nah, son. What keeps ya from your warm home t'night? Tom: I don't have a warm home that keeps me happy. Man: Well I’m sure that ya unhappy home’s better than this here freezin’ bench. [Tom sighs and stares off into the distance thinking again of his family he left behind. He specifically remembers Laura, who haunts his thoughts after leaving]
[The lights dim. Spotlight appears above Laura] [Laura is at her desk writing a letter to Tom. Tom’s vision focuses on Laura’s hand as it dances across the page forming letters into a curly script] [The man’s voice is heard within Tom’s vision] Man: Son? Son, wake up. Whatcha thinkin’ ‘bout?
[The spotlight above Laura fades to black and the lights illuminate the two men again] Tom: I am not sure about my past and the decisions I have made. I was not happy then, and I am definitely not happy drifting away in my thoughts and landing up in the cold on this bench. Man: Well I know I am not appealing, but you don’t have to be rude! (Chuckles gruffly) By makin’ tha choices thatcha did, you musta been sure of yourself then… why not now? Tom: I am regretful because I left behind… (stops abruptly)(eyes begin to tear) Man: okay son, okay. If ya left then, there was a good reason for it. You just need’ta find somethin’ good to think about now. [A cold gust of wind blows the two down the bench and both gasp at the freezing temperatures that engulf them] Tom:(after regaining himself) Well that sounds easy… (thinks quietly, his mind blank for a while) [The lights fade from the men and the spotlight reappears, this time on Laura and Tom. They were sitting together talking pleasantly. Laura giggles while Tom’s face lights up with joy] [The spotlight fades]
Drip. Drip. Drip. The never ending droplets pitter patter unevenly on the cold, dark asphalt worn smooth by the steps of past journeyers. I sat on the cold cement curb that seemed to claim it’s lighter color offered more hope than the black road inferior to its position. Every droplet seemed so clear to me, so lucid and reminiscent. The sound of water beating the cold metal unmercilessly gave me dèjávu of nights when I would escape from my mother’s badgering on the roofless, gutterless fire escape. My glass bottle in a paper bag was my only company, my only condolence and companion.Their faces, all of them sporadically appeared before me with the same spontaneity of the sky’s tears. I flashed from face to face. [flickering street lamps dimly light the deserted ally covered in fresh rain] Mother: [towering over Tom, whispering] Go to the moon. Laura: [sitting next to him] Please Tom. Mother: [drawing nearer to Tom’s face] To the movies. Laura: [tears welling in her eyes] Look Tom. Mother: [frustrated tears illuminated by the street lamps] Selfish dreamer! Laura: [reserved face covered in lines of silent tears] It’s my unicorn Tom. It’s just a horse now see? [holding horn in left hand] Tom can you fix it? Please Tom. Please fix it. Mother: [fatigue evident in voice] Oh Tom. Tom I’m sorry. Don’t leave like your father. Please com back Tom. Please. I need you. [fading into shadows on the wall] Laura: [right fist closing over broken glass animal] I know you can fix it Tom. You always can. Please don’t leave me. [fist clenches harder, turning white] Look Tom it’s broken. [opens hand to reveal broken horse covered in fresh blood from the glass shards penetration of her skin] Tom: [eyes growing wider] Laura oh no. You’re hurt Laura. Laura: [somber face remaining the same, tears continue to flow] It doesn’t hurt too bad Tom. It hurts more inside Tom. My heart hurts Tom. It feels broken like the horse. [blood from the gash on her hand begins to drop to the sidewalk] Tom: [in horror] Laura you’re bleeding is getting worse. Laura: Will you fix it? Can you make it magic again. It’s just a horse. Just a boring horse Tom. Drip. Drip. Drip. The droplets of blood add to the resonance of water from the gutters on the sidewalk. And yet they leave their mark. Dark brown splotches begin to cover the grey with splotches. I felt so helpless. I couldn’t go back. I couldn’t. Tom: I can’t Laura. I don’t know how. [one of the street lamps flickers and dies] [Laura drops the glass horse and its horn. They both shatter on the sidewalk. Another streetlamp dies leaving Tom and Laura in darkness] Tom: I can’t. I can’t.
