Tinker's Nebula


A Comedic Drama in Two Acts


by

Michael Thomas Tower


Approximate performance time: 2:00


© 1998-2002 Michael Thomas Tower

Including material previously copyrighted 1988 as Sanctum Humanitas

All Rights Reserved


Query regarding production, performance or presentation of this play

in any manner whatsoever should be directed to the author

MTTower@aol.com

TN0209a

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Characters

G'tzn (g'TZEEN). Male, female or androgynous being of a very mature adult age.

V'dz (v'DEEZ). Similar to G'tzn, but strikingly younger.

Hishi (HEE-shee). Male of any adult age.

Aya (AH-yah). Male of any adult age.

Ramugel (rah-MOO-g'l). Female, on the threshold of adulthood.

Feton (fey-tone). Female, at least thrice as old as Ramugel.

Bibar (BEE-bar). Male, very old.

Kretch (khrretch). Female, very old.

Note: The actors playing G'tzn and V'dz may also play Bibar and Kretch. Either male or female could play any of these roles.

The nature of this play is such that the portrayal of the characters will be greatly enhanced with a racially mixed cast.

Synopsis

In some undetermined time, a period long past or an age in the distant future, in a desolate and unforgiving land, bands of primitive people who speak a lyrical language encounter each other. None of them trust strangers for they've never seen other such creatures. Slowly they come to realize that their survival is best assured if they work together. Thus begins their discovery of cooperation, friendship, bonding and harmony.

Staging

Time: The time in which the play takes place is deliberately obscure. It is at a time when a basic "nothingness" is, once again, being given the opportunity to produce and nurture Life. Maybe it's in the distant past, maybe it's some future time. All we know for sure is that it's a long time from Now.

Set: There is only one set, which may be as simple or as elaborate as one wishes to make it. In any case, it should give the feeling of a landscape that is spare, crude, primitive. It includes a small, crudely made tree and boulders or large rocks that are obviously not real. Some smaller rocks and pebbles are needed, and these can be real.

Costuming: This is another aspect of the production that can be as simple or as elaborate as one wants to make it. As long as the costuming is designed to fit the style of the overall production, it will work.

Light & Sound: There are some special sound and lighting effects, which may be simple or elaborate, none of them being beyond the limitations of most theatres' standard equipment and capabilities. (It is intended that each animal sound is obviously the product of a human voice.)

Special Props

Sled: There is the need for a functional "sled," which may be pulled easily by one woman harnessed to the sled by rope. The sled must be big enough to hold a person and a collection of clothing and "household" items.

Flute: A simple wooden flute, which can actually be played, is needed. A likely source would be an "import" store (something like Cost Plus).

The Speech: The speech of the characters is to be very precise and mannered -- exact, distinct and carefully enunciated. A standard conversational ("realistic") delivery will not fit the style of the language.

Playwright's Notes

Imaginative designers will have a lot of fun figuring out the design for the production because there are so many things that can be done. In the notes above, you noticed the several references to aspects of the production being as simple or as elaborate as one wants to make them. And there is much room for that variance.

      In the original production, the designer used Salvadore Dali paintings as guide and inspiration, resulting in a surreal stage setting that, still, was quite simple. Variations in stage levels were accomplished with the use of circular platforms of various heights and sizes that appeared to be floating in space. The tree was similar to one from a Dali painting. The "sled" was actually a boat, modeled after one in a Dali painting.

      For that production, thought was given to using attire from the Middle Ages as inspiration for costuming. Then serious consideration was given to using typical dress of the 1950s. In the end the designer went for a simpler and more "timeless" kind of undefined crude dress.



Act I

 

(At rise, no one is on stage. There are a few pebbles and rocks scattered around. There are two lanterns, upstage, on the ground, putting everything in near-silhouette. Any other lighting is subdued and barely noticeable. There are sounds from off stage indicating some kind of construction in progress. g'tzn and v'dz scurry on and off stage, putting lightweight "rocks" and "boulders" in place. At a point when both are off stage, the sounds cease and v'dz enters, carrying what is supposed to be a tree, constructed inexpertly from strips of cardboard fastened to a wooden stick and painted a dark, drab color. As he moves the tree to approximately center stage and sets it up, g'tzn enters, carrying a huge "boulder." g'tzn stares at the tree as he drops the boulder in place. they pick up the lanterns and bring them down stage, giving a little more light to the scene.)


g'tzn

Is that as good as you could do, V'dz?


v'dz

I was hoping you'd think it exquisite.


g'tzn

It's awful and you know it!


v'dz

Weathered sticks, crumbling paper -- rusted nails and crackled glue. What more could I have done?


g'tzn

We have had better stuff with which to build, have we not? The best is all used up.


v'dz

And not much to show for it, G'tzn. It seems that way to me.


g'tzn

You're right, I fear.


v'dz

And though I do not mean to quibble, I cannot help but question: Are those objects meant to be rocks?


g'tzn

Large rocks ... small boulders ... whatever ...


v'dz

They're wobbly, G'tzn.


g'tzn

And rickety, as well, if you want to get technical. I, too, did the best that I could ...


v'dz

They haven't much weight.


g'tzn

There was nothing of substance with which to cast.


v'dz

And the form is ... well, rather something other than rock-like.


g'tzn

Oh, it's more than the lack of material -- you know that. It's these hands, the eyes, the spine and the feet. Everything's going, V'dz. Everything's slipping away.


v'dz

I apologize. I should have served you better.


g'tzn

I'm not blaming you, V'dz. It's just been a very bad eon.

      As bad as it is, this job -- the finishing of it -- makes me a bit nostalgic, for it may very well be our last.


v'dz

Even if this one's not successful?


g'tzn

We'll just have to wait and see.

 

(they stand back to check the look of things.)


(continuing) g'tzn (continuing)

How terribly, awfully wretched. You wouldn't believe it from looking at this, but I once made a mist-shrouded waterfall in one single leisurely morning, and a rain forest enhancement that same afternoon. That was before your time.


v'dz

I should have majored in decorative landscaping rather than astral calculus.


g'tzn

It wouldn't have made the difference. It's the material ...


v'dz

The lack of it. Have we nothing of color?


g'tzn

The reds, the blues, the greens, the brights -- wilted and weathered and gone.


v'dz

I hardly recall them.


g'tzn

There were few still here when you were young.


v'dz

And things of softness?


g'tzn

Almost as rare. Feathers, fur, fleece and fluff -- nearly never felt. Nothing cool, little wet, no drifting honeyed smells. Oh, we haven't much to start them with.


v'dz

What's never known is never missed.


g'tzn

That isn't true at all, V'dz. You're patently unprepared for proverbs, so be cautious with your speech.

