tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73040854857789305942024-03-13T10:24:38.653-07:00Verse Drama For The Modern AgeNeal Alexander LewisNeal Alexander Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04466290788601338679noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304085485778930594.post-52836316195174648682015-12-28T21:07:00.000-08:002015-12-28T21:07:18.272-08:00English vs Theatre: a personal history
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So... I've got a confession to make. English, as a class, was never my strong suit. It's hard for me to determine whether or not it was a “quality of teacher” issue, or a “stubborn teenager” issue, but the end result is that my grades had a downward slope along the axis of time. I personally would argue that it was primarily the first case, but I'll acknowledge that there is a healthy dose of the second that probably contributed. I believe my Senior English teacher once told me that, while I had great ideas, I never expounded upon them. Essays, as it were, was my bane. I wrote what I thought, and I felt that was enough(stubborn.) That being said, this was the same teacher that gave me the highest grade I ever received in that class on the one essay I wrote for the one book I didn't read. You may wonder where I'm going with this. <br /><br />Turning this same stretch of time, I was fortunate to play Dr. Chumley in a prodcution of “Harvey” by Mary Chase. I remember sitting in my dad's car having a conversation about the play, and the movie, for that matter, and we were discussing the scene toward the end of the play where Dr. Chumley steps into his office with Harvey. Chumley has been talking about a dream he has to take a few weeks off in Akron. In the play, Harvey leaves with Elwood, but in the film, Harvey stays behind with Chumley. By the time Elwood has left Chumley's Rest, Harvey rejoins him. I remember commenting to my dad that Harvey had stopped the clock for Chumley who got his two weeks. Given that Harvey brings you back to the moment you left, it's no wonder he was bored. I remember my dad looking at me and asking why I couldn't do that kind of analysis in my English class. <br /><br />I'm pretty certain that I've learned more about character analysis as an actor than I ever have from any of my English teachers. By that same token, I've learned so much more about plot and storytelling as a playwright, than I ever learned trying to dissect the work of someone else. I've come to appreciate the fact that the question often asked, “What did the writer intend” is rather vainglorious. Sometimes things just happen. Characters will take their lives into their own hands, and sometimes we writers are just trying to catch up and record, waving at our intentions as our characters pass them by. Sometimes we tell the story we want to tell, but the form is nothing like we thought it was going to be by the time we set down the final period (full stop, if you prefer). Strangest of all, the characters are usually right. <br /><br /><br /> <br />Neal Alexander Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04466290788601338679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304085485778930594.post-32950027304756001072015-10-09T10:43:00.000-07:002015-10-09T10:43:03.220-07:00A Sign Of The Times; or What's next?<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Writing is an odd beast. You spend a lot of time working on a project, and when you finally find some semblance of completion, you also find yourself out of work. The urge, of course, is to jump right into the next project. This seems to me a consistent trend, and like all consistencies, the project started right after another is completed is most likely not to get completed anytime soon. That's because writing is a relationship, and when a project gets finished, so does the relationship. Sure, it's an amicable parting, but there is still a space of time needed to detach and recover from the investment. This is surely why trying to work on something new immediately almost always fails. It's a rebound. You don't start it because you think it's a rebound, but time usually proves otherwise. <br /> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I say this, because that's where I am right now. I started doing research for a project (one that is proving more introspective than anything) and I already feel my interest waning. I know it's a piece I'm going to write, but as of the moment... it's too soon. Of course, when I pick up the next in line (probably right after I actually resolve to be done with the current one for a while) the process of discovery will have to begin all over again. It's hard to know which one to gravitate toward. Right now, I'm struggling because I want to work on something, even reformatting some older projects, but I seemingly don't have the patience for that right now, either. I actually sat down to do another read-through of one of my plays and get it ready for NPX, but as I sat down, I ended up deciding I'd rather write this blog instead. <br /> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I think part of my languor stems from the post-breakup detox. It's harder to motivate when you're in a down moment. They usually last until I'm fed up with them, so you know, a few days from now, or a few weeks. In theory, I'll be continuing research, and I'll continue scratching ideas down hoping to find the stroke that inspires the next piece, but who honestly knows. I actually have a list of projects to work on, it's just a question of how or when they'll get off their asses and do something. <br /> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">How's that for an update? Right. Well, I'm going to poke dead things with sticks. Who knows? Maybe they're not dead after all. </span>Neal Alexander Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04466290788601338679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304085485778930594.post-37082947988965186422015-09-26T08:06:00.001-07:002015-09-26T08:11:14.645-07:00On the OSF proposed tranlations<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The <a href="https://www.osfashland.org/" target="_blank">Oregon Shakespeare Festival</a> (OSF) has announced plans to craft <a href="http://www.wsj.com/articles/a-facelift-for-shakespeare-1443194924" target="_blank">modern translations</a> of William Shakespeare's catalog. Predictably, this has caused a some small wild fires on the internet, but I feel I must address this a little myself given that I, myself, am a Verse Dramatist and considered Shakespeare my homeboy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So lets dive in. The OSF has plans to produce every single one of Shakespeare's plays in the cycle of 10 years. They started in 1935. The company has been performing the Bard for longer than most of us have been a live. There is a certain sort of respect and dedication required to continue that kind of tradition for 80 years. But I also think it's clear that they love Shakespeare, and I can't but think they are very qualified for the undertaking.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Language shift is a huge issue that most people don't even recognize. When we sit down and read Shakespeare, or go and see his work on stage, we hear it, quite literally, with a modern voice. The sound and pronunciation of the English language 400 years ago is significantly different, and we miss a ton of jokes and puns because the language they were written in doesn't exist anymore. Check out <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPlpphT7n9s" target="_blank">these guys</a> for a taste of what it used to be. As the language continues to drift, what else will be lost?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The postulation is that it will lose the poetry, that translating it into modern english will diminish the work. My issue is that not everyone can take three day classes focused on the character of Shakespeare's words. Most people have a hard time getting to the theatre at all, and for a lot of laypeople, the Bard is already inaccessible. Indeed, it's more like watching opera for people; that Old Pronunciation English is becoming a foreign language. And while yes, you can still get the gist of Shakespeare with good actors emoting, do these laymen actually get it? How much is missed when you don't understand the language. I cannot but help to remember the scene in Star Trek 6 where the Klingon's start reciting Hamlet “in the original Klingon.” Who is to say were it goes from here? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I think what the OSF is proposing has the potential to be amazing. It could also fall flat on it's face. The issue to me is, do we want the Bard's words to be limited to those who have the time to study them? In a culture that has a hard time reading the comments to an online article, do you really expect non-fans to sit down with an annotated copy? Strangely enough, I suspect the critics would all laugh at a Twitter edition and call it genius. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">But most important, let's face it, another translation of Shakespeare will never be the original. But at this point, it's unlikely that the originals will ever be the originals either. We can perform the words, but the character of the language of the day is already different. His work will still go up following his lines. The originals will still be for sale at every Barnes & Noble, and it will still be studied in schools. A new translation will not alter the existence or performance of the original. I say go for it. </span>Neal Alexander Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04466290788601338679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304085485778930594.post-51471310742460832752015-09-22T20:11:00.005-07:002015-09-23T06:20:29.487-07:00 Wait... that's not what I meant... <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">One of the things I've always loved about writing is how much control characters have over a story. I love how they reach out, grab your intentions, and twist them to their own designs. I think the whole process of it is interesting and I think it goes even further, too. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I've mentioned in the past how there are three elements involved before any line can be written, and that is terribly relevant to the conversation. Every writer's intention actually as a very wide range of possibilities for fulfillment. Sometimes the characters agree, sometimes they don't and often they surprise you. Whenever I find myself facing one of those “writer's block” moments (I don't believe in writer's block, by the way) there begins this period of introspection. I cannot tell you how many times I have literally written within my notes “What are we thinking here?” or “What are we doing here?” There are a finite number of ways to ask oneself that question, and I'm pretty sure I've touched on most, but what's interesting is that this is the period where the writer begins exploring parallel dimensions. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">First we try forcing the story through the pinhole that is our concept. We fray the premise and the line that leads us to the quandary, and we try to ignore the angels dancing upon the head of the pin that marks our place in the story. Then, when we've had enough of that, we grab a needle with a bigger eye. It is always interesting to me, discovering that I'm at that point. That's when the real magic happens. And I ask myself why it took so long to reach this point. (Hint: writers are stubborn.) </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This is why I don't actually believe in writer's block. I've mentioned this to a few people in the past, and now I'm telling the world definitively that it doesn't exist. What it really is, and has always been, is the subconsciousness reaching up and stopping the conscious mind from making a mistake. It's the characters reaching out saying, “Na uh. I'm not doing that. I would never say that.” That's when we, the writer look up from our books with a confused expression upon our face saying something along the lines of “What the hell are you talking about?” And we go back to character building, which, depending on how far along we are, is actually character exploring. We start asking, “Why don't you want to do that?” And as we continue conversing, an epiphany happens. Suddenly, we know what happens next. And suddenly, somehow, we've reached the end of the scene and are getting lost in the next. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I face this issue often. I'm actually hiding from such an exploration right now, couched in the veil of blogging, and pretending that I can't see the characters waiting expectantly for me to catch up. Eventually I will. But I do face this issue often. How does the scene begin? How do we make this transition within the scene to the next point? How does this moment feed into the next scene? What am I missing? What don't I know? These are all questions I ask myself, to quote a friend, “on the regular.” But eventually, I catch up. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There are a thousand ways the same story can unfold; a thousand reasons the characters can make the same choice. But in our work, there is only one true way. While we might refine the phrasing and flesh out the presentation, hide the wires and paint the scene differently, in the end, the characters know their own ways home. The struggle for us as writers is remembering how to follow their lead. </span>Neal Alexander Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04466290788601338679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304085485778930594.post-33691679730992465722015-09-16T08:00:00.000-07:002015-09-16T15:59:00.266-07:00 Editing: What is this thing? <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I really want to talk about editing. Editing is a fine beast, and a totally different state of mind than writing. It is not terribly infrequent to sit down with every intention of writing, and suddenly find oneself editing instead. I don't usually see this as a problem, if only because the process of the edit actually resolves itself into discovering the solution to whatever the current conundrum happens to be. There are other times where writing simple never happens, and I'll disappear into a different project and edit that instead. This isn't entirely the way I thought this post was going to start. I could edit, (and of course, I have) but I think I'll just jump around instead. (My webcam's off... you can't watch.) </span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />I don't have an actual editor at the moment, though I do have some good friends who are pretty decent at it. I never really felt my work needed much in the way of editing, story-wise, though there is definitely a call for grammar/word usage clean-ups. Narratively, long as my plays are, they are very... <i>directed</i>. There is purpose. Somewhere along the lines, someone once gave me this invaluable piece of advice. <br /><br />You need to know three things before you can write; </span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">What do you (the author) want to happen?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">What do the characters want to happen? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">What do the characters do about it? </span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And by the way, 2) and 3) aren't necessarily the same, and sometimes, they're completely opposite. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />This advice, coupled with the knowledge that everything that goes down on the page has to somehow contribute to the story, either via the plot, or via the characters (if it doesn't, it doesn't belong) has helped me to winnow the unnecessary. I also try to remember that one never tells the audience the same thing twice, unless something new is revealed. That one itself has saved me... at least when editing. <br /><br />And finally, I always know what I want the audience to get out of each scene. I know (as pointed out above) why the scene happens from the onset. There are certainly times where the scene (as far of the characters are concerned) lasts outside the boundaries of what is presented to the audience. We slide in for the important bits, and slide out when we've made the point (narratively speaking). <br /><br />At the end of the day, I'm a Verse Dramatist, and my stories are Character Driven. These two elements lead naturally to a longer format play, and that another reason I try to keep out the unnecessary bits. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">All of that being said... I still miss things. <br /><br />Let me say first, I totally recognize the need for an Editor, and as noted, I don't have one on the payroll. Having one, though, doesn't always seem to go well. Once upon a long time ago, I ordered a sample edit from somebody/place online for one of my pieces. I don't think I've ever been more insulted by what I received. I feel I must clarify something: my verse definitely has its own rhythm and meter. I don't sit around trying to figure out iambs, and though I do stick to 10 syllable lines, I would never call it pentameter. Seriously folks. I tried that in the very beginning, and I suck at it. The “Conversational” style of verse I use, if it has a proper name, will have to be discovered by someone else. I'm too busy writing. Tangent done. This guy... who was apparently really excited to work on it... totally rewrote it. Firstly, he tried to fit it into what he thought it was supposed to be, and, in the process, completely stripped the voice from it. Lines were rearranged; words were changed... context was lost... I was utterly dismayed. I recognize that a good editor will do these things, but the problem was he quite literally rewrote my poetry. It wasn't the verse structure he'd been taught in school, so obviously it was wrong. I honestly wonder if he could even feel the meter. Anyway... I guess it still bothers me... My first thoughts after, “What the...” attempted to be more generous to this poor editor (whom I obviously didn't continue to work with). I'm certain I was a naive writer responding to a really harsh edit, but I also know the difference between a harsh edit and a good one. This was... terrible. I will also say that put me off of editors for a while. <br /> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Some years later (my verse becoming much more distinctive) a coworker of mine, who had gone to school for editing, volunteered to read a piece. I gave Jen the first draft of “<a href="https://newplayexchange.org/plays/36121/other-side-life" target="_blank">The Other Side Of Life</a>.” Due to circumstances, she never finished the job. I remember getting back the copy and... the amount of red... ink, not blood in my eyes... brought blood to my eyes. I laid that draft aside and stewed. I would deal with this later, I thought to myself. Of course, in due time, I actually did adopt and embrace a large number of the suggestions, and I certainly owe a lot to that harsh and good edit. I later apologized. I couldn't remember if I had been rude about it, but I recognized the potential in myself to have done so. I also thanked her. “Other Side” would not be where it is now without Jen. More than that, this particular partial edit was an education. There is so much I learned from it that allowed me to refine my form because it taught me objectivity. I'm not gonna lie and say I won't defend my choices (in a passionate manner,) but I have learned when to listen; when to know that I'm wrong. Indeed, I owe a lot to Jen. <br /><br />My play “Airport Sparrows” was the first to receive a reading. I managed to wrangle some twenty people together to read and listen. Over the following couple of days, I ended up with some really good feedback that allowed me to edit and otherwise rewrite certain portions of it. In particular, <a href="http://playwrightneal.blogspot.com/2013/07/airport-sparrows-act-1-scene-vii.html" target="_blank">Act 1 Scene vii</a>. I recommend following the link to my post about it. It is one of the scenes that received a bit of an overhaul, but both versions of the scene are there (kinda cool if you ask me). Actually, the complete text of the play, albeit scene by scene, is here on the blog. I haven't yet uploaded it to the New Play Exchange, but I'm sure it'll get up there sometime. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And finally, my best friend (and the only person to have read the complete catalog), has been indispensable in getting me to the place I am now. In more ways than one. That might warrant a post all on its own... just thinking aloud... sorry. Irene catches most everything, and her happy red (actually sometimes blue; we use the same draft, and I edit in red) pen really illustrates how important having, even one, outside voice can be. It's one of the great trials of the writer. We want feedback. We all know a hundred people who say they want to read our work, and we all know ninety-seven of them who won't, even when you hand them a copy in its own binder. The nature of the beast, I suppose. <br /> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I'm actually rather glad that my first experience was so terrible. I would willingly argue that it opened my eyes. I might not have realized how good Jen really was, even incomplete, had I not gone through that. A really good Editor sees more than what is on the page, and the best see what is in your heart. Given that we put so much of our hearts into our work, I can't think of anything more necessary. </span>Neal Alexander Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04466290788601338679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304085485778930594.post-2429805223776642522015-09-09T08:00:00.000-07:002015-09-09T09:56:50.258-07:00On Bravery <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So, I've been seeing this meme online lately showing the military in combat situations side-by-side with a picture of someone in the LGBT community coming out, with the caption “This Is Real Bravery” or “This Is Real Courage” and I'm really starting to get annoyed. Do these people think there is only one kind of courage? Do they not realize that for an LGBT person to come out, it is a personal battlefield? Now, I'm not saying that anyone in the Military isn't brave. I think that's a different kind of courage. But to the people who think that there is only one kind of bravery... I have to ask this question: <br /><br />What is the one thing in your life you're most ashamed about? Most afraid that someone else will find out? What action have you taken that you don't think you can tell the people closest to you? Now do that thing, be that thing, for years. Do that thing around everyone you know and never let them see you. Never tell them. Feel their judgment: not knowing if they will hate you, forgive you, or love you if they find out. Do this for years. Now after all those years have passed, stand in front of everyone you know, everyone you have ever met, and tell them the truth. <br /><br />Now imagine that this thing is natural. That it is neither illegal, nor immoral and no one has ever been harmed by it. This thing, which you are neither asking them to do themselves nor asking them to do with you; this thing which has nothing to do with them in the least; will not affect them in the least; will still get you cast out of your family; cut off from your friends; driven out of town; if they knew. And stand up before all of them, and tell them the truth. <br /><br />You don't think that's brave? You don't think that takes courage? They are the ones holding the gun, and they are pointing it at you, and you are unarmed, merely asking to be loved for who you are, and forgiven for the crime they imagine has been done to them. Could you tell them the truth, knowing that they might pull the trigger? You are alone. Can you do it? Tell me again how that isn't bravery. Look down the barrel of the gun, knowing the truth might kill you, and speak anyway. To me, that is the epitome of brave. <br /><br />I'm a cis straight white male and I have nothing to gain from this fight. But I will fight because I'm an egalitarian, and though all those terms are true, what I am; what they are; what you are, is human. I believe that 'man' is just 'boy' with bigger toys. Let's be Human and realize we're beyond such toys; beyond such tantrums. Let's be Human, and embrace each other in our Humanity. “Let he who is without sin” has never stopped the stones. More often what has is someone brave enough to stand in front of the target. The brave don't pick up stones, they stand in front of them. I'm standing in front of them. And now that you know where I stand, where do you? </span>Neal Alexander Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04466290788601338679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304085485778930594.post-25792822902972115842015-09-02T08:00:00.000-07:002015-09-02T18:01:08.460-07:00On The Path Of Form And Style<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I've talked in previous
posts of how my work has changed, but I think the scope is missing from
it. Part of the idea for this post came up as a desire to talk about
that age-old question, “Where do you get your ideas,” and part of it is
just rumination from some the comments I've made in other posts. I got
to thinking that maybe it would be interesting to go over my work in a
timeline sort of fashion and talk a little bit about how my style has
developed over the course of my career thus far. I'm not gonna offer
much of a preamble here... I'm just sorta gonna jump right in.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />First
and foremost is, what can only be called, my “Accidental Play.” I've
talked about it in other posts, but this piece had no premeditated
goals. It started off as a monologue in verse (poetic journaling, not at
its finest) and it very quickly turned into a conversation. I remember
at a certain point (probably when I decided to end it) one of the
characters clearly became my Head, and the other just as clearly my
Heart. Honestly, I'm sure that was true the entire time, but it was only
as I sat down to end it that I figured it out. I needed to know who
they were in order to close it. And then, of course, when I was
finished, there was 30 pages of dialogue. That's when $#*^ got real.<br /><br />“Love
and Rues” took at lot of it's inner workings from my own history and
the tale that lay behind the “Accidental Play.” I decided to explore
myself, my pain, and the world around me, but it certainly wasn't the
truth. First of all, there was a happily-ever-after sort of thing, and
that clearly wasn't real. Life still served as the springboard though.