(A church, dimly lit through large windows, the nearest ones depicting grotesque scenes such as the crucifixion, the farther depicting scenes of hope, such as the resurrection, The aisle seems to stretch farther than would seem possible and at the foot of the altar is a casket containing Amanda, dressed in her yellow frock and clutching a bouquet of jonquils. an ethereal haze wafts lazily through the pews, originating from the multiple censers in the church) Laura: (breathless upon seeing Tom) Tom... Tom: Hello Laura, its been a while. Laura: I see you combed your hair, Mother always loved it when you combed your hair, it reminded her of father. Tom: Yeah, well I didn’t do it for her. Laura: Tom, you know she was only trying to help you succeed. Tom: I know. (Pause) Every where I went I could here her criticizing me, I stopped going to the movies, all I could see was her yelling at me. Then, one day I actually began to listen. For all her nagging, sometimes she actually had good advice, I wouldn’t be where I am today without it. Laura: I’m glad to hear that Tom Tom: Oh, and I got you something (He hands Laura a piece of glass, a vibrant blue) Laura: Oh Tom, thank you, really, but I haven’t had a piece of glass in years. I guess you wouldn’t know that though, being gone and all. (Their dialogue fades and lights dim, as the scene is closing, the preacher can be heard softly ending a prayer) Preacher: God’s Holy Name be praised-
Quicksand
ReplyDeleteThe interior of a bar. A haze hangs in the air, produced not only by the heavy smoke, but also of the ethereal and evaporated hopes of the few patrons. The smells of unrequited love and unattained dreams, forcefully asphyxiated in seas of liquor, linger in the atmosphere, beckoning like Sirens to wearied and despondent passersby. A small crowd of regulars has formed near the grimy windows, at a low table. The pale countenances contrast with the murky brown liquid in their glasses. From time to time they murmur, recalling past exploits or commenting on the bust of the barkeeper, a woman of nearly 40 years but with the miracle of make-up has rouged the wrinkles in her face into oblivion. A lone figure sits at the bar, swirling the ice cubes in his glass. Upon closer examination, one would see that he has not yet succumbed to the apathy apparent in all the other customers. He still possess the seed of hope, of a dream yet unfulfilled.
Tom: I wonder what they’re showing over at the movies. That’s what I could use right now. A good movie to entertain me. Maybe even pick up a nice girl outside. Hey barkeep! Where’s the closest picture joint in this town?
Bartender: [leaning grotesquely over the bar, leaving little to the imagination. Laughs.] Honey, I’m the only thing worth watching in this town. We don’t got no pictures here.
Tom: What’s a man supposed to do around here for fun anyway? [bartender refills his glass] Thanks doll. You know what? You remind me a lotta of my…Wait. Never mind.
Bartender: No, go on honey, I got all night.
Tom: It’s just you look like my sister. Just a little.
Bartender: is she a pretty thing?
Tom: She was. Is! But she was a cripple so she never got out. My mother [fade to black. Laura appears to one side with a one soft light shining upon her]
Laura: I know you loved me. That’s why you never wanted me to see you after you got back from the movies or why you always offered to buy me another glass animal. But you can’t keep living like this. [pause] You can’t drown your problems. Eventually they will drown you.
[all lights fade to black]
[Standing at the front of the church as Laura walks down the aisle.]
ReplyDeleteTom: [quietly to himself] I am so happy I got them back together, even if the only reason I saw Laura was because mom died. I only left because I had to. I mean I’m just like dad.
[Scrim comes down and on it the original family portrait is projected, spot light center stage framing Laura and Tom]
Ah, I remember the times Laura and I shared looking through the picture books when we were such young children. I always compared my self to my father. After all I am just like him, even now.
Laura: I love looking at daddy.
Tom: Can’t you see, I am just like him!
[Tom walks in a circle around Laura with his chest held high and accidentally bumps into the table in front of where they were sitting.]
Laura: [casually then scared] Oh Tom, be careful! You’re much to close to them!
She kneels down to the table, almost tearful as she sets the glass figures back up exactly how they were before the “earthquake” I provided.