      Have you the kernels with you?

 

(v'dz reaches into his pocket and withdraws a handful of small egg-like objects, not necessarily round or hard with shell.)


v'dz

Such as they are. Here, too, was much concession.

 

(g'tzn glances at the "kernels.")


g'tzn

You're sure they're fertile? And there's one for each of the genders?


v'dz

Yes, but quality's in question. Of the libidinous ingredients left to use, some were rather long expired. We'll be lucky if all the sexes make it.


g'tzn

That would throw things out of balance.


v'dz

Don't you think they would adjust?


g'tzn

Adjustment, I think, will have to be one of their greater talents. I just hope they don't grow some aberrant appendages for which they find no use.


v'dz

We've had that happen before.


g'tzn

The task will be to find a place where these will grow and multiply.

 

(v'dz puts the eggs in his pocket as g'tzn looks upward.)


(continuing) g'tzn (continuing)

Well, there's one more thing to do.


v'dz

Oh, this is my favorite part!


g'tzn

This will be no fancy show, you know. We're working with less than full charge.


v'dz

But if this doesn't work, nothing will.


g'tzn

If this whole blasted experiment doesn't show some sign of success soon, it might as well be suspended. Withheld, perhaps, for another time. Recoup, rebuild, rethink. Get some fresh ideas, new supplies. Or drop it. Perhaps just drop it altogether. It seemed like such a good idea in the beginning ...


v'dz

You were in on the original planning?


g'tzn

Oh, V'dz, it was my idea.


v'dz

I didn't know.


g'tzn

Such thought and planning and excitement that went into everything. And the funding! At the time, one couldn't imagine ever using all the resources just handed to us. But things got out of hand. There were miscalculations. Some very bad ones. Everything went farther, deeper, faster, hotter, bigger, brighter, colder, darker, longer than we'd ever figured on. In one great blinding flash, we had this massive complication, totally out of hand and never to be explained.

      By the time we'd reached this final stage, the best of everything had all been used up. And what was still functioning was obviously unstable. It was, by that time, nothing more than one enormous salvage operation. But we felt we must proceed, for this was the aim of it all. We thought we had nothing to work with then, but those early days of this final stage were certainly better than now. Failure after failure, and still we keep trying. We are more stubborn than wise. And so now, here we are, down to sheer dregs, and not one expectation in sight.

(A beat)

V'dz, you have a go at it.


v'dz

Oh, I don't think so, G'tzn. I've never been trained in that at all.


g'tzn

But you've seen it done.


v'dz

Well, I've observed ... casually ...


g'tzn

Your observation must never be casual, even when viewing failure. You're here to learn. Do what you can. This may be your only opportunity to ever try it at all.


v'dz

Well ... now I wish I'd paid closer attention.


g'tzn

As do I.

 

(Doubtful of his ability to pull this off, v'dz stands straight, stretching himself to his full height, drawing in a big breath, then speaking loudly ...)


v'dz

Let there be ... something besides dark!

 

(they wait with anticipation for a few seconds. Nothing happens.)


(continuing) v'dz (continuing)

See? I didn't think I could do it.


g'tzn

Though your method's meek and meager, it's more the missing of matter, I think. There's little left to ignite. And I know my memory isn't what it was, but, uh ... are you sure those are the correct words?


v'dz

As I said, my observation was casual.


g'tzn

Well, belief is supposed to be the stronger part of the command. Try it again.


v'dz

I don't think I'm up to this, G'tzn. You do it, and I promise to observe closely. In case there is a next time.


g'tzn

This is not likely to be the performance you can learn from.

 

(g'tzn prepares himself, then speaks loudly and authoritatively ...)


(continuing) g'tzn (continuing)

Let there be ... something besides DARK!

 

(g'tzn coughs from the strain of his yelling. Nothing happens, of course.)


(continuing) g'tzn (continuing)

Regardless of the grand intent, I've no longer the lungs to do it, or the energy, either. You try once again, V'dz. Otherwise we'll have to go for another ice age. And those things are so terribly boring.


v'dz

I'm not sure I have the faith ...


g'tzn

Then augment with fervor. Whenever you're unsure, speak louder.

 

(Once more v'dz prepares to give the command. Standing even straighter, even taller, taking an even bigger breath, he gives it his all.)


v'dz

Let ... there ... be ...


g'tzn

(Interrupting; scrabbling through his pockets)

Wait! Wait a minute! This is what I wore the last time we ...

(Finds a small book, hands it to V'dz.)

Here, this is the manual. Page I-V, I believe ... check it to be sure -- about the middle of the page ...

 

(v'dz takes the book, looks at the page, becomes intrigued with the subject matter.)


v'dz

Oh, I'm afraid I was a bit off. Hmm. Illumination ... photosynthesis ... thermal currents ... evaporation. My word, there's lots of interesting stuff involved with this.


g'tzn

Just do it! Then the rest should fall in place.

 

(v'dz prepares himself for one final attempt. v'dz reads from the book to assure accuracy.)


v'dz

Let ... there ... be ... LIGIT!

 

(Quickly g'tzn grabs the book from v'dz.)


g'tzn

What? ... That's light! Light! Not ligit!


v'dz

Are you sure? It looks like "ligit" to me.


g'tzn

There's no such word as "ligit"!

 

(g'tzn flicks something off the page.)


v'dz

You're sure?


g'tzn

It's light! Let ... there ... be ... light!

 

(Suddenly all lights go up and then instantly out. High over the stage there are flashes of light and electrical sparks, which continue as a sound starts up and builds -- the grinding and clashing of gears and pulleys and winches and what-all, building until, at last, there is a gigantic explosion -- and one inadequate light comes on at floor level just offstage.)


(continuing) g'tzn (continuing)

Oh, well, that's just great!

 

(they look intently at the light.)


v'dz

Is it rising or setting?


g'tzn

Just ... lying there, I think. Well what could we have expected. We're working with debris. Rubble and dross and litter and waste. Mismatches, mad dashes, and patches galore.

 

(Suddenly the light fades to almost nothing.)


(continuing) g'tzn (continuing)

Oh would you look at that! Come on. We've got to work on the generator again. This could take forever. And we've got to find places to hide the eggs -- if it isn't one thing, it's another ...

 

(they exit, taking the lanterns with them.

(There are sounds and lights to indicate the passage of time -- gaining strength, hitting a peak, then subsiding. The lighting ends up where it was before the time-passage began. Then silence.

(A few seconds pass and then there is the sound of a bird chirping.)