The entirety of if was written in poorly crafted Heroic Couplets, and I
even had the audacity to throw in Thee's and Thine's and a whole slew of
inaccurately used archaic forms. I can't complain, though. Not really. I
was chasing after my closest known analog; Shakespeare. I am definitely
no Bard, but it was he who had stuck with me. A kind friend of mine
pointed out how terrible it was (writing wise, though the story was
good, and the characters, fine), and I attempted to fix it. Totally
didn't happen. The story itself tried to examine different types of
relationships all rolled into one narrative: Love At First Sight, Lovers
Who Don't Know They're Lovers, and Lovers Who Aren't Anymore. It
worked... in an utter-failure sort of way.<br /><br />My second play,
ridiculously called “Pieces Falling,” will never see the light of day--
not only because it was also so poorly written, but also because the
amount of unnecessary production requirements (among other things) is
simply stupefying. I again took my life as inspiration, but changed my
gender, and made it a “Future Extrapolation” play instead of a “My Life
Was So Bad” play. I no longer used Heroic Couplets throughout, but I was
still addicted to archaisms, and I did use rhyming couplets at the
ended of every character's speech. A step in the right direction, but
only a baby step.<br /><br />My third play doesn't have a title. It was
incomplete and totally lost when my computer was stolen from my house.
The premise itself (which I dearly love and has been giving me serious
pains ever since) was simple: a brother and sister fall for the same
guy. The brother wins. I decided to step away from my life, and try
instead to create something new. Also, my life is really boring. This
first attempt at it was college age, but as I said, it was lost. All of
my notes, all of the draft thus far... gone. Also my backup flashdrive
of EVERYTHING was gone (plugged in at the time.) I think that was
probably the first major loss of work I suffered. In the end, I knew I
wasn't done with the premise, and I really wanted to get back to it
right away, but also I knew it would never be what I had lost. I left
myself little choice but to lay that premise aside for a while.<br /><br />Number
4 was probably my most ambitious brainchild yet: a prequel to Romeo and
Juliet. Believe me when I say it was way too long, and that is hardly
its worst problem. The plot itself needs a lot of work, even down to its
basic premise. But, at the same time, there are a lot of (dare I say)
brilliant taps and nods throughout. I really want to throw my pen at it
again, unfortunately, now is not that time. Not yet. Pen! This was the
first play since my journal-play that I wrote by hand (I would be
computer-less for a while to come). I started off using 8.5x11 notepads
for the draft, and printer paper for my notes. Ironically enough, this
play was the first I did away with the archaisms. <br /><br /> Then I moved
on to the next thing. I really wanted to do something fun for #5. “The
Gravedigger's Daughter” was a dark romantic comedy about fetishes and
phobias set in a small town outside Chicago in the 20s. Finely crafted
intention with some beautiful moments, it, some how, just fell short.
This play, whose premise still sounds like a lot of fun, would need to
be reworked. Unfortunately (or fortunately) I have already lifted some
of it into my latest play, “Gravediggers.” I know. Hard to see the
connection. I'll talk more of that when we get there. <br /><br />The first draft of “<a href="https://newplayexchange.org/plays/36121/other-side-life">The Other Side Of Life</a>”
followed. I actually don't have the first draft anymore. I know I have
the rough draft and the notes, but “Other Side” is one of those plays
where I didn't save separate drafts. I know I rewrote most of it writing
wise, but very little changed in the actual layout and motion of the
piece. It's hard to say where the old one is or isn't, but I remember
cutting out quite a bit, even in the rough draft stage. My original
thought line involved many more characters and attempted followed each
of them in a large overall narrative that totally failed. I'm pretty
sure this is the first play where I started to pare things back a little
(or in its case, a lot). Still a fun piece. Actually, its finished
draft is pretty awesome.<br /><br />“A Girl Named Wench” comes in at number
seven. It exists in a completed rough draft, and a
three-times-reworked-three-times-lost state. This was the second outing
for the Brother and Sister concept, but I decided to switch genders.
This time they fall for the same girl, and the sister wins. I'm not sure
if it is this one or “Other Side” but between them, I decided I could
split couplets. They only happened at changes of speaker. I was now
using thoroughly modern language, and my verse cadence (which I call
Conversational) began to develop. “Wench” was unwieldy mostly due, I
think, to there being two stories that were both compelling in their own
ways, and who competed not just for the girl, but for primacy. The the
sister got the girl; primacy is still in question, and “Wench” now
resides comfortably back in the queue.<br /><br />My first
pseudo-biographical play, “The Hummingbird General” comes in at lucky
number eight. Based quite closely on someone I knew, “General” was about
the crises of self that comes with being partially paralyzed later in
life. It was a heavy investment for me emotionally, and it's probably
one of the simplest plays. This is most likely the point where my
writing begins its movement toward Creative Advocacy. I like to think
that it is ready, but I'm not totally convinced yet. So, not exactly
back in the queue, but not necessarily out of it either.<br /><br />Somewhere
around here, I think, my use of couplets started developing its most
current iteration, but you have to hear it to really get it. Reading it
(which you should also do) doesn't do it quite enough justice. Also
around this time I bought a new computer. I ran for several years on
flashdrives and library computers to do my digitizing. I had also
started a Writing.com account as a place to upload my work prior to the
advent of Dropbox. I still write my rough drafts on pen-and-paper
(Crystal BIC, and lined <a href="https://store.moleskine.com/usa/notebooks/notebooks/classic-notebook/p1?lang=en-us&ic=1JEfpw%3D%3D&vid=1" target="_blank">Moleskines</a>.) All subsequent drafts are on the computer.<br /> <br />“Airport
Sparrows” was my first play to attain a level of completeness, both in
style and in form, that I felt comfortable presenting. I hosted a
reading of it with friends and family, got some wonderful feedback, and
I'm pretty sure it's ready to fly. If I can figure out where to send it.<br /><br />Due
to a faulty flashdrive, my third attempt at the Brother/Sister play is
totally missing. I only wrote 3 scenes, but I had decided it belonged to
a different premise, and who knows what that was. Especially since it's
missing. I have gotten a lot better about printing out final drafts and
I'm totally grateful for Dropbox for helping keep my sanity.<br /><br />Number
10, then (I keep changing number format because it's fun for the whole
family, and probably driving someone nuts) is “To Fleece The Fleece.”
This is the second play of mine the speaks to drug abuse, and the first
to have a Widower and his Holy MacGuffin. Actually it's his young
daughter who never appears in the show, but most is definitely present.
This play has probably held the “My Favorite” position the longest, and
it has a bit of an Easter Egg for those who are paying attention. This
is also the first play that I started using Moleskines. I still carry
two notebooks, though. As before, one is a draft book, and one is a
notes book. Multiple plays can occupy the same book, though, because I'm
not at all interested in wasting perfectly good pages.<br /><br />“The
Goldfish” was my fourth attempt at the Brother/Sister premise, reverting
to the original genders, stands complete, and yet now dated due to the
conversational note of Gay Marriage (I'm happy for this, by the way.) On
the downside, it means the attempt number five is somewhere ahead of
me. I was never totally happy about this version anyway.<br /><br />Somewhere
between “Fleece” and the proximate entry, I believe is when “Other
Side” received its overhaul and attained it's beatific current form.<br /><br />Number 12. “<a href="https://newplayexchange.org/plays/35700/sunset-finches">Sunset Finches</a>”
I'm officially calling it number twelve, anyway. Remember my first,
non-accidental play “Love and Rues”? Meet its bionic better. There's
actually not very much here aside from names that are the same.
“Finches” is also my first play discussing rape, though it's not a “Rape
Play.” It is probably my personal favorite at the moment, although it
has some stiff competition from “Gravediggers.” It's actually a very
warm play, and I guess it picks up the same thematic examination of love
as its predecessor, but the two have very little alike besides that.<br /><br />“Waiting
For Toast” was a title bouncing around my head for a while, and I had a
hard time figuring out what it went to. My first (and only, so far)
One-act, “Toast” pits two elderly gentlemen in a retirement home against
each other. It's a pretty intense conversation on bigotry.<br /><br />Around
the same time I wrote “Toast,” “Blurred Lines” spilled onto the page.
“Blurred” is a 10 minute existential drama. I was blessed with a reading
of it at the <a href="http://www.dramatistsguild.com/" target="_blank">Dramatists Guild</a> National Conference by my new cohort-in-arms <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Steve-Martin-Dramatist/1622379281366113?fref=ts" target="_blank">Steve Martin</a>,
and our mutual acquaintance, Walter Cuirle. I think it still needs a
bit of work, but it the internal commentary itself is pretty fun. Keep
your eyes out.<br /><br />Coming in at 13, “<a href="https://newplayexchange.org/plays/35747/7-10-split">The 7-10 Split</a>”
is a play about sexism and gender roles set in a romantic comedy. Or
drama. It's hard to say with most of mine. They tend to be a little bit
of both. If you didn't guess, most of it takes place in a bowling alley.<br /><br />The
fourteenth entry on this list is “Gravediggers.” I lifted the character
of Ruth from “The Gravedigger's Daughter,” phobia and all, and placed
her in an entirely new story. “Gravediggers” is a transgender play
addressing abuse and suicide (well, attempted at least). It's really
intense, really rich, and currently submitted. It's gonna be a long wait
though, I can tell you that.<br /><br />I suppose that means I'm working on
my 15th full length play. The topic du jour is the disparity in society
between the statuses of a sexually active male versus that of a
sexually active female, colloquially known as Player vs Slut. It is
certainly a commentary on why it is so stupid that that disparity even
exists. I'll keep you all posted, but I just started Act 2. This is also
the first play that I haven't used Scene Cards to organize the script. I
recently discovered <a href="http://www.simpleapps.eu/simplemind/" target="_blank">Simplemind</a>.
I think it is a fantastic mindmapping program, and I by far prefer the
paid version on my phone to the free one. I haven't yet put gotten it on
my computer, and I'm not sure if i will, mostly due to the fact my
rough drafts require ink, and I don't cart my computer around
unnecessarily. <br /> <br />Well, I think that sums it up. Thanks for joining me on this tour and history of my process. You can check my <a href="http://playwrightneal.com/">website</a> to see which one's I feel have made the cut. And if you're curious, you can find synopses both on the website and <a href="http://playwrightneal.blogspot.com/p/plays.html">here</a>
on my blog. With a little luck (and a great deal of skill) we'll all be
able to enjoy these (or at least the ones that are ready for it) live
and onstage in the near future. I hope I'll see you there.</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span></span>Neal Alexander Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04466290788601338679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304085485778930594.post-88114172175153473102015-08-27T16:56:00.001-07:002015-08-27T16:56:38.070-07:00It's All An Act<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2-Act vs 5-Act</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The way in which my
writing has changed with the passing of time is evident in every
facet of the process and the final product. I write in verse because
that is simply the way I write. I wish I could say there was
something purposeful about it, but the truth would remain unchanged.
I like it. It's structure has become more sophisticated over time,
and large part of that was intentional, but I think it would be more
interesting to note one of the unintentional transitions.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">My early
play-in-verse structure, in both form and layout, drew from the heavy
hitters of yore. My original emulation of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heroic_couplet" target="_blank">Heroic Couplets</a> strove
after the flavor of Milton and <a href="http://www.paradiselost.org/" target="_blank">Paradise Lost</a>, while the structure
itself pulled upon the Bard; <a href="http://www.william-shakespeare.info/" target="_blank">William Shakespeare</a>. I had read more
Shakespeare than any other playwright, all those years ago, and I
recall being somewhere in Hell, then, too, so it should come as no
surprise to anyone that they influenced my beginning. Of course, I
was certainly nowhere near capable of accomplishing so daunting of a
task with any degree of success... which is not to say I didn't
finish that first play, but that I slowly started to change my
methodology in the second... and in every play since, too, for that
matter.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">To bring the horse
back around... In the beginning, there were five acts. I remember
initially the choice was based mostly out of emulation, though likely
subconsciously in nature. I recognized fairly early on that the
choice of 5-Acts over any other structure was based on the presumed
necessity of Plot. For me that meant:</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Act 1: Introductions</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Act 2: Development</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Act 3: Complications</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Act 4: Ramifications</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Act 5: Resolutions</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I feel it is
relevant to point out that many of my 2-Act plays are longer than my
early 5-Act ones. It is important, I think, to understand that
structure doesn't always equal length. Even more ironic to me, my
later pieces have fewer characters and sets, and more meat to their
bones, than my earlier pieces.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Some of my early
pieces were very ambitious, and the large cast sizes and my desire to
make each one of them important meant that I needed a great deal of
room. As I moved on from one play to the next, and especially as I
looked back, I began to see that the narratives were <a href="http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/the+straw+that+broke+the+camel's+back" target="_blank">overburdened</a>,
and the telling, boring. I slowly drifted away from the Characters I
wanted to have, to toward Characters I needed to have. I did away
with Tertiary Characters, and increased the depth of my Secondaries.