[scrim up, lights up]
Tom: [again to himself Laura still proceeding up the aisle] She has done well. She finally found someone who understands her world. I know I left for a reason, just like dad, and even though I put myself first Laura turned out just fine.
Tom is walking down the streets of the quaint downtown as it begins to snow. The street lamps are flickering and Tom fears he cannot make it back home. Tom quickly looks for a place to sit to get out of the worsening weather.
ReplyDeleteTom: Oh, I knew it was going to snow, I just knew it. Why did I have to go outside? (looking quickly around) Oh, I will just go in here until the snow subsides.
Tom opens the door to find a small restaurant, however, something begins to eat away at him inside. The restaurant is playing a low undertone of ominous classical music.
Waiter: Here sir, you can take a seat here.
Tom: Thank you kind sir. What is the name of this fine restaurant?
Waiter: The Glass House
Tom looks around, and begins to notice in the dark lighting the gleaming small figurines that are carefully placed along the large back wall. The music becomes louder.
Tom: Oh…my (stutters) this, reminds me…of home…of… Laura....(Tom looks out into the distance towards the back wall as the candle flame on his table slowly fades).
Waiter: I will give you a moment sir, I will be back shortly. You look quite pale sir…Are you alright? Would you like me to get you something?
Tom: (barely able to speak) No…(Tom sits there thinking of his past)
Tom: I thought I had left everything behind me, I thought I had forgotten it all. Just one year ago, I was miserable, but…I left my dear sister. Oh how could I?! I love her (Tom’s eyes begin to well up) She was so kind. I did not want to end it like this. I should have taken her with me. (Sobbing) I am such a horrible person, such as horrible brother. How could I do this...(The candle flame blows out, and Tom collapses while heavily breathing)
Waiter: Sir…sir!!!! Someone, anyone…please, someone call a doctor!
Finally becoming the sailor that he had dreamt of becoming, Tom believes that he is on top of the world. After working tenaciously throughout the day, Tom goes to bed to rest his body. After saying his prayers, Tom begins to think of the horrid life he would have had to live if decided to stay back with his mother and sister. Suddenly one of his co-workers walks into the room.
ReplyDeleteCo-worker: Hey Tom, what are you doing?
Tom: Nothing, I was just thinking about my family.
Co-worker: (puzzled) Your family, Oh yeah…you seem to never mention anything about your family.
Tom: Well, its not a topic that I enjoy talking about because it depresses me. But I had a sister and a mother back home. My mother was awfully controlling. She restricted me from participating in any of the activities I enjoyed. She burdened me with taking care of her and my sister because my father had left us. She forced me to go and work at a shoe factory everyday because that was the only source of income coming into the family at the time. Therefore, despite my hatred for the job, I was coerced to continue.
Co-worker: How 'bout your sister?
Tom: Aww....she was a sweet lil thing...my sister was alway very quiet...you can her a pin drop when you would be sitting next to her....my sister was very innocent...and she was the one reason that I wanted to stay back....(looks down sadly)....so that I could take care of her....and find her a suitor that would take more care of her than me and my mother ever had....but was left as only a dream because the one suitor I brought for her was already committed to someone else
Co-worker: Do you miss your family?
Tom: To tell you the truth, I honestly don't miss them too much...My life right now...here (looks around)....is much better....all the income goes to only me and my expenses....I can do whatever my heart may desire without anyone standing on top of my head like a hawk to judge me and dissuading me from doin what I want to....but I just wish (looks down)...that I had given my sister into safe hands so that I was sure that she would live a secure life...thats one thing I regret about leaving without informing them...butmy hatred for my mother had reached a new level therefore I'm happy here so I think it was worth it
Suddenly there is a sound on the intercom: Tom and John please return back to the deck...
Tom: (standing up) well, lets go John......
(Dim lights to begin) Tom sits, lonely, on one of the barstools, he has become a regular at this place. Sitting quietly while he drinks his beer, he notices the shadows dancing across the walls they almost seem to resemble a family, but no, it's impossible, maybe it's just his mind playing tricks with him again. There they are again though, two feminie-like shadows and one lagging behind. It can't be, his family, his mother and...Laura? No, that can't be right, he's had too many drinks, it must be time to leave. Tom gets up in rather a rush and stumbles into a table knocking the candle over and therefore destroying the shadows he so feared. (Lights brighten)
ReplyDeleteBartender: Hey! Watch where you're walking, you knocked over my candle! My wife and daughter love those.