(offstage) hishi (offstage)

No, no, no, no, NO, NO, NO!

 

(There is the great sound of aya's big grunt, and the bird's chirping ceases as a fist-sized stone comes clattering onto stage and a few feathers drift down.)


(continuing; offstage still) hishi (continuing; offstage still)

Don't kill the birds! Aya, you must not kill the birds!

 

(hishi enters running from the direction of the light.)


(continuing) hishi (continuing)

I've asked you! I've begged you! Don't kill the birds! There will be no wingéd creatures left. In the whole range of our being, not one remaining. I implore you, I beseech you, friend Aya, please don't kill the birds! You're killing the sounds of the great dry sky! You're killing the music! ... the songs! And besides, it's weighing us down!

      We travel from place to place to place, and whenever we stop you seek them! I will steal food, Aya. If you want raw meat, I'll yank from the growler's mouth. I'll burgle the burrows and pilfer the webs. I'll find things for us to eat. But please spare the birds! Don't slay them, friend Aya!

 

(hishi runs off stage, away from the light. Immediately there is the sound of a loud and ferocious growl. hishi screams and enters running.)


(continuing) hishi (continuing)

Kill that, Aya! I ask you! -- I beg you: Kill the beast that tries to consume us! The beast, Aya! If it devours me, it will devour you. And then where will you be? I know where you will be. It is not a good remembrance.

 

(sound of another growl. hishi screams, runs off stage, away from the sound and in the direction of the offstage light.)


(continuing) hishi (continuing)

Aya!

 

(Again the sound of a bird -- this time the squeaky chirp of a little chick. A slow-moving shadow covers the light, there is a grunt and loud thwack and the sound of the bird ceases.)


(offstage) aya (offstage)

Get out of the way, Hishi! Get out of my way!

 

(The shadow moves from the offstage light and the sound of the little chick is heard again. hishi enters, unsteady on his feet and rubbing his head.)


hishi

I can do it! I see now that I can do it! I do not want him to kill the birds, you understand, so to keep him from killing the birds -- it's so simple -- all I have to do is get in his way so he hits me instead. I don't know why I didn't think of it sooner. So many wingéd creatures would have been spared.

 

(The sound of another explosive grunt from aya off stage. The chick's chirping is silenced; a feather or two float down.)


(continuing) hishi (continuing)

Of course, I must be there. I must cleave to him as flea holds to hound -- as lichen nuzzles rock. Or else he will void our land of every wingéd thing. He does not understand that if everything that flies is brought to the ground, the weight would be too much and we'd sink! And then there are the sounds of the birds, of course -- more pleasant than his harsh tongue. More pleasant than the growls of hunger.

 

(There's the sound of a clock's cuckoo, another loud grunt from aya, the splintering of the wood as the mechanical bird is silenced. A sliver of wood and the little wooden bird fly in from off stage and land at Hishi's feet. he reaches down and gently picks up the bird, holding it tenderly.)


(continuing) hishi (continuing)

Oh, Aya, you shouldn't have done it. He didn't do much, but did well what he did.

 

(hishi exits. Again, the sound of ferocious growl. hishi screams and runs across stage and off in the direction of the offstage light, where he yells at Aya.)


(continuing; off stage) hishi (continuing; off stage)

Aya, your force is misdirected! You are misguided! You are tormenting me! I try to be your friend, but --

 

(hishi is interrupted by the sound of another great grunt from aya and another great thwack, coinciding with a cry from hishi and a jumble of shadows. The light quickly goes down to leave the stage in near darkness. Then we see the dim figure of aya dragging the body of hishi on stage. aya struggles and grunts and mutters with the task, conveying his concern with what has happened -- ad libbing: "Oh, dear." "Oh, my." "What have I done." Etc.

(At last aya reaches a point where he stretches the lifeless body out on the ground and begins to cover it with pebbles, rocks and boulders.)


aya

Oh my poor friend Hishi what have I done ... I meant you no harm -- but you got in my way! Oh, give me your pardon, I didn't know what I was doing. You know I'm always doing something like that ... not this bad, but stuff, you know  ...

      And now I am alone. It's been so long since I've been alone. I don't want to be alone!

      How awfully, stupidly careless I was -- to have bashed my dear friend Hishi ... then the darkness that ensued. Will that go on forever? And now, I see, he's gone. Oh, his skin is here -- scarred and worn and ugly it is. But his breath ... his breath has gone away. I know, for ... I cannot smell it. I shall miss him -- my dear departed colleague, Hishi.

(Places boulder on Hishi's face)

Oh, I cannot abide the darkness! -- cannot bear to be alone!


hishi

You are not alone, Aya.


aya

What ...?

 

(aya looks around for the source of the voice.)


hishi

I said you're not alone!


aya

But who? ... where ...?

 

(aya continues looking around, wondering where the voice is coming from.)


(continuing) aya (continuing)

Oh. Oh! Oh, of course not, God. How could I have been so blasphemous. You are with me always.


hishi

It does seem, oftentimes, that I have been with you always.


aya

And your name shall be praised and thanks will be proffered.


hishi

Being always with you is a fate I've not been tempted to give thanks for.


aya

I am undeserving, my God.


hishi

Don't be so misty-brained, Aya. It is I -- your weary companion of long duration.

 

(aya stirs and the "boulder" falls from his face. Realizing the source of the voice, aya prostrates himself before the still-suffering Hishi.)


aya

Thou art! Thou art, indeed!


hishi

If my head weren't so hard, I'd have slept for three days!


aya

My true and enduring companion, my God.


hishi

And why can't we have some light?!

 

(Immediately the offstage light floods the stage. hishi struggles to get up as dialogue continues without interruption.)


(continuing) hishi (continuing)

I'm not God, goodness knows.


aya

But such proof! When all was darkness and insufferable void, you said, "Let there be light!" And there's light!


hishi

That's not exactly what I said.


aya

Close enough. I'll tell it to all I meet, and someday people will come to believe it -- even as I believe it, my Lord.


hishi

Your destiny is not, I think, to be that of the oracle. Try for shepherd or jester -- something more in keeping with the confines of your talent. Look at me, Aya -- I speak as a friend. A bruised and set-upon friend.


aya

You look a great deal like my weary and tiring old traveling comrade, Hishi. But you cannot be, because he no longer exists -- ineptness in my aiming, I admit -- accidental, I swear. If confession is needed to cleanse within, then consider this to have been a confession.

(A beat)

There. I do feel expurgated! So you must indeed be God. I find it rather odd that you're not a beautiful God, but of course you must know that, for you created everything and would have taken a look at it all. But still ... yes! Yes yes, listen to me! I see that you are God and don't know it! Think of the discovery I have made! Me -- worthless, useless Aya -- the discoverer of the true God! You're excited, too, aren't you? Finally you are known!