I stopped trying to tell all of their stories, and focused in on the
one that was important. As I progressed, I learned how to use the
Secondary threads to inform and shape the Whole.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I remember the
moment, though not the play, when I realized that 5 acts were
unnecessary to a certain project. I remembered thinking how many of
the scenes would be dead weight if the play continued in the vein it
seemed intended upon. I was sitting there, staring at my scene cards;
culling the chaff. It was liberating.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">P</span><span style="font-style: normal;">eople
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">often </span><span style="font-style: normal;">ask
me how long </span><span style="font-style: normal;">such-and-such</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
project is going to be. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">It's
a mildly amusing question, and mildly annoying to. Mostly because </span><span style="font-style: normal;">I
don't know. I never have. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">It
makes just as much sense to ask when how long I'm going to live. I
have no doctors projections, and though I do have a statistical
spectrum to study, the truth of the matter is that no one knows.
Traditionally, m</span><span style="font-style: normal;">y response is
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">simply</span><span style="font-style: normal;">,
“As long as is needed.” A 5-Act may very well be shorter than a
2-Act, if that's the way the story goes. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">I
no longer feel chained to the structure of the 5 Act, though, in
truth, those elements are still an essential part of narrative. It
is, perhaps, that their demarcations have changed; become blurred.
What I have learned is that the nature of the story itself manifest</span><span style="font-style: normal;">s</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
the play </span><span style="font-style: normal;">and</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
the structure it needs.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">My
current project </span><span style="font-style: normal;">was
originally intended to be One Scene and One Act. I discovered
yesterday </span><span style="font-style: normal;">that</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
Act 1 ended and </span><span style="font-style: normal;">that</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
Act 2 </span><span style="font-style: normal;">had </span><span style="font-style: normal;">beg</span><span style="font-style: normal;">u</span><span style="font-style: normal;">n.
The nature of the story itself </span><span style="font-style: normal;">and</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
the considerations of the characters I wanted to explore, all
demanded more space; more time. I will give them all as much as they
need. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">One Scene, One Act,
Five Acts: in the end, the structure is less important than the play
itself and how far the Characters want to go to accomplish what the
playwright intended to show. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">I
do know, and you have probably figured this out by now, too, I'm not
succinct. I hope you enjoy the ride. I certainly enjoy writing it.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>Neal Alexander Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04466290788601338679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304085485778930594.post-66346341160719422232015-08-21T14:20:00.000-07:002015-08-21T14:20:07.093-07:00On Writing, Playwrighting, and Theatre
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In the last couple
of days, the conversation on Twitter with <a href="https://twitter.com/DramatistSteve">@DramatistSteve</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/DGFund">@DGFund</a> and on Facebook have been on
writing: what keeps you writing and what started you writing. Now,
the context has revolved around the theatre, but my writing history
and my theatrical history are not linked. I've been writing, in
general, at least six years longer than I have been a playwright
(which is clocking in at fifteen years.)
</div>
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<br />
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I feel like most
people who have found their lives in theatre, had a lot of early
theatrical experiences. It seems like a lot of people either had very
active theatre families, or they got involved in the theatre at a
very early age. There are of course other stories from people who
stumbled into it, and I feel I probably fall into the later category.</div>
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</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.roalddahl.com/shop/musicals-and-plays/2836_IMAGE_0*650,0,347x347,1;0*650,0,694x694,2;650*9999,0,1466x1466,2;650*9999,0,733x733,1_3370_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.roalddahl.com/shop/musicals-and-plays/2836_IMAGE_0*650,0,347x347,1;0*650,0,694x694,2;650*9999,0,1466x1466,2;650*9999,0,733x733,1_3370_.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a>My family wasn't a
theatre family. The first show I ever saw was “<a href="http://www.roalddahl.com/shop/musicals-and-plays/charlie-and-the-chocolate-factory-a-play">Charlie and the Chocolate Factory</a>” adapted by Richard George, and I don't know for
certain where or when that happened. Early grade school for sure. I
remember we had pen-pals, and we took a field trip to meet them. I
seem to recall it being at least an hour's bus ride away, but I'm
fairly certain that the show coincided with the pen-pals trip. I
didn't have anything else to do with theatre until the seventh grade.
It was accidental, really. In my Junior High, there was a rotating
electives program encompassing Art, Typing, and Science. This one
particular year, they added Theatre to the mix, and we became
reacquainted. I took a year off, and took Beginning Theatre as a
freshman in high school, and then took another year off. For some
reason, my junior year, I applied for the Advanced Theatre program,
and got in. For the next two years, I managed to squeeze in enough
theatre to become a member of the International Thespian Society. I
participated as an Actor, Fly Op, Spot Op, ASM, and Stage Hand. After
High School, I took a One Acts program at the Community College, and
then disappeared from the theatre for a while. A couple of years
after that, I discovered playwriting.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.dramaticpublishing.com/images/CoverMouseThatRoared.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.dramaticpublishing.com/images/CoverMouseThatRoared.jpg" /></a>If you were to ask
me what my most formative moments were in the Theatre, I could answer
quite quickly. The first would be my Junior Year in High School when
I was cast as Tully Bascombe in “<a href="http://www.dramaticpublishing.com/p1000/The-Mouse-That-Roared/product_info.html">The Mouse That Roared</a>” a<em><span style="font-style: normal;">dapted
by Christopher Sergel, </span></em><em><span style="font-style: normal;">b</span></em><em><span style="font-style: normal;">ased
on the book by Leonard Wibberley. </span></em><em><span style="font-style: normal;">It
was m</span></em>y first major role and it was my first year in
Advanced Theatre. I was so excited, I had the script memorized in a
day. And yet, that wasn't what was so formative. One of my fellow
actors who played the Duchess Gloriana, wanted to ad-lib a stage kiss
in the final scene. I couldn't do it. I didn't want to. I had never
even had a real kiss yet, and I didn't want my first one to be a
stage kiss. I took the matter very seriously. In retrospect, I would
say that was a mistake on my part. The thing that made such an
impact, though, was that I realized I didn't have the chops to be a
real actor. I couldn't separate myself and the character, and that
would limit what I could play. If I was going to be an Actor, I
didn't want to be the kind who limited themselves. I took a step back
at that point. I still acted, but it was with a different eye then
before.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://dolmv3q9e9skh.cloudfront.net/productImage/?sku=lens-inherit_the_wind&w=150" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://dolmv3q9e9skh.cloudfront.net/productImage/?sku=lens-inherit_the_wind&w=150" /></a>The second moment
would come two years later. I had graduated, but my sister was now
taking the course and they were doing a production of “<a href="http://www.dramatists.com/cgi-bin/db/single.asp?key=1689">Inherit The Wind</a>” by Jerome Lawrence and Robert Edwin Lee. The actor playing
Bertram Cates was rendered unable to perform a day before opening
night. The teacher, Mrs. Monica Hall, had no understudies.
Remembering my capacity to memorize a script, and (I must assume at
this point) the fact that I was a least a tolerable actor, she called
on me to step in. I did. Opening night, they announced I would be
filling the role (I had Act 1 memorized), but on the next night they
didn't (and I was off book.) At the end of the performance, one of
the other actors stepped forward after curtain call and announced it
himself. I received a standing ovation.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
So why did I step
away from the theatre? I really couldn't say. I know part of it was
work schedules. Another piece, perhaps, could have been that I had
decided I wasn't going to be an actor, and though I loved being
involved with theatre, I think it all just slipped away. Now, if we
want to understand when I became a playwright, we have to talk about
writing, and that takes us back, again, to the Seventh Grade.
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The first time my
fingers stroked the keys for my own sake and not the sake of teachers
and homework was probably partly a development of boredom. My family
had just relocated, and I didn't know anyone. Couple that with me
attending a school in a different district than the other kids in my
neighborhood (as well as being a third son), I became rather used to
my own company. Of course, all the writing back then were attempts at
crafting High Fantasy with all the gusto and imagination of an early
adolescent boy. We all have to start somewhere I suppose.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://res.freestockphotos.biz/pictures/11/11000-a-cloudy-blue-sky-pv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://res.freestockphotos.biz/pictures/11/11000-a-cloudy-blue-sky-pv.jpg" height="226" width="320" /></a>The truth of the
matter is, no matter how well I can throw words down on a paper, the
content of my early work was prosaic... Uninformed, with pretensions
of a maturity exceeding my age, it was drivel. There is a saying,
“Don't lose the forest for the trees.” At such a young stage, I
never understood how to write beyond the obvious. I never understood
what was visually or literally important. I do understand why,
though. I don't have a visual imagination. Words on a page are just
that, no matter how vivid the description. I often describe my
imagination as conceptual. I can see concepts and </div>
interconnections
with a greater aplomb than the colour of the sky when I'm looking at
it. That never stopped me from writing, though. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23keepwriting&src=typd">#keepwriting </a><br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
You're probably
wondering at this point (if you're still reading), where does
playwriting come in? I've never been much a journal-er, but there was
one really rough spot when I took to the pen to purge the growing
emotions of the time. It started off as a bit of a verse monologue,
but it quickly turned into a conversation. I had some rather
undeclared scene changes that occurred as the moments within my life
moved from one issue to the next, but the conversation would return
like old friends catching up. Everything I wanted to say about
setting and so forth, was mentioned in the conversation. I didn't use
stage direction at all. Honestly, why would I? I was journaling.
Toward the end of that period as my affections shifted from pain to
hope, I decided to end the conversation. And I mean end it. Not stop
it and never think about it again, but actually end it. So I did. I
remember realizing as I finished, as I sat flipping through the pages
and pages of dialogue, that that was all it was. Dialogue. I realized
all of my terrible attempts at fiction mostly moved through dialogue.
And this? This was so much better. Gone was my (let's be honest)
terrible, terrible prose. In its place were thirty pages of verse
dialogue, and I knew in the core of my being I would have to try and
do that on purpose.
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Looking back, I
remember thinking, how hard can it be? If you ever have the chance to
read my early work, let me apologize now. In structure, I tried to
follow my homeboy Shakespeare, but stylistically I attempted to
emulate Milton. Why heroic couplets, I'll never know. It failed
miserably. Each script that would follow became a refinement on
process; of verse and of narrative. I also stopped writing about
myself. It turns out I even bore me. In my quest to write ever more
interesting characters, I found myself digging (often
unintentionally) into social issues. I found myself wanting to talk
about them. I know one of the major issues facing so much social
activism is the ignorance of the uneducated and the bigotry of the
uninformed. Like every step along the road so far, I accidentally
became a Creative Advocate.
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
It would be a lie to
say have been totally absent from the theatre in the years since
College, but the truth of the matter is I have been neglectful. Being
a writer whose work nets zero dollars, and at times working 60-70
hours a week between one-to-three day jobs, not even counting
writing, I have found it difficult to get there. But the pen has
always been there, and the theatre has too. How can it not be when I
want to give actors the same emotions I was left when I was one
myself.
</div>
Neal Alexander Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04466290788601338679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304085485778930594.post-59386059705741571622015-08-07T13:34:00.000-07:002015-08-07T13:34:04.234-07:00Gaaah! Or, Post-Conference MayhamAs the title might suggest, Lordy, Lordy, have I been busy. There is a lot to be said for trying to assemble an infrastructure from the ground up, and it's definitely given me a new appreciation for the entrepreneurial spirit that I never believed I had. Now, let's not get too crazy. I haven't gotten around to attempting to self-produce (not that there's anything against that). If you know me, you know that's the thing I fear most. I want to sit down opening night and see the show for the first time, having never met the cast, if at all possible. To me, that is when I know how well I did my job. But I'm not there yet, and I'm writing today to talk about the road I've been building to that end. So...<br />
<br />
Where to start? That was one of the battles I had to face after attending the <a href="http://www.dramatistsguild.com/">Dramatists Guild</a> Conference #WriteChange a few weeks back. There was a lot of chicken-and-the-egg conversations I was having with myself. Honestly. Here's my post-conference to-do list:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
Register copyrights<br /> (verse Drama for the modern age vol 1)<br />New play exchange <br />Website (Go daddy?)<br />Twitter (hootsuite?)<br />Instagram?<br />Mission statement<br />Playbooks? Print to order?<br />Google alerts<br />Simplemind mac<br />Blog posts<br /> DG conference<br /> The process<br />Rainn, glaad, suicide hotline, dg, npx, domestic abuse<br />Tweet dg conference thanks<br />Links page on website<br />Look into the theatres you jotted down in your note<br />
<br />
I've actually checked off a fair amount of those. Trust me, I'm as surprised as you.<br />
<br />
So, where did I start? Actually, I started trying to develop my Mission Statement, or as otherwise known, my Artist Statement. I decided to start there because it made sense as a means to hone and hew all of these disparate elements together. I had bits and pieces of a statement that had slowly begun to develop over the years, but it was really only in the past year or two that I have begun to understand that what I have been doing all this time was a form of Creative Advocacy. (I didn't even know the term until a Social Worker friend of mine told me that's what I was doing.)<br />
<br />
At the same time I was developing my Artist Statement, I joined <a href="https://twitter.com/playwrightneal">Twitter</a>, and set up my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Playwrightneal">Facebook Page</a>. (No Instagram yet.) Honestly, though, I had started developing my Page, I just hadn't published it yet. Mostly because I didn't have the direction that my Artist Statement gave me. I also started building my <a href="http://playwrightneal.com/">website</a>. Not too bad a start.<br />
<br />
But there were other things, too, like the <a href="http://newplayexchange.org/">New Play Exchange</a> (NPX), and making my <a href="https://newplayexchange.org/users/3763/neal-alexander-lewis">plays </a>available online. I've been thinking of other things like Createspace and self-publishing. I haven't gotten that far yet, but many thanks to <a href="http://katedanley.blogspot.com/2015/02/anniversary-come-and-gone.html">Kate Danely</a> (link is to her blog and said information) for the sheer volume of information that came about from that session. But before I got even that far, I first had to register my Copyrights.<br />
<br />
When I decided to set myself up on the New Play Exchange, they asked if I had a website, and that pushed me from developing to publication, mostly so I could begin cross-linking all of that together. So, as it turns out, it isn't a one or the other. It's both. But I've also had to read proof each piece before making them available, and when I do get around to self-publication (if that's how it goes) I'll have a lot of reformatting to do, too. And somehow, I'm still trying to squeeze in writing on top of my regular day job shenanigans.<br />
<br />
To paraphrase: Gaaah!<br />
<br />
I think, at this point, I've already updated my website 6 times between adding Advocacy Links, and connecting synopses to NPX, and I'm sure that that is only going to continue.<br />
<br />
But finally, here I am checking another thing off of my to-do list. How's that for momentum?Neal Alexander Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04466290788601338679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304085485778930594.post-82636096173495452002015-07-26T18:50:00.002-07:002015-07-26T18:50:16.822-07:00Dramatists Guild National Conference, La JollaSo, it's been about a week since the <a href="http://www.dramatistsguild.com/">Dramatists Guild</a> Third National Conference in La Jolla, California, #writechange and my mind is still reeling. There is no way to properly describe the sheer volume of information that has been lodged in my brain. No way to describe how over this past week, I've been striving to utilize it all and present myself in a more professional, and more visible manner. The sheer number of things I didn't know I didn't know, and which I'm still trying to wrangle under my control, is astounding.<br />
<br />
It started simply enough with "Building Community: San Diego Playwrights" and thank you to <a href="https://sandiegoplaywrights.wordpress.com/">SDPlaywrights</a> for opening the door into how to connect a little better and how to network on a local basis. This was followed by the an amazing one-on-one with <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0517589/?ref_=nv_sr_1">John Logan</a>. It's hard to express how great it is to hear things you keep trying to tell yourself coming out of the mouth of someone so prestigious. And that's only the tip of the iceberg.<br />
<br />
From panels such as "Writing Wrongs" which focused on writing to/with underserved communities such as inmates underage and older, to genital mutilation in Africa, to "Gender and Sexuality on Stage," there was a lot be inspired about.<br />
<br />
On the other hand, there were so many panels on practical things like the <a href="https://newplayexchange.org/">New Play Exchange</a> which opens a new avenue by which new plays might be discovered, to an in-depth discussion on the Playwright's Bill of Rights, and basic negotiation tactics presented by David Faux, that... my head is going to explode.<br />
<br />
One important issue that was presented was "The Count," an in-depth study on Gender Disparity in the theatre, the results of which boggle the mind. (<a href="http://www.americantheatre.org/2015/07/20/the-gender-parity-count-ticks-up-slightly/">here's a good review</a>) Of all the plays that were staged in first class productions, only 22% were written by woman playwrights. Who knows if that even begins to talk of characters presented and women cast, in all walks of race or gender. It is quite a discussion on how an industry so often forward thinking, can yet also be far behind.<br />
<br />
But finally, being there for a celebration of former DG president and epic composer and lyricist <a href="http://www.stephenschwartz.com/">Stephen Schwartz</a> was incredible. The honor of being to hear some of the earlier iterations of "The Wizard and I" from the musical "Wicked" gave me a wonderful glimpse into a form of the art that I will never have the capacity for.<br />
<br />
This was my first time attending a conference of this magnitude as it relates to my field, and I'm hoping that that which has inspired me so far is only the beginning.<br />
<br />
Here's to the future, my friends.<br />
<br />Neal Alexander Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04466290788601338679noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304085485778930594.post-87139653571012866702015-05-04T17:47:00.001-07:002015-05-04T17:47:32.167-07:00Yoked
<style type="text/css">P { margin-bottom: 0.08in; }</style>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What inexorable woe</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Is the lonely heart</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> That weighs upon the lonely mind.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Worse still when affection's</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Direction</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Is</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> A</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Stone</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Wall.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have banged my head</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Against that wall</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> And now the noise</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Of my rattling</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Frazzled brain</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Would overpower</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> The woe of the heart</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Though they sing in</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Concert.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This corpse of a burdened soul</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Seeks the warmth of the sun</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Born and bathed in love.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But want and desire</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> So strong</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Have left me numb</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Dried and cracked</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> As the Santa Ana's blow</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Parches all hope;</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> And assaulted by longing</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Confused by the</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Scattered sky;</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Domed and empty.