Tom: I'm so sorry, I wasn't paying attention, it's not broken. (Picks up the candle and sets it back on the table)
Bartender: You erased all the shadows I was watching though, that's a shame.
Tom: The shadows? I..I'm sorry...I didn't mean to, I just...why were you watching the shadows?
Bartender: Oh, they always seem to resemble my family, they make me happy.
Tom: Your family? And I erased the shadows...? (Falls to his knees and all lights fade) What have I done? Laura, Laura, please forgive me! (Lights fade to complete darkness)
Tom found himself walking down the street. It was cold and he was alone. He stopped, standing under a lone street lamp. Everything was dark except for the small circle of light that surrounded him. He saw something twinkling on the ground and he crept closer to take a closer examination. He realized it was a broken piece of glass. He was overwhelmed with a sense of regret and sadness, but he pushed the feelings aside and continued walking. He reached a local dinner and went inside and sat at the bar for a bit to eat.
ReplyDeleteTom: "I'd like a cup of coffee and the house special please."
Waitress: "Sure thing."
Tom: (heard laughing, glanced over his shoulder. It was a young man and girl, who appeared to be brother and sister. Once again he was overcome with sadness.) "If only..."
Waitress: (thinking Tom was talking to her) "What?"
Tom: "Oh, nothing. I just feel as though I could have done things differently in my past."
Waitress: "Well don't we all? There are a lot of things I wish I could change about my past, but its all too late now. If I were you, I'd fix things if you can. You don't want to continue life living in regret. You want to make right before its too late."
Tom: (began to speak and then paused. Looking back over his shoulder at the boy and girl. A woman, maybe their mother had returned to the table. they were all sitting there laughing and talking about the events of their day.) "I want to be able to live knowing i've made the right choices."
Imediently he rose, and nodded his head to the waitress. He left money on the bar-top overing his meal and the tip. He then put on his coat and turned towards the door, leaving before he even recieved his food. He knew he had to make things right before he could truly be happy. He started running, running home."
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete(It was a brisk November night where the trees were not yet bare. The colorful leaves blanketed the ground like fresh snow. The streets were empty except for an older man sitting on a nearby bench. His scruffy white beard and raggedy clothes implied that he lived in poor conditions. Tom, who finds his nagging thoughts of his past halted by the sight of the feeble man, scuffed towards him, kicking rocks to the side on the way.)
ReplyDelete[Approaching the man from the left]
Tom: Do you mind if I sit there?
Man: Nah, son. What keeps ya from your warm home t'night?
Tom: I don't have a warm home that keeps me happy.
Man: Well I’m sure that ya unhappy home’s better than this here freezin’ bench.
[Tom sighs and stares off into the distance thinking again of his family he left behind. He specifically remembers Laura, who haunts his thoughts after leaving]
[The lights dim. Spotlight appears above Laura]
[Laura is at her desk writing a letter to Tom. Tom’s vision focuses on Laura’s hand as it dances across the page forming letters into a curly script]
[The man’s voice is heard within Tom’s vision]
Man: Son? Son, wake up. Whatcha thinkin’ ‘bout?
[The spotlight above Laura fades to black and the lights illuminate the two men again]
Tom: I am not sure about my past and the decisions I have made. I was not happy then, and I am definitely not happy drifting away in my thoughts and landing up in the cold on this bench.
Man: Well I know I am not appealing, but you don’t have to be rude! (Chuckles gruffly) By makin’ tha choices thatcha did, you musta been sure of yourself then… why not now?
Tom: I am regretful because I left behind… (stops abruptly)(eyes begin to tear)
Man: okay son, okay. If ya left then, there was a good reason for it. You just need’ta find somethin’ good to think about now.