(Kneeling before Hishi)

May I worship you?


hishi

Anything to silence you. Each word tramps down on my aching head. So get it done. Kneel slowly, for I know how your bones pop and crackle.


aya

I am kneeling.

(Aside)

I thought God would know that.


hishi

I heard you.


aya

Ah, yes, it is God. He hears my every word. Now shall I worship thee, my Lord.

 

(aya launches into strange movements that involve touching his body. hishi peeks at Aya.)


hishi

Are you picking nits, or what?


aya

I'm contriving an act of worship, my Lord. I fear I'm so unworthy.


hishi

Methinks you're beleaguered with lack of practice.


aya

I do confess, my Lord, I've not spoken earnestly with you for a teeny little while ...


hishi

Never, would be my guess.


aya

... and not entered a lair of adulation for some time or so ...


hishi

Never seen the inside of one.


aya

... and my acts of contrition ... well, perhaps they have been, uh ...


hishi

Non-existent?


aya

... and no sweet-smelling bark or dry, tasteless crackers ...


hishi

No metal or gems?


aya

... no wicks stuck in wax, and no carvings or choirs.


hishi

Nothing to offer?


aya

No tangible gift.


hishi

A pillow would be so awfully nice. This stone is excessively hard.


aya

You made it so, didn't you, my sweet blessed Lord?


hishi

There's sand and there's dust. But you found the rock!


aya

Oh, you know me, my Lord! You know me so well. For all of my life I have found the hard places ...


hishi

Your thought of a deity's queerly misplaced.


aya

I'm speaking to God!


hishi

You're speaking to me!


aya

So my prayers reach to Heaven!


hishi

They don't!


aya

Yes, they do! You carry them with you, in your heart to your home! Don't you know how this works? It's you made the rules!


hishi

I'm Hishi, you moron! My home is my shoes. The only sole that we possess, we wear -- and that grows thin.


aya

You're God! You are! I know that you are!


hishi

I'm not!


aya

You are!


hishi

I'm needy and troubled -- I'm dirty and tired. My past is askew and my future is, too. Does that sound like God to someone like you?

 

(aya thinks a moment, then reaches conclusion.)


aya

You're testing me, aren't you? Determining faith. Well, check my

tenacity -- examine intent! You'll find that I'm ready to follow and serve.


hishi

And maybe you're god -- of the stubborn insane!


aya

Perhaps I'm a prophet. I could be, you know.


hishi

You're as crazed as a loon -- which you've almost polished off.


aya

Your judgment is humbling.


hishi

And yours is awry.


aya

I'll serve thee forever and ever.


(offstage) ramugel (offstage)

A man!

 

(ramugel's words follow immediately and in rhythm. hishi is still propped against the boulder. aya is kneeling. they freeze until indicated. The light shifts from early morning to midday. ramugel and feton enter.

(ramugel is seated, as comfortably as possible, on a crude sled made of old and weathered wood. The sled has a ragged rope harness attached to it, which is worn by feton who struggles to pull the sled and its burden. Besides ramugel, the sled carries the women's belongings -- old cloth bags with a little clothing, small clay pots, broken and chipped, for food preparation, etc. they take no notice of the men.)


(continuing) ramugel (continuing)

A man, Feton. What we need is a man! Don't you agree? Our troubles would be over, I'm sure.

 

(they reach a spot where feton halts but remains in harness.)


(continuing) ramugel (continuing)

I've heard that men are good for so many things, if properly trained and nightly penned up. A camel is better for long desert trails, and a sure-footed goat may be best for the hills. But for flat, boring plods, a man can do well. He doesn't eat much, and wipes his own sweat -- though often he strays. Well, that's what I've heard.


feton

I, too, have heard tales of the beasts.


ramugel

Tall as a sand storm, strong as an earthquake, stubborn as death ...


feton

With about the same smell. That's what I've heard.


ramugel

But that I could bear if we had one, Feton. He could do for me tricks, or tell us some jokes, or I'd make him roll up for a bolster. He could save me, I'm sure, from the ravaging doldrums of this long and despicable trek.

(A beat)

Well, don't you agree?


feton

Of course I agree. Why would you ask? Beautiful lips, like yours, my child, so sweetly reveal useless drivel -- the kind no one denies.


ramugel

Are we halting here?


feton

I'm getting my breath.


ramugel

You're breathing more often of late.


feton

I've been thinking how nice it would be to stop -- at least, for a little while.


ramugel

But if we're to find a better place, we cannot tarry long.


feton

Perhaps there is no better place. We never see a change.

 

(ramugel reaches into a bag and pulls out a long scarf which she ties around her waist. she treats it as though it were of precious silk.)


ramugel

Well, if we're to linger, perhaps I will groom. But what good is beauty if nothing will see it?


feton

I could see it.


ramugel

I wish that I could.


feton

You will someday ... I fear.


ramugel

Oh, I'm languishing here.


feton

You languish more often of late.


ramugel

If a beautiful woman falls in a forest, will anyone actually see her?


feton

Would anyone actually care? ... and what do you know of a forest?


ramugel

Do you think there's anything worth searching for here?


feton

Of course there is nought. I have searched here before.


ramugel

You're old, and near deaf, and you're half-way to blind. How can you be sure you've been here?


feton

Because I'm old, I've had the time to search in every place.


ramugel

Here?


feton

I'm sure.


ramugel

You have been here?


feton

There is here and yonder is too. The difference no longer exists.


ramugel

When I was but a little child, you told me I should always look -- keep going, you said -- keep looking, you said. Go on and keep looking, you said!

 

(Suddenly ramugel and feton freeze. v'dz and g'tzn saunter onto the stage, looking at the people there.)


v'dz

I find it intriguing that they don't throw themselves off some high cliff and just end it all, the way they complain of such gloom and such woe.