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But there is no sun</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> And the stone wall</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> And squalid corpse</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Left now desiccated</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Arcs where the sky should be.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Oh that this shell would crack,</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> That the loneliness</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Would shatter 'neath</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> The reflection</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Of</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Another's</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Affection.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">That the light would pour through</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> The cracks</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Coating me in the</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Warm viscosity</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Of a broken yolk</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Bathing me in love</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Freeing me</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> From the stone shackles</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The unrequited sandstorm</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Carved for itself.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sometimes I thing I have forgotten how</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> That the tepid residue</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Of the Last Great Love</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Is a false expectation</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Faded</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Remembered brighter</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Like a starving man</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> And a broken plate
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Where the traces of breakfast</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Yet remain.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Have I stared too long?</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Is the afterimage too bright</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> To see if the wall is gone?</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Have I dodged the light</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Thinking it but an echo</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Of my screams</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Reverberating on the inside?</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Or have I dried even further</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Turning that brittle enamel</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Into a marble tomb</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> That glows only on the outside</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Reflecting away such love</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> As would cook a better</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Breakfast.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>Neal Alexander Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04466290788601338679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304085485778930594.post-54587026298398715432015-04-24T15:00:00.000-07:002015-04-30T19:06:04.205-07:00Candles<style type="text/css">P { margin-bottom: 0.08in; }</style>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
What affliction is desire?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Of waiting</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Knowing in the end</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
That you are not wanted.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It is the inklings of another's
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Seeming affection</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
That baits us ever forward</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And yet,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In reflection</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
There's</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
There.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The ache you feel is self-inflicted</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Slow torture</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Of seeing more</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Than what is there.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Rationally, we know why.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Know what other priorities</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Lay indelicately</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Affection to the side.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We know what Fears</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A sweet caress</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Can command.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We know what hidden</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Woe</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Would prefer to hide</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Never venturing forth</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Into the rain.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We're tired of wanting to be wanted</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Of hoping for</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Affection's sound</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Offered not as a response</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
But as a desire:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Of warmth stirred</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
From a warm heart</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
That pretends to play it cool.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
What do we get out of this</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Pointless longing?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Why would our heart persist</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Against the silent wall</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Forged of self-preservation</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
That brings isolation</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
To the heart that would</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Rather not be lonely</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If not for the past</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And the echoes of fear</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Bouncing off those self-same</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Walls.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It should be us who flees,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
But there are</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Cracks</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Wall</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And the occasional light</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
That spills from them</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Ignites a new wick</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Though the silence would snuff</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Each candle that marks the</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Time.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Now the candle burns low</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And I fear that the wind</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Will blow</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And that I'm running</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Out of</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Candles.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Neal Alexander Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04466290788601338679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304085485778930594.post-87136594038879103142015-04-05T21:01:00.001-07:002015-04-05T21:01:35.118-07:00The White Whale<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">How impossible it is to purge<br /> A love once it has found<br /> A hole in the heart to serve<br /> As anchor.<br />Hard when that harpoon, and the<br /> Knowledge of it's fearful strike<br /> Is known, truly, and yet<br /> Kept at a<br /><br /> Distance<br /><br />O'er the uncertainty of action<br /> Of feeling, even when the<br /> Feeling is recognized and known.<br /><br />Am I Ahab hunting out of love?<br /> Honestly I seek its culmination<br /> Or its demise<br /> Either would be a blessing<br />Though I'd far rather<br /> Love made Manifest<br /><br />Than the death and disenchantment<br /> Of a pull so strong<br /> So constant<br /> And then gone.<br /><br />But it is not gone<br /><br /> And fresh sightings<br /> And earnest hints of promise<br /> From a heart that<br /> Cannot hide<br /> And a mind that would.<br /><br />And I am wishing I could prove<br /> Myself as worthy<br /> To the mind that<br /> Reigns such heart<br /> As cast that first harpoon.<br /> So, I am Moby,<br /> Then,<br /> And Ahab.<br /><br />And is she, too,<br /> Ahab and Moby?<br /><br />Yet it is a battle of love<br /> On a sea of pain<br /> And fear<br /> And the deep<br /> Unknown.<br /><br />Storms of hope<br /> And hope becalmed<br /> That white whale<br /> That albatross<br /> That captain<br /><br />That white hope<br /> Would wave the<br /> White flag,<br /><br />But surrendering hope of<br /> Love<br /> Only birthed<br /> Itself in surrender.<br />And hope yielded, but hid<br /> A passion that would not die<br /><br />And a yearning stronger than<br /> The sea<br />Whose absence<br /> Renders the tale<br /> Ahab and Moby<br /> To metaphors<br /> Mundane.<br /><br />And this is anything but mundane<br /> And trying to accept what<br /> Is<br /> And what will be<br /> That hope and love<br /> Unburdened by truth<br /> Would become the truth<br /> And<br /> Ahab and Moby<br /> Would end a battle<br /> That was love<br /> To become love.<br /><br />That the harpoon<br /> Which is love<br /> Might be reeled in<br /> That the white whale<br /> Might become the ship<br /> And that together they might<br /> Sail and<br /> Perhaps<br /> Fly.</span>Neal Alexander Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04466290788601338679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304085485778930594.post-24630029661721089902015-03-05T19:30:00.000-08:002015-03-05T19:30:00.213-08:00Scholarship essay 2.0<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">After careful consideration, and many thanks to the commentaries offered, I took the time to look once more at the prompts and realized I didn't fully answer either of the two I kinda-sorta addressed. Here's round two. I like it more. Also included are the prompts, cause that's rather useful.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1. Tell us about the moment that you knew you were a dramatist and what unique contribution you knew you could make to both your community and the theatre community.<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">AND/OR<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2. What would your participation in DG’s national conference mean to you as a dramatist? How would it take you to another level in your craft and/or career?<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">AND/OR<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">3. What is the role of the dramatist in the community? What responsibility does a dramatist have? What responsibility does the community have towards a dramatist? </span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It was in a particularly tumultuous time in my life that I discovered playwriting. Pretty cliché, I know, but it is also true. I never set out to write a script. I was writing a conversation, but that was part of writing novels, too, and I never thought much about it during the process. What was different was that I was only writing the conversation. I had some rather undeclared scene changes that occurred as the moments within my life during that time moved from one issue to the next, but the conversation would return like old friends catching up. Everything I wanted to say, setting and so forth, was spoken of in the conversation. I didn't use any stage direction at all. Why would I, at that point? I was trying to purge the moments. Trying to understand the moments. Trying to forgive the moments. Toward the end of that period, my affections shifted from pain to hope, and I decided to end the conversation. And I mean end it. Not stop it and never think about it again, but actually end it. And I did. I remember realizing as I ended it; flipping through the pages and pages of dialogue, that that was all it was. Dialogue. I realized all of my terrible attempts at fiction mostly moved through dialogue. And this? This was so much better. Gone was my prosaic and uninspired prose. In its place were thirty pages of verse dialogue, and I knew in the core of my being I would have to try and do that again on purpose. <br /><br />Fifteen years ago, I would have looked at you askance if you told me I was going to be a Modern Verse Dramatist. My first few plays were entirely self-serving as I continued writing in the vein of my accidental script. Eventually, though, I realized I wanted more from the work than the vanity that had driven me thus far. Like my life, my narratives turned from pain to hope, and from me to the greater world. Tragedy may be a cornerstone of my characters' past, but it also a beginning. When I write about rape, it is about the survivor, and not about the act. When I write about attempted suicide, it is not about what lead them there, but what leads them out. And as much as I write stories about love, I write how they begin; happily ever after is up to you. <br /><br />Fifteen years later, I have a collection of 10 plays (8 full length, 1 one act, 1 ten-minute) that I know are ready for the stage, with another in progress. I have another 5 that are my first attempts, horrible as they are, and I still cherish them as the stepping stones that allowed me to develop the form and style I devote myself to. But, the time for looking back has ended, and now the stage calls. The time has come to move my works from the page to the stage, and I'm hoping that the Dramatists Guild Conference will help me open that curtain.</span></span>Neal Alexander Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04466290788601338679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304085485778930594.post-26727444221892221632015-03-04T18:31:00.002-08:002015-03-04T18:33:06.190-08:00Scholarship Essay, 600 word limit<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /><br />So the Dramatists Guild is having their annual Conference in La Jolla in July and I have every intention of going. So much so that I've already paid for it. However, they just announced through the Dramatists Guild Fund scholarship opportunities for said Conference. All one has to do is write a brief essay on one of the prompts offered, and this is my submission. Any feedback would be great.</span><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Fifteen years ago, I would have looked at you askance if you told me I was going to be a Modern Verse Dramatist. Sure, I had been active in theatre in High School (I achieved the prerequistes for the International Thespian Society in two years) and I've had an on-again-off-again relationship with the theatre ever since. Except in my writing. I grew up reading sci-fi/fantasy novels, and my first forays into writing were definitely derived from that vein, but I had never really thought about scripts. I knew I didn't want anything to do with the Screen, writing or otherwise, but writing for Theatre... <br /><br />It was in a particularly tumultuous time in my life that I discovered playwriting. Pretty cliché, I know, but it is also true. I never set out to write a script. I was writing a conversation, but that was part of Fiction, too, and I never thought much about it during the process. What was different was that I was only writing the conversation. I had some rather undeclared scene changes that occurred as the moments within my life during that time moved from one issue to the next, but the conversation would return like old friends catching up. Everything I wanted to say, setting and so forth, was spoken of in the conversation. I didn't use any stage direction at all. Why would I, at that point? I was trying to purge the moments. Trying to understand the moments. Trying to forgive the moments. Toward the end of that period, my affections shifted from pain to hope, and I decided to end the conversation. And I mean end it. Not stop it and never think about it again, but actually end it. And I did. I remember realizing as I ended it; flipping through the pages and pages of dialogue, that that was all it was. Dialogue. I realized all of my terrible attempts at fiction mostly moved through dialogue. And this? This was so much better. Gone was my prosaic and uninspired prose. In its place were thirty pages of verse dialogue, and I knew in the core of my being I would have to try and do that on purpose. Fifteen years later, I have a collection of 10 plays (8 full length, 1 one act, 1 ten-minute) that I know are ready for the stage, with another in progress. I have another 5 that are my first attempts, horrible as they are, and I still cherish them as the stepping stones that allowed me to develop the form and style I devote myself to, but the time for looking back has ended, and now the stage calls. The time has come to move my works from the page to the stage, and I'm hoping that the Dramatists Guild Conference will help me draw that curtain. </span>Neal Alexander Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04466290788601338679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304085485778930594.post-47389710323201801342015-01-01T14:39:00.000-08:002015-01-01T14:39:01.465-08:00Furrowed BrowThe furrowed brow is not<br /> quite unlike the unfurrowed<br /> ground<br /> Waiting now<br /> for the planting.<br /><br />The furrowed brow belies a thought<br /> which is not so much a seed<br /> than the manure<br /> turned<br /> into the soil.<br />Fertilizer but no genius<br /> no muse to summon forth<br /> the true spirit of the pen<br />and birther of the fruits<br /> of thought and feeling.<br /><br />Furrowed but fallowed<br /> no truth has been writ<br /> and no measure has been<br /> found<br />to avail oneself of what's<br /> around.<br /><br />Where has the seed gone?<br /> Whither the muse<br /> who has withered<br /> ripe for whatever is to come.<br /><br />And yet plenty does come,<br /> by the wind, by the wing<br /> by the hoof...<br /> we just call them<br /> weeds<br /><br />Cultivated by nature, and not<br /> the green thumb of man<br /> who would seek to tame<br /> that which nature makes unruly<br /> til the furrowed land lies<br /> hidden and only<br /> accidental<br />crops<br /> by nature chosen<br /> are given leave to grow.<br /><br />And do we harvest this bounty<br /> this wolf among the weeds<br /> which is, in fact, a puppy,<br /> untrained, domestic<br />That we ourselves would call a wolf<br /> because we've already killed<br /> them all<br /> and no longer know<br />what the wolf is.<br /><br />So we burn it all down,<br /> plow it under<br /> furrow the brow<br />and plant our wolves<br /> which will never see a<br /> harvest<br />for the wolf is neither fruit<br /> nor seed<br /> but the brow furrowed <br /> turning thoughts<br /> into manure<br />turning the soil<br /> hoping to find gold in<br /> the ground<br /> so that we might plow no<br /> more.<br /> But that apple is spoiled,<br /> and the gilding stripped<br /> from the bough.<br /> just ask Midas<br /> the value of gold,<br />that skeleton in<br /> El Dorado:<br />All that remains in the land of<br /> wolves.<br /><br />So unfurrow the brow<br /> unfurl the sails<br /> and leave behind the plow<br />and let the wind<br /> natures genius carry you<br /> the seed<br />and behold that you are<br />the weed that bears true fruit<br /> to those who know the <br /> difference<br /> and plough the mistletoe.Neal Alexander Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04466290788601338679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304085485778930594.post-2695082219557379662014-11-21T12:45:00.000-08:002014-11-21T12:45:07.944-08:00Baci n. 20 (version two... I think)Baci n. 20<br />Love is a spontaneous grass, not a garden plant.<br />I. Neivo<br /><br />How very like the common grass ,is love;<br />Hearty, yet tender and resilient<br />In the face of trials and obstacles.<br />Even when the earth has been scorched by war,<br />Drought parched, trampled and ev'ry blade broken,<br />The Gentle Shoot yet rises to the sun.<br /><br />And we mortals rise as if to the sun<br />As the softest caresses of some love<br />Would heal a heart that time itself has broken.<br />Man is a beast, ever resilient<br />And e'en though often with himself at war<br />Love still overcomes all such obstacles.<br /><br />Yet no matter how many obstacles<br />May lie under the ever-arcing sun,<br />The drought itself will also lose the war.<br />Water is the object that bestows love;<br />The object that waxes resilient<br />Offering itself to the heart-broken.<br /><br />The truth is, no one is e'er so broken<br />That grass may not cover such obstacles<br />That against love, seemed so resilient.<br />It is e'en as obvious as the sun<br />That the spontaneity of true love<br />Was there even before the mind found war.<br /><br />Tis the mind that hides itself behind war<br />Ever conscious of a heart once broken<br />From such woe as is only found through love.<br />Not drought, not flame, nor snow are obstacles<br />To the wild grass, persistent as the sun,<br />Hidden now, but ever resilient.<br /><br />And it will prove itself resilient<br />As the water washes away the war:<br />Grass breaking forth from ground baked by the sun.<br />Only the outward visage seems broken,<br />For even the toughest of obstacles<br />But become the foundations for true love.<br /><br />Love, like grass, is the most resilient<br />Of all obstacles. Tis ourselves that war<br />Fearful, thought broken; pining for the sun.Neal Alexander Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04466290788601338679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304085485778930594.post-31824602270540515842014-10-20T17:06:00.000-07:002014-10-21T10:30:12.953-07:00Streams Of Whisky<br />