[A cold gust of wind blows the two down the bench and both gasp at the freezing temperatures that engulf them]
Tom:(after regaining himself) Well that sounds easy…
(thinks quietly, his mind blank for a while)
[The lights fade from the men and the spotlight reappears, this time on Laura and Tom. They were sitting together talking pleasantly. Laura giggles while Tom’s face lights up with joy]
[The spotlight fades]
Drip. Drip. Drip. The never ending droplets pitter patter unevenly on the cold, dark asphalt worn smooth by the steps of past journeyers. I sat on the cold cement curb that seemed to claim it’s lighter color offered more hope than the black road inferior to its position. Every droplet seemed so clear to me, so lucid and reminiscent. The sound of water beating the cold metal unmercilessly gave me dèjávu of nights when I would escape from my mother’s badgering on the roofless, gutterless fire escape. My glass bottle in a paper bag was my only company, my only condolence and companion.Their faces, all of them sporadically appeared before me with the same spontaneity of the sky’s tears. I flashed from face to face.
ReplyDelete[flickering street lamps dimly light the deserted ally covered in fresh rain]
Mother: [towering over Tom, whispering] Go to the moon.
Laura: [sitting next to him] Please Tom.
Mother: [drawing nearer to Tom’s face] To the movies.
Laura: [tears welling in her eyes] Look Tom.
Mother: [frustrated tears illuminated by the street lamps] Selfish dreamer!
Laura: [reserved face covered in lines of silent tears] It’s my unicorn Tom. It’s just a horse now see? [holding horn in left hand] Tom can you fix it? Please Tom. Please fix it.
Mother: [fatigue evident in voice] Oh Tom. Tom I’m sorry. Don’t leave like your father. Please com back Tom. Please. I need you. [fading into shadows on the wall]
Laura: [right fist closing over broken glass animal] I know you can fix it Tom. You always can. Please don’t leave me. [fist clenches harder, turning white] Look Tom it’s broken. [opens hand to reveal broken horse covered in fresh blood from the glass shards penetration of her skin]
Tom: [eyes growing wider] Laura oh no. You’re hurt Laura.
Laura: [somber face remaining the same, tears continue to flow] It doesn’t hurt too bad Tom. It hurts more inside Tom. My heart hurts Tom. It feels broken like the horse. [blood from the gash on her hand begins to drop to the sidewalk]
Tom: [in horror] Laura you’re bleeding is getting worse.
Laura: Will you fix it? Can you make it magic again. It’s just a horse. Just a boring horse Tom.
Drip. Drip. Drip. The droplets of blood add to the resonance of water from the gutters on the sidewalk. And yet they leave their mark. Dark brown splotches begin to cover the grey with splotches. I felt so helpless. I couldn’t go back. I couldn’t.
Tom: I can’t Laura. I don’t know how. [one of the street lamps flickers and dies]
[Laura drops the glass horse and its horn. They both shatter on the sidewalk. Another streetlamp dies leaving Tom and Laura in darkness]
Tom: I can’t. I can’t.
(A church, dimly lit through large windows, the nearest ones depicting grotesque scenes such as the crucifixion, the farther depicting scenes of hope, such as the resurrection, The aisle seems to stretch farther than would seem possible and at the foot of the altar is a casket containing Amanda, dressed in her yellow frock and clutching a bouquet of jonquils. an ethereal haze wafts lazily through the pews, originating from the multiple censers in the church)
ReplyDeleteLaura: (breathless upon seeing Tom) Tom...
Tom: Hello Laura, its been a while.
Laura: I see you combed your hair, Mother always loved it when you combed your hair, it reminded her of father.
Tom: Yeah, well I didn’t do it for her.
Laura: Tom, you know she was only trying to help you succeed.
Tom: I know. (Pause) Every where I went I could here her criticizing me, I stopped going to the movies, all I could see was her yelling at me. Then, one day I actually began to listen. For all her nagging, sometimes she actually had good advice, I wouldn’t be where I am today without it.
Laura: I’m glad to hear that Tom
Tom: Oh, and I got you something (He hands Laura a piece of glass, a vibrant blue)
Laura: Oh Tom, thank you, really, but I haven’t had a piece of glass in years. I guess you wouldn’t know that though, being gone and all.
(Their dialogue fades and lights dim, as the scene is closing, the preacher can be heard softly ending a prayer)
Preacher: God’s Holy Name be praised-