 

(g'tzn stops and looks at v'dz with astonishment.)


g'tzn

Oh, my ...


v'dz

What is it, G'tzn?


g'tzn

I've just realized that you do not know ... what is at the heart of these creatures' being.


v'dz

What do you mean? I know enough. I've got a doctor's degree.


g'tzn

Should you ever complete your thesis. And it isn't enough to write by rote of highlighted quotes and think you're dispersing wisdom.


v'dz

What itches unscratched do they have?


g'tzn

Oh dear. How can I explain to you ... show you, in some way ... how things could be. I thought you understood better ...


v'dz

Oh, come now, you act as though I grossly devalue some primary premise. We're talking about elements of existence within these strange entities who, as near as I can tell, are capable of experiencing only smatterings of whatever there is that really ... smatters.


g'tzn

I must find a way to show you ... that they have such a powerful, undying need! They will not easily give up. They will seek it, for it is the key to their completion!


v'dz

You know I've worked with others, G'tzn, who haven't your concern.


g'tzn

And then they wonder at the fail rate. Oh, we cannot let them lose it altogether. If it dies out now -- if that should happen -- we could lose that spark for all time. It would be gone forever -- as fire seems to be.


v'dz

Fire?


g'tzn

I have some slides. I'll show you ...

 

(they exit.)

(As ramugel resumes, she repeats both words and actions exactly as she did them moments ago.)


ramugel

When I was but a little child, you told me I should always look -- keep going, you said -- keep looking, you said. Go on and keep looking, you said!


feton

Until you found what?


ramugel

You never did say.


feton

When you were a child, you listened too well. We see that I led you on.


ramugel

I thought you sincere.


feton

Oh, I was. But sincerity flags if need isn't fed.


ramugel

You're bitter.


feton

I'm patient.


ramugel

You're terse.


feton

I'm tired.


ramugel

Tiredness and patience seem so much the same.


feton

The older one gets, the less difference there is -- and the more unlike is it all.

 

(ramugel notices Hishi and Aya.)


ramugel

There's something quite strange over there, Feton. I don't know what to make of it.


feton

Don't go up too close, would be my advice. The odor is wafting and worrisome.

 

(ramugel tries to inspect Aya and Hishi, keeping a safe distance away.)


ramugel

Mummified remnants? Or carcasses bleaching? The classification escapes me.


feton

Shall I take a look at the puzzle you found?


ramugel

Yes, do go, old lady. It seems to me that ugly should serve some useful function.


feton

Only the ugly can know their true worth.


ramugel

Only the ugly have need of true worth.


feton

Your tongue and your mind writhe in restless disorder.

 

(feton has stepped from the harness and goes to the men, observing them carefully. she kneels, bows deeply, then rises and returns to the sled, pulling the harness back into place. Thinking feton may never tell her finding, ramugel grows very impatient.)


ramugel

Well? ... Well? ... Well, tell me, old thing, what it is you found!


feton

I'm much too enchanted to speak.


ramugel

Enchantment becomes you as mange becomes dogs. Now shake your senility -- tell me the news.


feton

One of them I do not know. The other one ... is God.


ramugel

It's God?


feton

Yes. God.


ramugel

You're sure?


feton

I remember the hands. A memory from childhood -- barely recalled.

 

(ramugel scrabbles through the contents of the bag, flinging its contents on the sled, and pulls out another scarf -- much like the first one -- replacing that first one with this one. she drops the first scarf casually onto the sled.)


(continuing) feton (continuing)

I cried when I saw him, so great was his power.


ramugel

You're not crying now.


feton

Once was enough -- that's all he requires. And his stench was less pungent back then.

      Your room is a mess; clean it up.

 

(ramugel hurriedly crams all the items back into the bag and makes a final adjustment to her scarf and dress.)


ramugel

Is one's residential conveyance beholden to some ancient God expectation?


feton

Everything is.


ramugel

What makes you such authority on the subject of this God?


feton

If it weren't for frustrated women, the concept of God would have never survived. God exists only for women and wives. He's just aggravation for children and men.


ramugel

Then I must learn of him, for someday I, too, may have purpose.

(Finally through with her preparation)

Now. I am prepared to meet God.


feton

He may not be ready for you.

 

ramugel

How could he ban attendance of someone as winsome as I.

 

feton

His eyesight is very much better than yours; he may not see you at all.

 

ramugel

He created beauty. He will bless me.

 

feton

He created ugly. He may scorn you.

 

ramugel

We shall see.

 

feton

Indeed, we shall.

 

(ramugel goes to the men. she starts to bow before Aya, then moves to bow before Hishi, Confused, she rushes back to Feton.)

 

ramugel

Which one is God?

 

feton

The ugly one.

 

(ramugel races back to the men, looking at one, then the other. she runs back to Feton.)

 

ramugel

They are both ugly!

 

feton

Could it then be that God didn't create himself in your image?

 

ramugel

You're taunting me. What is your point?

 

feton

You're young and you're lively, you're foolish and strong. I'm everything else. We best preserve ties if we want to survive.

 

ramugel

You're right, of course. Sometimes I forget. My need of you ... your need of me. Our bonding is unity's grace and accord.


feton

There's also the matter of fighting off dogs, and searching for food, and finding a bed. We must keep the priorities squared.


ramugel

Yes yes, that too. Now tell me, which one of those beasts is our God?


feton

The one that's more hideous.


ramugel

How can you know?


feton

I've studied the odds. The ugly are more in need of God, so God would manifest himself as an ugly creature. It's simple.


ramugel

But is not his spirit a beautiful thing?


feton

Learn for yourself. You believe my words only with much heaving and scratching.


ramugel

I shall do that; I shall learn for myself. Beauty need not be bathed in ignorance.


feton

Occasionally you are accidentally inspired!


ramugel

Am I?


feton

It passes.

 

(ramugel returns to the men. Still unsure of which is God, she kneels to encompass both in her worship. Suddenly she looks back to Feton.)


ramugel

How does one pray, Feton? What do I say?


feton

Speak simply what is in your heart. Tears are allowed, but not cursing.


ramugel

And he hears me?


feton

Every sigh and each grievance, and well-meaning wish. If it can be brought to mind, it may be the petitioner's theme.


ramugel

And I'll get an answer?


feton

The value of prayer is not so much in the solving of puzzles as in properly stating the problem.


ramugel

Sounds quite esoteric.


feton

As one's own faith must be.


ramugel

I'd rather do it my way.


feton

I thought you might. Most do.


ramugel

Oh, blessedly ugly creature, I come to thee to tell thee that I kneel before thee this day to tell thee of my dreadful, disconsolate state, and to ask of thee these few things that would make the life that's mine so much the more easily borne  ...


feton

Don't start out simpering and whining and wishing for more. You'll make a perverse first impression. Offer him something. It's just good homage etiquette.


ramugel

But I have nothing to give.


feton

Lack of asset never invalidates precept.

 

(ramugel finds a few small objects -- trash, really -- and places them on the ground before Hishi. Then she bows her head, closes her eyes.)


ramugel

Oh, thine hideous holiness, now that I have found thee, I ...

 

(ramugel hesitates, then opens her eyes to look squarely at Aya's face, then Hishi's face. Suddenly she jumps up and runs back to the sled. aya and hishi remain frozen.)