A modern twist of mine on the old water nymph love story. It's a little longish... (2000+ words) Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<br />
In olden days the spriteful babe<br />
Frolicked in forest, field and fen,<br />
But times have changed and fields have changed,<br />
Til even mighty Zeus has fled.<br />
Yet his licentious progeny<br />
Born and birthed of his same seed<br />
Survives beside the quiet stream.<br />
But times have changed and streams have changed<br />
And while still flowing to the sea,<br />
The Nymphs who once had called them home<br />
No longer frolic to the sea.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
The flows have lost their mystery<br />
As Hephaestus' grown children<br />
And Pandora, mother and bride,<br />
Have taken o'er fair Olympus<br />
And made of the heavens a mall.<br />
Oh how sacrilege has defiled<br />
The pint glass and wine's decanter<br />
And drowned Dionysus' joy <br />
In the doldrum of the nine-to-five<br />
Or the bartender's six-to-close.<br />
But not all the old ones are lost;<br />
The stubborn and the clever ones;<br />
The far-sighted and the blind ones<br />
Have made anew their wayward homes.<br />
Hermes, Lord of the Chat Client<br />
And psycho-pomp of 404<br />
Still hides among HTTP.<br />
Behold Hestia's now cold hearth<br />
(Who has a hearth now anyway?)<br />
And look to her new HD home.<br />
But the nymphs who e'er found delight<br />
Midst the likes of mortal or god<br />
Survive still, and perhaps least changed.<br />
These wry spirits found new homes<br />
In this world post-Persephone;<br />
And frail Demeter's GMOs.<br />
The woodland nymphs with woodlands gone<br />
Moved on to hops and yeast and vine,<br />
Whilst ocean maids rode current tides<br />
To claim soda and coffee line.<br />
But perhaps wisest of all<br />
Were the nymphs of river and stream<br />
Who dwell on in distilleries.<br />
From every continent they hail<br />
To enchant, delight and trouble<br />
The wide seas of earthbound Man.<br />
Tequila's girl; agave queen,<br />
Sultry wench with a chase of lime<br />
Aids and abets the naked floor.<br />
And there, Vodka's Vasilisa,<br />
Cold and clear, quick cheater of death<br />
Through the pale heart of white winter.<br />
See Rum, the pirate's maid and dream;<br />
Sweet sound of a blunderbuss<br />
And gentle rocker of the seas.<br />
Fair Moonshine, bold moonshiner's dare,<br />
Nymph of the American wood<br />
Who knocks you over the head<br />
And knocks you clear out of your socks.<br />
But best and most beautiful,<br />
Is Scotland's girl: Ireland's lass,<br />
The auburn headed whisky stream;<br />
Warm lover with a wild temper<br />
And kindest spirit of them all.<br />
One such maiden, one liquor nymph<br />
More playful and more care-free<br />
Than the rest of her spirit kin<br />
Is she who would beget this tale.<br />
One fair day as she frolicked 'round<br />
The casks, the stills and bottles,<br />
This fleet-footed maid of fancy<br />
Fell into an open bottle<br />
And was trapped as the cork slammed home.<br />
How woefully she fought the glass!<br />
How she railed against the cork and seal<br />
As the bottle rolled down the line;<br />
She struggled on to no avail.<br />
As fated bottle rattled on,<br />
She caught, then, one final view<br />
Of her 'loved distillery home.<br />
Darkness came as the casket closed:<br />
Whisky-maid bottled and alone.<br />
She shipped and shifted, down the road;<br />
The casket toppled yet still rode<br />
Cross country side and oceans cold<br />
Til came to rest at last, one morn,<br />
In darkness far afield from home.<br />
And home suffered from her absence:<br />
In olden days the stream would dry,<br />
But in this age's modern theme<br />
A far worse fate befell the still:<br />
With its whisky-maid so confined,<br />
The spirit grew stale and spoiled;<br />
Across the markets, bottles turned<br />
And sales failed all o'er the world.<br />
Nor could they define what had changed<br />
For all but the nymph stayed the same.<br />
There was no patch, there was no cure<br />
For the thing that made it whisky<br />
No longer danced 'cross mash and steam.<br />
And over time the worse it got<br />
Til bottles were cast aside<br />
Un-cracked, collecting agéd dust,<br />
Til the whisky e'en lost it's name<br />
To epitaphs and eulogies.<br />
And e'en those would be forgotten<br />
Had not fair fortune's most dry wit<br />
Founded an old fashioned dive bar.<br />
The Bartender gathered them all,<br />
A singular ignominy<br />
And the final drops from the stream.<br />
How long had the nymph fermented<br />
Alone in the dark, and forlorn<br />
Til the Barkeep cracked the cask<br />
And lifted her into the light?<br />
Oh, how long she had been trapped there<br />
Til at last the amber glow shown<br />
And the light, any light, exposed<br />
A new world to the lost spirit.<br />
The bottle flashed a moment<br />
From under the Barman's warm hand:<br />
A trick of the light and the mind.<br />
This first bottle now tempted him<br />
For the tale of this foul liquor <br />
Was as some ancient old-wives tale<br />
That he was most eager to prove.<br />
But misery loves company,<br />
And so the Keep, himself, forestalled<br />
And placed, of all the bottles, hers<br />
Like a trophy on some top shelf.<br />
The rest he checked and stored<br />
Til came the daring and the bold<br />
To taste a folktale; sip a myth.<br />
But the most daring never came,<br />
And bottles stacked and sorted<br />
Gathered yet more dust and sad hues.<br />
And from her shelf, e'en through the haze,<br />
She witnessed Man's manifold face:<br />
The braggart, the ass, and the shy;<br />
The wise, the daft, and the sober;<br />
She witnessed all of their joys<br />
And shared in all of their sorrows.<br />
She came to know the truth of him:<br />
Kind hearted, lonely; struggling,<br />
And through her amber prison, grew<br />
A mortal love known by so few.<br />
Unaware, he yet struggled on<br />
Until his failure weighed on him<br />
As Atlas once held the globe.<br />
And fin'lly he could take no more:<br />
Embittered, he sat lamenting<br />
From the farthest end of the bar<br />
Casting his baleful eye around:<br />
Twas then, at last, that fortune moved.<br />
He spied, at last, in quiet rage,<br />
Her dusty bottle just baiting<br />
The anger he'd built in his heart.<br />
He lunged forth aching to shatter<br />
The icon of his broken dream,<br />
But as his fingers brushed the glass,<br />
He realized he still didn't know<br />
The namesake he'd claimed for his bar.<br />
He grabbed a rag and wiped it clean<br />
And taking a glass from the stack<br />
Sat back down again, soul weary.<br />
And how the Nymph's heart leapt in joy<br />
Beating wildly for freedom's taste.<br />
She waited, quivering and flushed<br />
Staring back at whom could not see.<br />
Anticipation stayed his hand;<br />
So many years spent laboring<br />
In the name of the forgotten<br />
Til now, finding himself remiss<br />
Again alone in the moment,<br />
This bottle his first; last measure<br />
Begotten and ended alone;<br />
An echo of a broken stone.<br />
He stared a moment: cracked the seal,<br />
And pulled with a skilled and tired palm<br />
The agéd cork; her prison door.<br />
The maid surged forth from the bottle,<br />
And, half of her still steeped within,<br />
Leaned far over and kissed the Keep<br />
Before bounding and stretching limbs<br />
That had been trapped for so long.<br />
How shocked and speechless sat the Keep<br />
As this tawny, auburn-haired maid,<br />
The true spirit of whisky-dom,<br />
Bounded and railed with endless vim<br />
Until she came to rest at last<br />
With her arms tightly around him<br />
Whom she loved and who had freed her.<br />
How aghast; woefully abashed<br />
As he struggled to catch a breath<br />
From between the bear-hugging arms<br />
Of the joyous whisky-maiden.<br />
And at last the keep found his voice;<br />
Brittle, cracked, dry and hungover<br />
To ask in modern epitaphs<br />
The what and wherefore of the maid.<br />
And in a voice of warm honey,<br />
She told the Keep her life and tale,<br />
And how from the shelf had watched<br />
And through the dust and glass soon loved<br />
The man caught now in between<br />
The enchanted arms of a dream<br />
She spoke on of how rare a gift<br />
The love of a nymph had e'er been<br />
And freed now, offered as bounty<br />
This demi-god's most honest boon.<br />
The classic tradition would state<br />
That of course he took on the maid,<br />
But this, now, is a modern age<br />
And bartenders oft too jaded<br />
To act whilst clouded by fable,<br />
And blindly marry a maiden<br />
Who'd just crawled out of a bottle.<br />
And though the Nymph loved the Barkeep,<br />
She was bound by antiquity<br />
And could not so fully bestow<br />
To anyone less than a mate.<br />
He then besought the maid for time<br />
To better know the whiskey-bride,<br />
But some things are not so simple<br />
And whispered that none existed.<br />
Twas stated by myth's accord<br />
That such moments only come once<br />
And then they are gone forever.<br />
Nor could she offer further proof<br />
Than the magic already shown.<br />
It was a myth and fantasy<br />
And only such bold leaps of faith<br />
Have ever claimed loves true bounty.<br />
He brokered a deal with his heart<br />
And agreed to take her as wife...<br />
But alas, fable's not so simple:<br />
There was a final caveat:<br />
One proscription against doom<br />
That must also be agreed to;<br />
A minor dram, and a great truth.<br />
The Bartender was forbidden<br />
From even a thimble's measure<br />
Of the spirit the Nymph called home --<br />
And no one was to drink at all <br />
From the bottle once a prison.<br />
Now that she was free, the spirit<br />
Returned again to the whisky<br />
Reclaiming its greatness of yore.<br />
And he was the sole provender<br />
Who protested shot and liter,<br />
For how could he offer to serve<br />
What he himself never tasted,<br />
And by provision, never could.<br />
She returned with a smirk and a smile<br />
That he should never fear such loss<br />
When the honest truth and flavor<br />
Could be found in every kiss;<br />
Said giving him his first sample.<br />
He assented the proscription<br />
And her warmth at once filled the bar<br />
As the boon of a whisky-nymph<br />
Turned the place around once more.<br />
So happy years began to pass<br />
Twice again as bright as the past<br />
To fill and overflow the brim<br />
With a love more truth than fable.<br />
Of her taste he never tired,<br />
Nor ever felt again alone<br />
Except once a year when the Nymph<br />
Of necessity did return<br />
To her native distillery<br />
To bless again the whisky-stream<br />
That flowed again since she was free.<br />
He never journeyed with his wife<br />
For both knew he could not avoid <br />
A sip on the tasting room floor.<br />
So the years past each other by<br />
And year by year a great lament<br />
With each such anniversary.<br />
Like some forced sobriety,<br />
Each year turned a harder withdrawal<br />
From his whisky-maiden; his wife.<br />
The years past, and still persisted<br />
Until the Keep could take no more.<br />
His wife was far away afield<br />
And he sat and quivered and quailed<br />
Fighting proscription's temptation<br />
And failing now to remember<br />
The taste he had come to savor.<br />
And why thought he unto himself<br />
Should every bottle but the one<br />
Be offered up to the world?<br />
And logic beckoned yet on<br />
To consider how long she spent,<br />
The liquor's real source and spirit,<br />
And bottle aged nobility<br />
Must be of her the highest proof<br />
And the taste he was longing for.<br />
He took the bottle down once more<br />
Recalling the moment long past<br />
When she blossomed forth and kissed him.<br />
He licked his lips at the mem'ry<br />
And un-stoppered the whisky home.<br />
He poured himself two fingers full<br />
Losing himself in bouquet and color;<br />
His love and life across the sea.<br />
And when his heart could take no more,<br />
He sipped his last sip of whisky.<br />
Far across the sea, her heart tore.<br />
She'd felt the bottle in his hand,<br />
And heard the distant pop of cork;<br />
Felt the cold caress of the glass<br />
And cried as the drink passed his lips.<br />
She would never see him no more,<br />
For though he lived but 'cross the sea,<br />
The broken trust changed ev'rything.<br />
She was free, and the whisky flowed,<br />
But she could bless the Keep no more,<br />
For the breach of faith cost him all,<br />
And no matter if she still would,<br />
A broken glass can hold no more.<br />
And yet still worse for the Barkeep;<br />
No matter how often he tried,<br />
Whene'er the spirit touched his lips,<br />
The finest whiskey turned to naught<br />
But the purest, tasteless water.<br />
Ev'ry morning he woke hungo'er<br />
With the bitter taste of what lost...<br />
Worse because he couldn't recall<br />
Her scent, her taste, her voice, or hue<br />
But for a hole he could ne'er fill.Neal Alexander Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04466290788601338679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304085485778930594.post-53822371520653056842014-08-18T00:00:00.000-07:002014-08-18T12:40:26.829-07:00Baci n. 68<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A rough draft of my newest sestina, offered with no comment. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Baci N. 68<br />A true friend knows all there is to know about you yet still likes you.<br />E. Hubbard<br /><br />They say love is an ever splendid thing,<br />But they who love, know love is not so tame,<br />Nor so willful as the tempest would seem.<br />Love does not look upon the challenges <br />And balk at the sound of noble reason<br />Lecturing about foolishness and pride.<br /><br />And yet love is every sin and pride<br />And a far more noble, dangerous thing<br />Than can be dreamed of, even by reason.<br />And though the casual glance may 'pear tame,<br />It is the residue of challenges<br />Defeated by what does but timid seem.<br /><br />I promise, there is more there than does seem<br />And friendship nurtured by love held with pride<br />Is true testament to the challenges.<br />I've never known love as an easy thing,<br />But I have grown stronger, and yes, more tame,<br />And I tell you that love is the reason.<br /><br />And I'll be e'er grateful for the reason,<br />Even if it, as blasphemy, does seem;<br />Lost love has wisdom, and strength can be tame.<br />But I acknowledge love with certain pride<br />For it, I promise, is a noble thing<br />That forced me to face my own challenges.<br /><br />It has never been without challenges,<br />Like love's fire in the face of cold reason-<br />And love cannot defeat every thing.<br />I know, as contrary-ian as does seem,<br />I will say it with the utmost of pride,<br />That letting go is strength, and is tame.<br /><br />A friendship born of love might not seem tame,<br />Nor is such friendship without challenges,<br />But to lose friendship for lost love is pride.<br />And the love is still there, with due reason,<br />For my life was changed more than it does seem<br />Because love is an ever splendid thing.<br /><br />Really, here's the thing: friendship is love, tame,<br />Strange as it may seem. And the challenges<br />Faced for that reason, should be worn with pride.</span>Neal Alexander Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04466290788601338679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304085485778930594.post-90675341160721300542014-05-05T09:52:00.000-07:002014-05-05T09:52:23.893-07:00Blurred Lines
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<u><b>Scene i</b></u></div>
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<br />
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<b>C</b></div>
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It's strange to me
that you're dying right now.</div>
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<br />
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<b>W</b></div>
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Strange to you? How
do you think I'm feeling?</div>
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<br />
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<b>C</b></div>
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Well, looking at
you, it doesn't seem so bad -</div>
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Mean, you don't look
like you're dying to me.</div>
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It is only because I
know that you are,</div>
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That I comment 'pon
the discrepancy.</div>
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<br />
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<b>W</b></div>
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Clearly all that
healthy living paid off.</div>
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<br />
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<b>C</b></div>
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Healthy I'm not so
sure of, but living...</div>
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You certainly have
done a fair share of that.</div>
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<br />
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<b>W</b></div>
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Well you would know;
we've been friends long enough.</div>
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<br />
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<b>C</b></div>
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Is that all I am,
after all this time?</div>
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<br />
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<b>W</b></div>
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Friend is high
praise. There aren't many of them.</div>
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<br />
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<b>C</b></div>
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And I have to wonder
who's fault that is...</div>
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<br />
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<b>W</b></div>
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Nature of the
business, I'm afraid.</div>
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I'm surprised you've
stuck around so long.</div>
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<br />
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<b>C</b></div>
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For some reason I
wish I had longer...</div>
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<br />
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<b>W</b></div>
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It's not like I've
been very kind to you...</div>
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<br />
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<b>C</b></div>
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And I don't regret a
single minute.</div>
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I wouldn't be who I
am without you,</div>
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And I do not know
who I will become,</div>
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Without you lurking
over my shoulder.</div>
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You have always been
the sage in my life...</div>
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<br />
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<b>W</b></div>
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And now you're
giving me far too much credit.</div>
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All I have ever done
is talked too much;</div>
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You're responsible
for your own choices,</div>
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I've just hung
around to witness them all.</div>
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<br />
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<b>C</b></div>
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And I've gotten
myself into a few...</div>
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I'm gonna be lost
with you around.</div>
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<br />
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<b>W</b></div>
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I won't say I'm not
glad to be missed,</div>
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But I think you
undervalue yourself.</div>
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You have always
managed to come out on top,</div>
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And you'll do so
even without me here.</div>
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Stop being so dour.