(continuing) ramugel (continuing)

I can't do it, Feton. I've wanted to see God all of my life! -- and now I cannot face him.


feton

Is ugly difficult for you to meet head-on, my child?


ramugel

It is not appearance only. There is an awful odor.


feton

Yes, well ... sometimes sanctity stinks.

 

(ramugel and feton freeze in their positions.)


aya

What a strange awkward creature that was.


hishi

But its clumsiness was nothing to compare with its appearance.


aya

Was it not, indeed! Such an ugly device.


hishi

Useless, I'd say.


aya

Diminished, at best. Too frail and too weak to be of great worth.

 

(hishi picks up the object left by Ramugel and examines it.)


hishi

If one tiny zephyr should brush at its edge, it would float up like down and be gone.

 

(hishi pops the object into his mouth. aya observes him chewing and swallowing.)


aya

Tasty?


hishi

Fuzzy.


aya

I must admit, my God, I am in awe that you would create a thing such as that.


hishi

Is that not proof enough, my friend Aya, that I am not, in this point of fact, God? I would not create anything more repulsive than you or I.


aya

An almost-convincing argument, my Lord. But perhaps it is a mutation over which you had no control.


hishi

What's a mutation?


aya

That's when two living objects get together and things go really bad.


hishi

Ah, yes. Well, I knew there must be a name for that.

(Feeling his head)

Now, about that blow you delivered me earlier ...


aya

When I did away with my old friend, Hishi? -- without intent and with minuscule pain, I point out. His suffering was held to the moment of strike.


hishi

Therein is the crux of discussion. What is done to a part of me is done to me all.


aya

You're not a god of vengeance, are you?


hishi

Only when it comes to personal matters of physical force that result in concussion or kidney collapse.

(Locating the injury on his head)

Ouch!


aya

"Ouch"? God said ouch? He expresses himself in such human terms. I wonder what he means by that. Oh, how I wish I could record his words.


hishi

Why don't you?


aya

No papyrus or pen.


hishi

There's plenty of stone.


aya

But lacking a chisel -- and besides I'm a rather slow chipper. I'm so ill-equipped to serve thee.


hishi

I've grown accustomed to your pace.

(Struggling to his feet)

Oh, I don't feel well. That was quite a whack you wielded.


aya

Oh, dear Lord. Mankind has encumbered thee, have we not?

(A beat)

A rule! You have given me a rule: God suffers because of the wrongdoing of mankind.


hishi

Mankind, as I perceive him, has hit me on the head! And it hurts!


aya

Mankind was aiming for thy belly, Lord -- with force less than that delivered.


hishi

Mankind bungled!


aya

Another rule you give me: Mankind often misses the mark.

 

(hishi starts wandering away. aya runs after him.)


(continuing) aya (continuing)

Oh, Lord, do let me help thee.


hishi

Just keep thy unruly hands off of me! Thou hast helped me quite enough!


aya

An additional rule thou conveyest: Watch out for the Lord when he's peeved.

 

(aya and hishi exit, ramugel and feton come to life.

(From their freight on the sled, feton finds a small earthenware pot for food preparation. she sets it on the ground. From a pottery jug, she very carefully pours a very small amount of water into the pot, she finds a small cloth bag on the sled from which she pours a scant handful of grain.

(ramugel quickly looks around and finds two or three small twigs which she places hurriedly and without interest on the ground at the bottom of the pot. feton takes a wooden spoon and hunkers down beside the pot and stirs slowly.

(ramugel goes through her bags and finds garments to model -- also bits of crude "jewelry": a bracelet made from twigs, a necklace of woven grass, a ring of polished bone.)


feton

Someday, my child, you'll be alone and hungry. And you'll not know how to make ready a meal for yourself. A fierce appetite and indolent hands bode hardship for one such as you.


ramugel

What's to know? You put water in a pot, some grain in the water, then wait till it softens a bit. It takes a few days. What's taxing in that?

 

feton

And if you want to eat in one or two days, do you know where to find the brown grass? And do you know how to make dirt soup, which can be fixed from scratch and ready to ladle in little more than a day? And what about snacks? Do you know which rocks to look under for soft or crunchy, depending on your mood?

 

ramugel

Well ... I could learn.

 

feton

Hmmp.

 

ramugel

I could!

 

feton

Out of terminal necessity when you're famished and gaunt -- but not a day sooner, I'd wager.

 

ramugel

I found little sticks for the pot.

 

feton

Scant decoration merely.

 

ramugel

Which I do not understand. Why do we always place those sticks around the pot that way?

 

feton

Custom. Tradition. That's all. A genetic prod, perhaps. I suppose it dates to a time when it served some useful function, though I can't imagine what. The reason has been lost, but the practice holds secure. The pot seems naked without it.

 

(ramugel has wandered to the men's area, looking around. she can still smell them.)

 

(continuing) feton (continuing)

Get away from there. It's sacred ground. When our meal is ready, in two or more days, we'll put a bowl of food there.

 

ramugel

But we have so little food ...


feton

A small one! Just that. It will be an offering.


ramugel

An offering?


feton

A gift without ribbon and given with grudge. Perhaps we can draw God back, and he'll bless us.


ramugel

Does God get hungry?


feton

Of course not. But he wants some of what we've got, just the same.


ramugel

But why?


feton

Simply to see if we'll give it to him, I suppose. He's like that.


ramugel

But we have so little.


feton

You have not made a gift to God unless it's what you can't afford. Of course, there is the constant want that God will waive all laws of logic and give you back ten-fold. A pious faith must place its bets; but that's its draw, I think.


ramugel

I shall never comprehend this God you tout.


feton

Nor should you. If you truly understand him, then you lose him.


ramugel

Ignorance is a blessing?


feton

That is the way it works. And there's merit in that method.


ramugel

Oh, I can't think at all when my stomach growls in protest of its void. I'm dying of hunger now.


feton

This is all we've got and it isn't ready yet.

 

(feton takes a grain from the pot and chews on it.)


(continuing) feton (continuing)

Tasty enough, but you'd break your teeth and scrape your innards eating it now. In two or three days it should be fine. You'll simply have to wait.


ramugel

I could look under the rocks. Oh, Feton, I'm ready to start learning now. Teach me the art of discovery.

(Runs to the rocks)


feton

You'll find nothing edible there. What you need is never nearby. Learning that's half the art of discovery.