If anyone...</div>
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<br />
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<b>C</b></div>
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You're right, of
course. I'm just being selfish.</div>
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<br />
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<b>W</b></div>
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We're all selfish,
so don't make me a saint.</div>
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I haven't exactly
been altruistic here.</div>
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<br />
</div>
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<b>C</b></div>
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I would never accuse
you of that, sir.</div>
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<br />
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<b>W</b></div>
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Condescending now...
always a favorite...</div>
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<br />
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<b>C</b></div>
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And just who do you
think I got it from?</div>
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<br />
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<b>W</b></div>
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Irreverant too. I'm
gonna miss you.</div>
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<br />
</div>
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<b>C</b></div>
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Now you're just
trying to make me feel bad.</div>
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<br />
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<b>W</b></div>
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Not intentionally.
Force of habit.
</div>
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<br />
</div>
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<i>Looking
around.</i></div>
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<br />
</div>
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I have always liked
coming here, you know.</div>
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<br />
</div>
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<b>C</b></div>
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I do know. This is
also where we met.</div>
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It seems like ages
ago, actu'lly...</div>
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<br />
</div>
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<b>W</b></div>
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So much has happened
to us both since then.</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>C</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And you got the
better end of that deal.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>W</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
You say that, but
it's you who will live on.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>C</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I am not that
gullible anymore.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
All I've ever been
is a photograph...</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>W</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Now that has to be
the most untrue thing...</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
You have never been
a simple photo,</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And to reduce
yourself to such constraints</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Again undermines the
sheer potential</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
That meeting you
will mean to anyone.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I know my life has
been better with you</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Than I can imagine
the same without.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>C</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Impending doom is
making you sappy.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>W</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Impending doom in
making you orn'ry.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>C</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And you're not going
down alone, you shit.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>W</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Some things are just
not under my control...</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I know, hard to
believe... hard to admit.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
But I don't think
you should be so worried.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
If anything I shall
be remembered</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Because of you, not
the other way 'round.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>C</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And I am grateful
for everything...</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
But you know my
future ends with you, too.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>W</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
No. You don't belong
to me anymore,</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And you will live on
without me, I swear.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I'm not the only one
who loves you, now.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>C</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I wish I was real...
that this, now, was real...</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>W</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
So you want to be
sitting here dying?</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>C</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I am sitting here
dying. Just like you.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>W</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I may have reduced
your life to a page,</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
But you live when
ever someone reads it.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Me? The only reason
they know my name,</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Is because it was I
who put you there.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Trust there are more
favorite characters</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Out in the world
than there are writers,</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And those characters
shall always live on</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Because real
characters are real people;</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
We writers will
always be just a name.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>C</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Maybe to the people
you give me to,</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
But not to me! Never
to me! I swear.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Nobody will ever
love you like me.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>W</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And nobody can e'er
love you like me,</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
But one thing I know
is the world's better</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Having you, than it
e'er was having me.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>C</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
But I am only here
because of you.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>W</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And will be here
long after I am gone.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
One thing I have
learned in all my time here</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Is that writers
inspire other writers.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
It's the characters
who inspire people,</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And I wish for
nothing more for you</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Than to be the
person you've shown me you are.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
You will not die
with me, nor did you live;</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I watched and
laughed with my pen in hand,</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
As you did what I
merely recorded.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
You have been with
me for such a long time,</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And I have never had
a better friend,</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Nor could I e'er
dream of a deeper love</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Than that which
would share you with the whole world.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>C</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
What if I never
wanted the whole world?</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>W</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
You'd not have
introduced yourself to me.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
But come, my dearest
friend, let's not bicker.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I did not seek you
out to fight with you.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>C</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
You didn't seek me
out at all, my friend.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
You are a writer,
and would die alone,</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
You miserable old
lout; you scoundrel.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
It is fortunate I
love you too much</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
To allow such a
narccisitic act.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I refuse to allow
you to die alone.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>W</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And yet you will die
with me, as you said.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>C</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Some things cannot
be changed, even by you.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I would die either
way; here or elsewhere.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
This is where I met
you for the first time;</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
It seems fitting
that here we should part.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>W</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
If it's not too
awkward to speak the truth;</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
There is no one else
I'd rather die with;</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
No one else I've
ever loved half so much.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>C</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I hope your creator
feels the same way</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
For you as you do
about me, dear friend.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>W</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
If I do have one, we
have never met.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
But there is one
thing I can promise you:</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I am not your
creator; ne'er have been.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I found you, and our
relationship grew</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Not because I
created it from dust,</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
But because you
exist outside of me,</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Just as any other
person does.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And, even if I were
your creator,</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
You'll continue to
exist without me,</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Even as I exist
without him.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Every time someone
turns to page one,</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
They will discover
this wonderful you.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And you shall live,
even as I have lived,</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
While I shall die,
even as god has died.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>C</b></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Now
you're just being overly dramatic.</span></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>W</b></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">I'm
dying, I thought drama was allowed.</span></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>C</b></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">I
will die with you. The pages aren't me;</span></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">They
are a mem'ry, your mem'ry, of me.</span></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>W</b></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">There
you are wrong. They are only the start.</span></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">The
reader will take you places I never could.</span></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">No,
you have much life still ahead, my friend,</span></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">And
I am not necessary for that.</span></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">You
will live on. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Only I die
today.</span></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>C</b></div>
<div align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Think I feel sorry for your creator</div>
<div align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Because he never introduced himself;</div>
<div align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
He deprived you of the chance you've given me...</div>
<div align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>W</b></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">My
life is like the one yours will become.</span></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">If
there was a creator, he has passed,</span></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">And
this life was carried on by others.</span></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">People
are each other's readers, you see,</span></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Continually
giving birth to each other...</span></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">We
carry our own pages where e'er we go,</span></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">And
we read each other's books as they come.</span></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">But
ev'ry book finds its ending sometime,</span></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">And
now it's time I put my pages down.</span></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>C</b></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Will
I remember you after you've gone?</span></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>W</b></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">I
don't know, but neither will you need to</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">;</span></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">I'll
always be a part of you, my friend.</span></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Like
the stars themselves live on in me,</span></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">So
will I always live on within you.</span></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 3in;">
<i>blackout</i></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
Neal Alexander Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04466290788601338679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304085485778930594.post-8855660638660162842013-09-02T11:15:00.000-07:002013-09-02T11:15:26.770-07:00Airport Sparrows Act 2 scene vii and viii
<style type="text/css">P { margin-bottom: 0.08in; }</style>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">So, here it is folks, the final two scenes of Airport Sparrows. I hope you have enjoyed it, and we'll see what's next on the blog when I figure that out. That whole planning ahead thing I haven't quite figured it out yet. </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><u><b>Act
2 scene vii</b></u></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">an airport<i> </i></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><i>enter MICHELLE and
SARAH</i> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Michelle-</b> I must admit that I’m surprised
you’re back.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">What’s wrong the international track?<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Sarah-</b>
For the likes of you, think nothing at all,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">But you’ve always
looked to destinations</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">More than have ever enjoyed the journey.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I
just think it’s too long a flight for me.<i> </i></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><i>enter LAURA,
spilling coffee on them</i> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Laura-</b> Oh fuck, oh shit!
I’m so fucking sorry!</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I wasn’t watching where I was going.</span><b> </b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Sarah-</b>
Forget about it ma’am, it didn’t burn, we’re fine.<span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Just
watch the track to which your feet align.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">[<i>LAURA
starts to go then stops Something about Sarah seems familiar</i><span style="font-style: normal;">]</span><b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Michelle-</b>
Hope this is noteworthy, not portentious,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">The
last time made you rather contentious.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Sarah-</b>
I beg you, don't remind me of that trial,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">There's
a reason I took to foreign skies.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Michelle-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
You never had the best luck with the guys...</span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Is
there something we can help you with ma'am?</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Laura-</b>
What? No... Sorry... it's just... do I know you?</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I
don't know why, but I swear that do.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Sarah-</b>
I’m sorry ma’am, but you, I do not know.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">[<i>finally,
SARAH's face clicks LAURA's memory</i><span style="font-style: normal;">]</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Can
we, you, unto your terminal show?<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Laura-</b>
You know me not, least not personally,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">But <span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Marc</span></span>
knows you, and well do I know he.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Michelle-</b>
What are you talking about dear woman?</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Haven't you made enough
trouble today?<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Laura-</b>
I have caused enough trouble in my time</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">To give a rat’s ass over
what you might say,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">But to you, Sarah, I’ve a debt to pay.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Sarah-</b>
We’ve a flight to catch, and likewise do you,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Come on Michelle,
we still have much to do.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Laura-</b>
I beg you, give me a moment of time.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">You’ll never see me again
after this,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">But pray, don't so easily dismiss me.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Sarah-</b>
Damn it. Why don't you go ahead Michelle.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Michelle-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Mark my words, Sarah, this will not end well.</span><i> </i></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><i>exit
MICHELLE</i> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Sarah-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span>Alright lady, you have my attention,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">What is the manner of
your contention?<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Laura-</b>
But this alone; twas me he called in love –</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">No, stop! Beg
of you let me finish this,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I owe him, and you this, the very
least.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">What you overheard was me strung way out</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Trying to win
back what I’d no claim to.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I
have loved that boy for more than eight years,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Through all of the
drugs, and I love him still,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">But <span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Marc</span></span>
did not return to hell for me.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">His
mother’s final wish summoned him;</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I’m
just a scar that ripped open again</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">As
he watched his mother wither away,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">That's
only reason that he went back there;</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">It had naught at all to do
with me.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Sarah-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Why are you telling me this? Honestly.</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">He's
the last person I would want to see.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Laura-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
That may be true for you, but not for Marc</span>.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">You
gave him something to look forward to</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">In
a town that's only breaking him down.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">You’ve
no idea the hell he’s going through...<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Sarah-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
And I don't care. Listen to me, lady...</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Laura-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Marc</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;">’s</span>
mom died yesterday, so now he's free</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">To
live a life not tied to that damn town.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Please
hear; it was my sin that you witnessed,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">And
for him, I thought it best you should know.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I’m sorry to bother
you; I will go.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Sarah-</b>Wait a goddamn minute; Now it's my turn.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">What is it you even think
I can do?</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I turned a cold shoulder on him so fast</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">That I don’t
think he’ll quick forgive the past.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Laura-</b>
Perhaps, perhaps not, but it’s worth a try,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">At least I would;
did... for that very guy.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Sarah-</b>
You know I’ve denied ev’ry chance to hear</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Any explanation for
what happened.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Why
should I listen to you who wrought ill</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">When I’ve no reason to
trust you still?<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Laura-</b>
In the end, can only see for yourself</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">And decide through what
evidence is shown</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Whether or not we have spoken the truth.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">For
me, I do this because I love him</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">And I have heard my brother speak
of <span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Marc</span></span> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">And
what Marc's own voice has said about you.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I am doing what I know
that I must</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Because I know he’d be glad to see you,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">And
I hope that by clearing the air now</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">You
might reconsider the flight you chose;</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">He's a great guy, and not
someone I'd lose.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Sarah-</b> Nor have you; I heard him say
"I love you."<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Laura-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
And it's you who would further misconstrue</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">A
word that's spoken of friends and fam'ly.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Yes,
I'm Marcus' crazy ex-girlfriend,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">But
the love he bears me is as fam'ly;</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">The
person he wanted to be with is you.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Sarah-
</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> What's done is done, there's
nothing I can do...</span><b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Laura-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
That is entirely up to you, dear;</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I
just wanted you to know what happened.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Sarah-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Even though it changes nothing for me?</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I've
gotta go; have a safe flight, lady.<i> </i></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><i>exit
SARAH</i><b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Laura-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
My name is Laura, for when you see him...</span><i> </i></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><i>blackout</i></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><u><b>Act
2 scene viii</b></u></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">the Blue Canary</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><i>Enter </i><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">MARC</span></i><i>
and LYNDON. It's just after BETTY's funeral</i> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Marc</b></span><b>-</b>
Thanks for opening up the bar, Lyndon.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I couldn't handle all those
people mourning.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Lyndon-</b>
Think nothing of it <span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Marc</span></span>,
I understand.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">There are few in that company I’d see,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">And the
most important is here with me.<span style="font-style: normal;"><b> </b></span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Marc</b></span><b>-</b>
What am I supposed to do now, Lyndon?</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">There is naught awaiting me
in LA</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">And sure as hell can’t stay here much longer.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I don’t
know how you can do it my friend;</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">How can you, this bar, in this
damn town, tend?<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Lyndon-</b>
For a while there, I did it for Laura;</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I hoped it would be a
refuge for her,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Somewhere else she could run that wasn't
home;</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Even if she hated my company.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">But after that fell apart
around me,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I
still wanted to be a safe haven</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">For
those who needed help getting away.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Now that Betty’s gone,
though, things'll get worse,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">And
I don't know if it will worth staying.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">But this is where Laura's
always found me…</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Don’t think I can leave here so
easily.<i> </i></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><i>enter SARAH, unseen by </i><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">MARC</span></i> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Marc</b></span><b>-</b>
Well, at least Laura fin’lly got away.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I wish I’d had better
last words to say.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Sarah-</b>
At least she gave you the chance to say them;</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">At least she did not
leave you in the dark;</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I’m sorry… how have you been doing,