 

(On her hands and knees, ramugel digs beneath the rocks. she grabs something from the ground and pops it into her mouth. Her face expresses sudden disgust and she spits out the thing.)


ramugel

Ooh, it's all bony and bitter!


feton

Ah, you see, finding is the easy part. The other half of discovery is sorting the good from the bad. This is not snack country. I could have told you that, had you discernment to ask. If you find a dead leaf, I'll brew you some tea. That could be ready tomorrow.


ramugel

I hardly remember what a leaf looks like, though the dead ones are all that I've seen.

(Tuns toward rocks where Hishi and Aya were)

Maybe there's something good under these ...


feton

Don't touch those rocks! They're tainted with the scent of God. If he accepts our thin token of mere recognition, perhaps we shall build a temple with those stones.


ramugel

A house of some kind?


feton

Where you hold God prisoner so you can go to him at your convenience. Not having always to track him down, it makes the mechanics of worship ever so much less intrusive.


ramugel

I think the nearness of God is easier to accept on a belly with some bit of food. There must be something to eat around here. I'm so hungry my stomach's contentious.

 

(ramugel starts to go off stage.)


feton

Do be back by the time our food is ready. If I have to wait for you, it might over-soak.

 

(ramugel exits. There is the sound of a ferocious growl.)


(continuing) feton (continuing)

Now there's a snack for you!

 

(ramugel enters running.)


(continuing) feton (continuing)

Something wrong, my child? Can't you handle the world out there -- by yourself? I wouldn't want you to be frightened, or eaten ... or belched up and re-used. Becoming a part of the food-chain is a tiresome merry-go-round.

 

(ramugel looks off stage, using caution against the growler, then she runs off.)


(continuing) feton (continuing)

Don't venture far! You know your faulty sense of location.

(To herself)

The child would be far better off if bolted and shackled to one single spot. As would I, I imagine.

(A beat)

Hmm. In fact, that sounds sublime.

 

(feton is stirring the contents of the food pot. The lights shift from midday to near-sunset.

(feton begins to hum -- a monotonic sound. Then she starts to "sing." There is rhythm and phrasing to the sound, but not music.)


(continuing) feton (continuing)

Under the sun,

Roaming the land,

Searching for bits of food

      and finding mostly sand --


Visions of stars,

Dreams of the moon,

Hoping the porridge can be

      eaten very soon.


Seldom the cloudy skies,

Less often the rain

To cool down the weariness and

      wash away the pain.


Why are there doubts?

Why are there fears?

Why do our eyes seek calm but

      only find the tears?


Why do we wait?

Why do we sigh?

Why do we yearn for what will

      simply pass us by?


Why must our lives be filled

With so much wandering?

Oh, I'm not complaining, God.

      Just sort of pondering.

 

(aya has entered, crawling on his hands and knees, creeping toward Feton.)


aya

Excuse me, but I heard you --


feton

(Interrupting; startled)

Aaahhh!

 

(With an action so instinctive it requires no thought, feton screams and grabs the food pot and hides it wherever possible and runs away from Aya.)


aya

(Startled in turn)

Aaayy!


feton

Oh, it is you. Forgive me.

(Drops to her knees)

I was startled by your sudden appearance, and did not recognize you.


aya

Oh, that's okay. You kind of scared me, too. Well, not really scared. Nothing scares me, of course.


feton

Of course not.


aya

I was down by the pond over there, and I heard you articulating in a way I'd never heard. What is it called?


feton

That? Why it's the song, of course. You know ... the song!


aya

I've never heard anything like it.


feton

(Aside)

How strange that God is unfamiliar with the song. But, then, that could explain quite a number of things.

(To Aya)

Legend has it that the song comes from very ancient times -- perhaps even born when we first were born, as a question to God himself, if you'll excuse me for speaking third-personally -- and we're wondering, still, why the questions are never answered. Legend has it that there is another part of the song -- something that goes with the words. Something that makes the song complete. But no one seems to know what that is.


aya

What a mysterious mystery.


feton

As mysteries often are. Perhaps it is that missing part that's kept it from your ears.


aya

So you think that is a song.


feton

That is the song -- the only song there is, I have been told.


aya

Ah-ha! You are a bird!


feton

A bird?


aya

A bird! If you have a song, you are a bird. My late friend Hishi was always telling me about the songs of the birds that sing. So your song isn't the only song in existence, although it sounds quite different from the songs of the other birds. And you possess only the barest resemblance to any bird I've ever seen. You've hardly enough flesh to tempt the palate, doubtless the bones are too brittle for trinkets, and my guess is you're well past your prime for egg-laying ... though, perhaps, one occasionally to bring back a memory?


feton

No, I'm not a bird! I know what birds are, although I hardly ever see one anymore. They're disappearing at a shocking rate. But birds don't sing.


aya

But Hishi said they do -- and now that he's gone on to higher things, I tend to believe him.


feton

Birds chirp, peep, twitter and cluck, sometimes they coo and they caw ... when they did anything at all. But that can hardly be called singing -- anymore than can the sounds of a mealy worm, slowtoe, gribnoff or dartch.


aya

I don't know what a mealy worm is, but I know a lot about birds. I've studied them inside-out. Truly. And I still think you may be one. Perhaps you are one and don't know it. Yes yes, perhaps I've discovered an entirely new kind -- a recalcitrant species! Discovery seems to be in the air, nowadays. And I'm doing it very well. Tell me, do you ever sleep in a tree, hanging on to the limb with your feet?


feton

That proves nothing.

(Aside)

Somehow, I had thought that meeting God, if it should ever happen again, would be an exhilarating experience.


aya

You have met God?


feton

Yes, my Lord, a long time ago. But, since I last saw you ... well, I fear we've both changed. Grown apart, it seems.


aya

Oh, I think you have me confused with the formerly fleshy heap that accompanies me. That's God -- he who is supine beside the pond. He has a headache.


feton

You're not God?


aya

Me? Oh, goodness no! I don't know the first thing about this God stuff, though I suppose I could learn. With a few flashy tricks and an adage or two, most anyone, likely, could do it.


feton

It's been so long. I thought it was you. Maybe now I can relax.


aya

Not entirely, I think. You see, I may be a prophet.


feton

You're not sure?


aya

I've applied for the job. Should hear anytime.


feton

Would that make you important?


aya

Right next to God, the way that I see it. All of the hype but none of the blame.


feton

And what qualifies you to be a prophet?


aya

I recognized God! -- when he didn't even recognize himself! That's the really important part of propheting -- being able to convince others of the truth, regardless of the facts.


feton

Sounds absolutely stigmatic.


aya

Of course, I'll have to advertise.


feton

I would have sworn you were God ... the sharp profile, the strong hands, the sneaky movements. Are you sure you are not he?


aya

No, no, of course not. I'm little more than a simple, ordinary man. Just someone who --


feton

(Interrupting; frightened)

Aaaaahh!