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Marc</span></span>?<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Lyndon-</b>
Well, I do believe that’s my cue to leave;</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Help yourself if
you’d any stock relieve.<i> </i></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><i>exit LYNDON</i> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Marc</b></span><b>-</b>
And to what do I owe this grand pleasure?</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Recall not any redeeming
measure.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Sarah-</b>
And likely because there was never one made.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I've
been lied to too many times before</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">And
when I saw you that night here in the bar...</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I
just couldn't face the disappointment.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Maybe I should have lent
you time to speak,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">But I couldn’t risk letting down my guard.<span style="font-style: normal;"><b> </b></span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Marc</b></span><b>-</b>
So why are you granting me leave to speak now?</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">If something has
changed, I cannot see how.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Sarah-</b>
You will not believe me, when I tell you…</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Met Laura, <span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Marc</span></span>,
most accidentally</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">And she told me enough of what hap’s here…</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">She
loves you still <span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Marc</span></span>,
that much was clear.<span style="font-style: normal;"><b> </b></span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Marc</b></span><b>-</b>
Forgive me Sarah, if I’ve no patience,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">But I’m very tired;
these have been long months</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">And I’ve no int’rest in long
winded speech.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Sarah-</b>
I do a little forebearence beseech;</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I
know this is a terrible time,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">And I didn't know until I landed</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">The
tribulations you're facing today;</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Allow
me my earnest sympathies pay.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Marc-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
I appreciate your condolences,</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">But
that is not what brings you here today.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Sorry
if I'm a little cold and brash,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">But
I've no time for sentimental trash.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Sarah-
</b>I know I don’t deserve any kind words,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">And
I realize that I've caused nothing but rue,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">But
I wanted to explain what I did,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">And
make of your forgiveness a bid.<span style="font-style: normal;"><b> </b></span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Marc</b></span><b>-</b>
Is that what you expect to happen here?</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">The few times I have kept
your company,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">You've
fled without e'en a parting reason.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">You
begged of me to play an honest hand,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">And
yet you've never spared one ounce of trust...<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Sarah-</b>
There's a lot of things we never discussed;</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I've
made a lot of bad choices, Marcus,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Choices
that only ended in pain and tears</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Because
I blindly gave into desire.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">My
desire for you triggered that trained fear,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">And
I panicked like some fool, startled deer.<span style="font-style: normal;"><b> </b></span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Marc</b></span><b>-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
And why should I give you another chance?</span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">You, Sarah, who’ve
born no trust in my name</span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Are asking that I again lend trust to
you?</span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">How can you expect me to put aside</span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The experiences I’ve
had with you?</span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I don’t know Sarah, if I can that do.</span><b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Sarah-</b>
I came back here in spite of my fear, Marc</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Because I think we both
deserve better</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Than
the shit deals fate's dealt us in the past;</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">And
because I thought I found that in you.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">But it looks like I’m
just wasting time.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Give me a call <span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Marc</span></span>,
if you’d spare the dime[<i>turns to leave</i>]</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Marc</b></span><b>-</b>
Sarah, wait. Don't judge me by the moment;</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">You’ve just picked a
hell of a time to speak.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I’m not saying no, Sarah,
understand,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">And if there is any time to amend,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Than this is
that time; your approach sucks though.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Sarah-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Well, shit Marc, I'm not a pilot, you know,</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">But
I'm still trying to land this damn thing</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Because
I think there's something worth saving.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Marc-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
What in the world did Laura say to you?</span><b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Sarah-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Among other things, the err in my view</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Of
the last time I came into this bar;</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">And
I confess I refused to believe her.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I
couldn't see how someone who loved so much</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Could
be leaving you far behind them.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I
tell you, she really does love you Marc.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Marc-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
And I love her too, but there's nothing there;</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">It
is a very broken past we share.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Sarah-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Broken pasts for me mean danger and pain,</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">And
it wasn't until until she ran into me</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">That
I began to doubt all that I'd done.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I
stopped questioning what your intents were</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">And began to question
those that I claimed;</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I
began to see my dishonesty</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">And
that no matter the truth in your words,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">The
threat and lie lay in between my ears.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">And
I realized that though she wanted you,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">It
was me she was trying to send back.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Now
I'm here; so I ask, do you want me.<span style="font-style: normal;"><b> </b></span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Marc</b></span><b>-</b>
It's hard to trust anything now, you see.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">And
the fresh, over-abundant turmoil</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">That
surrounds me in this infernal town,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Does
little to convince me to forgo</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">The
courtesy I learned back in L.A.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">But
then, I remember you're not from here;</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">You
are not truly a part of my sorrows,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">But
a vision of the things I wanted</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">When
I fled from here all those years ago.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">There
is much past corruption between us</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">That
strives to undo ev'rything we try</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Because
all we see are tears from yesterday.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">But
we are not from each other's past lives,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">And
no matter how real our fears may be,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">They
might not necessarily apply here.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">So
I try to see around my own faults,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">And
I try to remember you've your own,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">So
I can ask myself, what do I want.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">The
answer isn't really so strange though,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">But
it does require I ask a question.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Do you recall that first ev'ning
we shared?</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">If that was the real you, as it was me,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Then please
sit down, I need your company.<i> </i></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><i>black out</i></span> </span></span>Neal Alexander Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04466290788601338679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304085485778930594.post-84375885837028066712013-08-27T09:49:00.000-07:002013-08-27T09:49:38.942-07:00Airport Sparrows Act 1 scene v and vi<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sorry I'm getting this up so late, but as a bonus, I'm throwing in two scenes for one! Enjoy!</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><u><b>Act
2 scene v</b></u></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">an airport<i> </i></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><i>enter SARAH and
PAUL</i></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><b>Sarah-</b> Alright Paul, what is it you’ve got
to say,</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">You’ve had that smirk upon your face all day.<b> </b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><b>Paul-</b>
Can’t a boy enjoy his indiscretions?</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Must he share every little
detail</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">When you’re not int’rested in who I'd hail?<b> </b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><b>Sarah-</b>
Might believe you if I didn’t know you.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">I’ve heard every story
since your birth</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">As soon as you’ve had the breath to say it.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">I'm
not interested in your bullshit.<b> </b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><b>Paul-</b>
Don’t get your panties in a bunch, Sarah,</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Was just trying to
have a little fun.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">You don’t really want to hear it anyway.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">So
maybe I'll save it for another day.</span><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Sarah-</b>
And deal with your smirking face until then?<span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">I don’t think so,
Paul. Come on, out with it,</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">You’ve no need to add to my
discomfit.<b> </b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><b>Paul-</b>
Oh my; you used to be more fun than this,</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Back
when you didn't so casually dismiss</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">The
things I undertook to entertain.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">I took your overnight last night,
my dear,</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">And I sojourned at the Blue Canary:</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">You never told me
how cute your quarry.<b> </b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><b>Sarah-</b>
Oh Christ, what did you have to do that for?</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">I’ve already closed
that damnable door.<b> </b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><b>Paul-</b>
I simply wanted to hear his story...<b> </b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><b>Sarah-</b>
To what end Paul? I’ve had enough of lies,</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">And I’ve no doubt
he the whole thing denies.<b> </b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><b>Paul-</b>
No, and I think you should answer your phone</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">And at least give him
the chance to defend.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">I think he’s a good guy with whom to
mend.<b> </b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><b>Sarah-</b>
And I’m sure he played right to that end.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Give me a break Paul,
thought you were my friend.<b> </b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><b>Paul-</b>
I am. Sarah, which is why I speak so.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">He knew of no connection
between us</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">And spoke unbiasedly to a stranger</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">About the trials
fate had given him.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">What he said about you makes me believe</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Should
give him at least a one-time reprieve.<b> </b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><b>Sarah-</b>
Are you trying to tell me I heard wrong?</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">I know what I fucking
heard him say, Paul</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">And that is enough to the whole thing call.<b> </b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><b>Paul-</b>
I’m not saying that you’re ears deceived you,</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">But I believe
you should the pretext know,</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Ere so easily let the poor fool go.<b> </b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><b> </b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><b>Sarah-</b>
If you like him so much, you go for him.<b> </b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><b>Paul-</b>
I am envious of what you eschew,</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">But
he still holds to his thoughts of you.<i> </i></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><i>exit PAUL</i><b> </b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><b>Sarah-</b>
Jesus Christ, why doesn’t he understand</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">That I just want to be
left alone now.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Why can’t he just let the whole damn thing
go?<i> </i></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><i>exit SARAH</i></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><u><b>Act 2 scene vi</b></u></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">a
street<i> </i></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><i>enter </i><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">MARC</span></i><i>
and LYNDON. BETTY has just passed away.</i> </span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Marc</b></span><b>-</b>
You go ahead, Lyndon, I’d linger a spell.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">My thoughts need a
lonely moment to dwell.<b> </b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><b>Lyndon-</b>
Know well enough where to find me, old friend,</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">And a pint will be
waiting when so wend.<i> </i></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><i>exit LYNDON</i></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Marc</b></span><b>-</b>
My role as dutiful son is ending.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">All these months have amounted
to this day<br />When the last chain binding me has broken</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Allowing
me to return to my life.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">What life? Was doing nothing in LA<br />But
hiding away from the boogey man</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">And memories of this damnable
place.<i> </i></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><i>enter LAURA</i> </span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Always thought I was so
mature leaving…</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Who was it I was really deceiving?<b> </b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><b>Laura-</b>
There was no deceit <span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Marc</span></span>,
and you know that.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Your mother knew, and so do I, what’s
done,</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">And we both believe you did rightly so.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">I am going to
miss her so much, you know?<span style="font-style: normal;"><b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Marc</b></span><b>-</b>
You’re looking good, Laura, really look well.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">I hope you didn't
come to give me hell.<b> </b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><b>Laura-</b>
No <span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Marc</span></span>,
not today, not on this bleak day.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">I just wanted to pay you my
respects,</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">I won’t be able to do it later;</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">I can’t stay for
her funeral, no way.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">I’m
clean now, and debt free, thanks to your mom,</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">But… I’m gonna
keep my word and leave here,</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">I just wanted you to know ere I left.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Your
family is hell on a girl, <span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Marc</span></span>…<span style="font-style: normal;"><b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Marc</b></span><b>-</b>
It's not much better on this side of the wall.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">I'm
happy you finally made the call,</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">I
mean I wondered where you vanished to,</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">But
I felt like I'd done enough damage</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">So
I thought it better not to pursue...<b> </b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><b>Laura-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
There wasn't anything for you to do,</span> </span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">And
until now... let me just say simply</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">That
it would have made things far worse for me.<b> </b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><b>Marc-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Lyndon didn't say anything about...</span><b> </b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><b>Laura-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
I didn't tell anyone but your mom;</span> </span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Anyone
else would have been a timebomb</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Undermining
all that I tried to do.<b> </b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><b>Marc-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Well, congratulations. I'm glad for you.</span> </span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">So,
any idea where you will go,<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Or
is that something I shouldn't know?</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Laura-</b>
You’ll find out from Lyndon, I have no doubt,<span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">But for me, for
now, I just can’t do it.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">I love you, but I hate your family</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">And
right now; Christ, right now I must be free.<span style="font-style: normal;"><b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Marc</b></span><b>-</b>
Then I wish you a bountiful journey...<b> </b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><b>Laura-</b>
Do me a favour <span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Marc</span></span>,
that’s all I ask.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">I can see in your eyes that lost, blind stare…</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Just promise me, as I promised Betty</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">That you will not stay in
this goddamn place.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Swear to me, <span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Marcus.</span></span>
Swear it to my face.<span style="font-style: normal;"><b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Marc</b></span><b>-</b>
I’ll stay no longer than necessary,</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Though neither do I know
whither I’ll go...</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">I’ll be sure to keep Lyndon in the know.<b> </b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><b>Laura-</b>
The poor bastard will ne’er be free of us,</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">But if anyone can
stay honest here,</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">I have no doubt that it is my brother.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Bye
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Marc</span></span>;
I’m sorry about your mother.<i> </i></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><i>exit LAURA</i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Marc-
</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Good</span></span>
bye Laura, until we meet again… [<i>sighs</i><span style="font-style: normal;">]</span> </span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">A
few more days, and my brother to face</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">And then I’ll get the fuck
out of this place.<i> </i></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><i>exit </i><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">MARC</span></i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>Neal Alexander Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04466290788601338679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304085485778930594.post-76143043920586945052013-08-19T11:06:00.000-07:002013-08-19T11:06:14.340-07:00Aiport Sparrows Act 2 scene iv<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span></span><style type="text/css">P { margin-bottom: 0.08in; }</style><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><u><b>Act
2 scene iv</b></u></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">the Blue Canary<i> </i></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><i>Lights up; LYNDON is
on the phone, MARC is sitting at the bar</i> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Lyndon-</b>
I’m not saying that I don’t understand,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I'm just saying that
I’m disappointed…<br />Come on man, I'm not holding it against
you</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">And it was myself alone that saw it… [<i>a pause</i><span style="font-style: normal;">]</span><br />Alright
then, Jason, if that's what you want,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">You can grab your check
Friday afternoon. [<i>hangs up</i>]<br />Damn it; I should have just
fired the asshole.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span></span><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"> <span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Marc</b></span><b>-</b>
Well, living here is a catch 22,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">And
there really isn't much you can do</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">To
improve upon the situation</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">So
long as my brother's still around here.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Lyndon-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
That's a certain amount of truth I fear,</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">And
much as I try to stay above it all,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">This
all plays out a little close to home.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Marc-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
That would have been me, had I not gone away.</span><b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Lyndon-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
I wish there was something that I could say</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">To
make any of this better for you;<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">But,
at least there's not much to make it worse,</span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I mean, aside
from the most obvious.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Marc</b></span><b>-</b>
I would leave today if I could, no lie --</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Not
that I’m eager for my mom to die,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">But this slow descent is hell
all its own.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span></span><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">At
least Laura's been leaving me alone.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Lyndon-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Yeah, I heard a little bird mention it;</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I
don't think that's the smartest thing you've done...<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Marc-</b>
I wasn't trying to start anything,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">And
the example I was trying to bring...<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Lyndon-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
You're not going to be able to fix this,</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">And
not it's not your responsibility...</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">It
was an asshole move, if you ask me.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Marc-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
I guess it's pretty par for the course then.</span><i> </i></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><i>enter
PAUL</i><b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Lyndon-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
While, I'm certain that is her opinion,</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I
know you a bit better than that though.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Why
don't you put the evasions behind</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">And
tell me what's really bothering you, Marc.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Marc-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Betty's prognosis is edging the dark,</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">And
when it comes to it, I'll have naught left:</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I'll
have no reason to stay when she's gone.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">And
it's not like I've much to return to;</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I
haven't had the best luck in LA...<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I'm
just lonely, Lyndon; what can I say.</span><b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Lyndon-</b>
Come on <span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Marc</span></span>,
get Sarah out of your mind;</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">[<i>to PAUL</i><span style="font-style: normal;">]</span>
Evening Friend, can I some bev’rage find?<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Paul-</b>
A Cosmo, my dear, would be quite lovely,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Don’t suppose you're
saving this seat for me.<span style="font-style: normal;"><b> </b></span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Marc</b></span><b>-</b>
It wasn’t being saved for anyone,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Though this isn't the warmest
discussion.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Lyndon-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
A bit warmer than the street, I'd wager.</span><b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Paul-</b>
There is a chill that's naught to do with the air,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Which
is not to say that I really care,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">But
I prefer a little discretion</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">In
the cold stares thrown in my direction.<span style="font-style: normal;"><b> </b></span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Marc</b></span><b>-
</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Then y</span>ou've come to the
wrong side of town,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Which
is not to say that there's a good part.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I’m
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Marc;</span></span>
this is Lyndon; you'll be safe here.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Paul-</b>
Oh, that is rather sweet of you, my dear,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">But
I can take care of myself, I swear.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Lyndon-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
As your host, I prefer you be aware</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Of
the circumstances you've strolled into;</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I'll
be happy to call a cab for you.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Paul-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Don't fret o'er me, handsome; I'll be fine,</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">But
it seems I interrupted something...<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Marc-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Nothing particularly int'resting;</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">The
rambles of someone Fate's detesting.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Paul-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Now that sounds rather int'resting indeed.</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">They
say talking to a total stranger</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Often
leads to some different insights;<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">And
you'll not find any stranger than me.</span><b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Lyndon-</b><span style="font-style: normal;">
I'd argue, but I completely agree.<b> </b></span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Marc</b></span><b>-</b>
I'm tired of hearing myself say it;</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Let’s say an old nightmare
killed a new dream</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">And I am not so happy as I seem.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Paul-</b>
Non sequitors and evasions; how new;</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">It's
no wonder that there's no help for you.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Lyndon-</b>
He spoke affection’s key word to his ex</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">In front of a girl
who'd caught his fancy.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">The timing was ill, and she caught no
context,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">But
it sure as hell killed his desired tryst.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Paul-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
So just give it a few flicks of the wrist.</span><b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Lyndon-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
I only wish it was so easy for him;</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Unfortunately,
fancy's made lust dim.<span style="font-style: normal;"><b> </b></span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Marc</b></span><b>-</b>
I know that it won't excuse anything,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">But just because I do still
love Laura</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Does not mean I want relations with her:</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">That
romance has been dead a long time now.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">It's
not like I've had the best luck in love,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">But
then this other girl did come around,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">And found me at my most
clumsy of selves,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">And still opted to bless my company;</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I
was oe'rjoyed by the prospect of it.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Now,
I understand I hardly knew her,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">But
I really believe there was something...<br />She was a brief light to
my life in hell</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">And I hoped she saw that in me as well.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Paul-</b>
So what will you do to rectify it?<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Marc-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
There's nothing that I can do. Honestly;</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">She
want's nothing at all to do with me.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Paul-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Oh, honey, you must do better than that,</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Or
you'll never win her over again.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Marc-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
She made her choice, so end of discussion.</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I
refuse to make her life mis'rable</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Just
because I believe there's something there.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I've
been on the wrong side of that before.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Paul-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Would that be the girl who caused the closed door?</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Well,
you are in a bit of a pickle.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Lyndon-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
And now he's here bemoaning his fate,</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Over
words said too soon, and far too late.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Paul-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
So, what would you say if she was here now?</span><b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Marc-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
I really just want a chance to explain;</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">And
show misconception as a false stain.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">If
she still wants naught to do with me then,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">At
least it would be for a fair reason.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Paul-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Perhaps the reason is real already,</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">And
it's you whom she sees as unsteady.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Marc-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Either way, I'd rather the slate be clear.</span><b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Paul-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Well, I wish you the best of luck, my dear;</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">As
clearly you've not written her off yet.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Lyndon-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
For my sake, I wish he'd simply forget;</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">He's
got enough going on without her</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">That
it seems a great waste to wallow so.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Paul-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
There's no accounting for taste, as you know;</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">You'll
just have to suffer til he lets go.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Lyndon-</b>
If she was but out of mind, or within reach…<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Paul-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
These are not lessons a person can teach;</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Now,
my good man, how much do I owe?<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Lyndon-</b>
Leaving us so soon? I just welcomed you.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Paul-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Alas, one and done is all I can do</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Or
I'll ne'er manage to find the right bed...</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">And
by your word, there're many a wrong one.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Lyndon-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
For such courtesy as you have here done</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">By
bending yourself to his troubled voice</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">And
thus diverting the flow from my ear;<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I
have decided your account is clear.</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Paul-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Oh, that's intolerably kind of you.</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Best
of luck with the girl: gentles, adieu<i> </i></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><i>exit
PAUL</i> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Marc</b></span><b>-</b>
I guess you’re not pretty enough for him.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Lyndon-</b>
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Your
sob story scares ev'ryone away,</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">So
don't go blaiming me when they'll not stay.</span></span> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">How
'bout you fill the air with ought than tears</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">And
throw some money into the jutebox?<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Marc-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
You'd better handle that yourself, my friend,</span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">For
my music would but service the same end.</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><i> </i></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><i>blackout</i></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></span><div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span></span>Neal Alexander Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04466290788601338679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7304085485778930594.post-38932920783498033652013-08-12T11:42:00.001-07:002013-08-12T11:42:09.520-07:00Airport Sparrows Act 2 scene iii<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><style type="text/css">P { margin-bottom: 0.08in; }</style><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">This is one of those scenes that I had a lot comments from after the reading. Namely, why the town was so bad, and what exactly Betty did, were left unclear in the original version. Or, I suppose it's more correct to say that the last draft was less specific. In any case, here is the updated, more refined version. Enjoy.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><u><b>Act
2 scene iii</b></u> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">a street</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><i>enter </i><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">MARC</span></i><i>
and BETTY</i></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Marc</b></span><b>-</b>
I don’t know what to do anymore, mom.<br />It seems that ev’ry step
I make is wrong –<br />Not that life in LA was much better,<br />But
here every skeleton comes out<br />And harries what hope I had into
rout.</span><b> </b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Betty-</b>
I know you didn’t want to come home, <span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Marc</span></span>,<span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">And
I have always respected your wish.<br />You must know it gladdens me
that you're here –<br />Not that I'll keep you much longer, I fear.</span><b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Marc</b></span><b>-</b>
Don’t expect me to find consolation</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In the fact that you’ll
soon be dead and gone.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">However long you chose to linger
‘round<br />Will I, in this miserable town, be found.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Betty-</b>
I know that there is much wrong in this place,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">But I've always
known I'd never leave it.<br />Even those who you would call enemy<br />Look
after me as I once tended them.<br />When I am dead, you need never
return,<br />But for now, for me, pray a blind eye turn.<span style="font-style: normal;"><b> </b></span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Marc</b></span><b>-</b>
I have never understood your reasons<span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">For
staying and putting up with all the</span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Drugs
and violence that carries this town.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Betty-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
If I left, I would have let myself down.</span></span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">All
I need do is look at kids like you</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">To
know I've been doing the right thing here.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">There
have always been more who needed me,</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">And
if I left, who else would e'er help them?</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">No
Marc, I love too much to ever leave.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Marc-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
E'en after all the shit my brother's pulled?</span><b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b></b></span></span></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b> </b></span></span><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Betty-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
You'd think that such attention would've culled</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Any
love I have for the foolish boy,</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">But
I am trying to save him too, Marc.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Marc-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
The bastard deserves to be in the dark.</span><b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Betty-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Perhaps so, Marc, but he is still my son,</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">And
I will not abandon him whilst breathe.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">But
I don't think that's really your issue;</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Tell
me Marc, what is it that troubles you?<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Marc-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
It would be so much easier for me</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">If
he was my only problem in town;</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">That
really isn't the case though, sadly.<br />It's Laura, mom. She won't
leave me alone;<br />I’m afraid of even turning around,<br />For fear
that she's gonna be there again;</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Lamblasting
me with blaim and guilt</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Because
I had the nerve to disappear...<br />Why in the hell is she still
fucking here?<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Betty-</b>
I don’t know the answer to that, <span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Marc</span></span>,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">But
suspect it’s a complicated thing.<br />She’s still mid-winter;
you’re well into spring.<span style="font-style: normal;"><b> </b></span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Marc</b></span><b>-</b>
I'll never forgive my brother for it...<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Betty-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
My boy, it could have been any dealer,</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">And
perhaps it was better through your brother;</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">He's
done his best to watch over Laura...<span style="font-style: normal;"><b> </b></span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Marc</b></span><b>-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
How? By getting her hooked on coke and meth?</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">That
is not help; it's a sentence of death.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Betty-</b>
Would you prefer she shot up all the time?</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">He's
managed to keep her out of the dark,</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">But
she is the one who chose the road, <span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Marc</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;">.<b> </b></span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Marc</b></span><b>-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Yeah, he's such a humanitarian...</span><b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Betty-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
This isn't the time to bicker, </span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Marcus</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">;</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">There
must be something better to discuss</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Than
the full failure of your family.<span style="font-style: normal;"><b> </b></span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Marc</b></span><b>-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span>That, in no small measure, is why I left,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">And I have no
desire to bridge the cleft:</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">I'll
ne'er be a part of what he's become.<i> </i></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><i>enter LAURA
unseen</i> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">I'm not saying I'm better 'cause I moved,<br />But I
know for certain I did not fall.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Betty-</b>
I know, and I know it was the right call.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">I have been in this
stupid town too long,<br />But hoped one of you’d find a better
place<br />To make a better name of my disgrace.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Laura-</b>
You dismiss all the good you've done, Betty.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">No one, friend nor
rival, wishes you dead,<br />For we all know this is not hell whilst
here.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Betty-</b>
But I cannot live forever, my dear,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">And
if the peace only exists for me,</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Than
it is not respect, but politics,</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">And
that would be e'en more unfortunate.<br />I always wished you had left
this place, Laura.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Laura-</b>
I had no strength, nor wore I enough fear;<br />Never had such strength
as when <span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Marc</span></span>
was near.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Betty-</b>
If truth be told, Laura, neither have I:</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">You must promise me to
leave when I die.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Laura-</b>
You do not know what you’re asking of me:</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Know I owe too much to
ever be free.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Betty-</b>
You know you'll only end up owing more</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">If you hold yourself to
that lame-ass lie.<br />Promise me Laura; you'll leave when I die.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Laura-</b>
I swear to you Betty, that I’ll not stay.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">After you’re buried,
I will find a way.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Betty-</b>
Good. And now that that foolishness is done,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">I will leave you two
to settle the air –<br />And I’ll not die soon, just to keep it
fair.<i> </i></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><i>exit BETTY</i> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Laura-</b> You know, I’ve
avoided her all these years.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">I knew she was deeply disappointed
<br />When I did not follow your example<br />And find some far away
place to call home.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">But
I didn't; I couldn't; I was trapped...<br />Then, when Lyndon went away
to Dover,</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">I
lost all sense of honest direction:</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">I
turned to the only person I knew.<br />It did not take me long to find
the bottom<br />In my quest to forget all about you.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Oh
I've built up quite a debt forgetting<br />Through any means he had
available.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Lyndon
came back, but it was too late;<br />Eventually he stopped lending
cash;<br />He knew that I just used him to get high.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Hell,
there's not a whole lot I didn't try...</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Marc</b></span><b>-</b>
I don't know what you're expecting from me;</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">We both chose our
paths and made our mistakes<br />But our relationship died long ago,</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">And
there's nothing you can do to change that.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">I
wish we could have remained friends, Laura,<br />That is something I
have never denied,</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">But
this path is one I cannot abide.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Laura-</b>
Every time I come down, I see the hole</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">You
left me in when you ran to LA;<br />I lied to your mom, <span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Marc</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span>
This place is hell.<span style="font-style: normal;"><b> </b></span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Marc</b></span><b>-</b>
And did you lie when you said you would go,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Or was that just
another line of blow?<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Laura-</b>
I’m not here to fight with you <span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Marc</span></span>,
not now.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Tis the first time we’ve talked while I’m sober
–<br />Which is not to say I’m at all clean…<br />I'm just begging
you, <span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Marc</span></span>;
please don’t be mean.<span style="font-style: normal;"><b> </b></span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Marc</b></span><b>-</b>
You cost me the only good thing in year</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">And now you’re asking
me not to be mean<br />As though I stand here immune to your
spite?<br />Give me a break Laura, that’s just not right.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Laura-</b>
Oh, cause you were so righteous to leave me...</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">No; stop it, I
refuse to take the bait;<br />I don’t want to stand here fighting
with you.<br />If you cannot be civil, then adieu.<span style="font-style: normal;"><b> </b></span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Marc</b></span><b>-</b>
You’ve attacked me ev’ry time our paths have crossed,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">And now
you expect me to ignore it<br />Just because you’re sober this time
around?</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">I
never, ever stopped loving you, Laura,</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">But
you seem to think I just flipped some switch</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">And
magically stopped caring for you?</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Well,
fuck you; I did what I had to do.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Laura-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
You left me to burn in this hellhole, </span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Marc</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">,</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">And
yet you say you ne'er stopped loving me;</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I
don't know what I'm supposed to believe.</span><br />What's your heart
been telling you since you moved…<br />Tell me <span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Marc</span></span>,
just what is it you have proved?<span style="font-style: normal;"><b> </b></span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Marc</b></span><b>-</b>
I was never out to prove anything...</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">I’m sorry I’m not who you
remember,<br />But look around, Laura, look at yourself,<br />See without
blinders just what you’ve become.<br />This isn't the girl I left
behind here...<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Laura-</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
No shit, </span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Marc</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;">us,
that girl has long been dead,</span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;">The
weight of which falls squarely on your head,<b> </b></span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Marc</b></span><b>-</b>
I'm not responsible for your choices;</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">You would rather face a
known destruction<br />Than risk anything to leave this damn place...</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">You
never would have left if I had stayed, </span></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">And
I ne'er had the strength to carry you...<br />I did the only thing that
I could do.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Laura-</b>
You didn’t love me enough to drown here,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">And you never believed
that I could swim…<br />Jesus Christ, <span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Marc</span></span>,
I never had a chance...<span style="font-style: normal;"><b> </b></span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Marc</b></span><b>-</b>
You had all of the same chances I did,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">And
I don't know who you're trying to kid,</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Because
it's you who decided to stay.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">You
knew I ne'er wanted to come back here,</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">And
yet you still harp on me for leaving...</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Wishes
change nothing, Laura, but action....</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">It
is not too late to leave all this behind.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Laura-</b>
And where the fuck am I supposed to go?</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">This town is the only
place that I know.<span style="font-style: normal;"><b> </b></span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Marc</b></span><b>-</b>
You can go anywhere you want Laura;</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">If
naught else, stick your thumb out by the road</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">And
take the first ride going anywhere;</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Just
do something to get away from here...</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Hell,
come to LA, and stay free and clear.<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Laura-</b>
So, six years and how many drugs later</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Is what it takes for you to
call to me?<br />Fuck you <span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Marc</span></span>,
and may the devil take thee!<i> </i></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><i>exit
LAURA</i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b> </b></span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Marc</b></span><b>-
</b>I’m just offering a fresh place to start...</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Son
of a bitch! I hate this fucking town!<i> </i></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><i>exit
</i><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">MARC</span></i></span></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>Neal Alexander Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04466290788601338679noreply@blogger.com0