 

(she throws her hands in front of her face as if for protection and quickly backs away from Aya.)


(continuing) feton (continuing)

You're ... a man?


aya

Well, of course. Don't I look like a man?


feton

Ooooh, I don't know! I don't know! I've heard ... stories! Such harrowing stories, about ... man! I never thought I would encounter one!


aya

What kind of animal are you? Were you raised in a den or a flock, a herd or a school? Identify yourself!


feton

I am a woman!

 

(A beat as aya searches his mind for definition.)


aya

A what?


feton

A woman!


aya

I never heard of such critters. You talk about things that mean nothing to me, so I wonder if you can be trusted. What do you do? Surely you've never pulled a plow or carried great loads, and you've no tail for wagging or pointing out prey. What possible worth do you have?


feton

You might be surprised at what I've done. But the fact is that I live. That is my worth! I scratch and scrabble and travel and search, and eat when luck is with me. That's what I do. I have no time for more.


aya

Ah, well, yes, I can understand that. It's much the same for me, as it was for Hishi. Now that he's been discovered to be God, however, life should be easier for him -- and for me, I trust, riding his coattails as I shall. I trust you aren't too disappointed that I am not God.


feton

All things considered, I'm quite relieved. But, keeping the thought in mind that you are a man, you'll understand if I turn my back to you only with great trepidation and ample protection.

 

aya

I have no desire to harm you. I find you an interesting creature, and I know my charm must fill your lonely life.

 

feton

I'm absolutely sated.

 

aya

So you're safe in my presence -- unless you flutter your wings and take to flight. Then I may not be able to control myself.

 

feton

I'll try to restrain any urge to soar or levitate.

 

aya

It's a practice I'm trying to repress. God insists.

 

feton

Earlier you mentioned a pond. Would it be possible for me to fill my water jug? The thing is very nearly bone dry, as am I.

 

aya

It wasn't a very large pond. About like so.

(Holds his hands to indicate size of a baseball)

I fear we drank it all. Even the hot earth where it lay is parched and fractured now. And God still has a headache.

 

feton

I had not thought God's head would ache.

 

aya

He could use a couple of aspirations. There was not enough water to cool his bashéd brow, though God knows how that happened -- unfortunately. Perhaps you could give some of your remaining water?

 

feton

But we have little more than mere dampness.

 

aya

But it is for God! ... and his retinue. You're reluctant to share what you have with our God?

feton

I don't disagree with the nobler notion, but I prefer to give something of less value. It is perplexing, I must admit, that I should give what I need to God, when I have so little and he has it all.


aya

Just between you and me, God doesn't have that much.


feton

Really? That's almost encouraging, and I think it shouldn't be.


aya

I find you a fascinating creature -- only slightly obtuse, and from most angles not awfully unsightly. I can't fully explain it ...


feton

I implore you not to try.


aya

But I'm drawn to you.


feton

I understand.


aya

While I have yet to comprehend your merit or determine your value, there is a splendor about you ...


feton

Most see it, though not all.


aya

For a very long time, I've not known a two-legged creature of words except Hishi. And now that he's gone and turned into God, I don't know what will be his nature. Oh, of course, I'll worship him -- but I may not want to sit around talking to him. Meeting you ... well, I think this may be a pleasure. There's a difference about you. A difference I like.


feton

If you're wanting me to pull your plow or ride me across the desert at sunset, I shan't do it.


aya

Such thoughts never crossed my mind -- not since I've gotten to know you better. I'm wondering: Might it be possible for us to be friends?


feton

Friends?


aya

Friends.


feton

You spoke of friend before, but I don't know that word.


aya

Friends? Friendship? ... Friendliness? ...


feton

Please! I do not know you well enough to engage in conjugation.


aya

Well, friends are creatures who embrace each other because they want to, not because they must.


feton

Then we cannot be friends.


aya

Oh?


feton

I'm sure I don't want to embrace you. That is more than I could handle so soon in our knowing of each other, and before proper bathing on the part of one of us.


aya

You just don't like me, do you?


feton

While it is true I am cautious of you -- doubtful of your word and wary of your motive -- I never said you were unkind, unsoiled, or unwanted. I think you strange and conniving and ambiguous. But your hands seldom tug at your own body parts, and you've manners enough to approach me downwind. So ... yes, perhaps we could -- what was the phrase? -- we could ... friend?


aya

Be friends?


feton

I'm willing to try it, I suppose. If it involves no physical contact.


aya

Oh, this is wonderful!


feton

Your reckoning surpasses mine, by several sharp degrees.


aya

I am an open man.


feton

Oh, please! Do not keep reminding me of what it is you are! And that you are not fully closed. It could spoil this feckless friendship before it achieves a firm purchase.


aya

Please, let's sit.

(Sits)

That's what friends do.


feton

I see.

 

(With some hesitation, feton sits. they spend a few moments in an uncommunicative silence.)


(continuing) feton (continuing)

Well. Is this all there is to it? I've had worse experiences.


aya

Oh no. It is our assignment to communicate. Converse ... compare. Study ... share. Snicker at jokes and fix our hair.


feton

You're after my water, if not more!


aya

You have more?


feton

(Jumps up, starts running)

Ah ha! I knew it ...!

 

(aya runs after feton, stops her, and as he speaks leads her back to sit down again.)


aya

No no, silly goose, I was making a joke.

 

(they sit in silence for a few moments.)


feton

Do friends have to like each other?


aya

I suppose that's basic to the assumed result.


feton

Then our friending may be in trouble.


aya

I'm not wanting your water or planning you harm. To prove my motive chaste and sweet, let me share a treasure with you.

 

(Suddenly they freeze in position. v'dz comes rushing on stage, something held inside his closed hand. he is almost to Aya and Feton when g'tzn rushes on stage, runs up to v'dz and holds him back.)


g'tzn

What are you doing, V'dz?


v'dz

I'm doing what I must do, G'tzn!

 

(G'tzn grabs v'dz's hand and forces it open to reveal a handful of dried seed.)


g'tzn

You took those seed from the larder. You cannot do this!


v'dz

They are hungry! I have observed their suffering. I see their need. You were right! -- I wasn't seeing enough before. What could be the possible harm of sharing a few old dusty seeds with them?


g'tzn

They must follow a course, V'dz. They must make their discoveries in order. If their hunger is tempered before it's time, they may surrender their trip.


v'dz

But they suffer so!


g'tzn

Suffering is a seed. A splendid tree can grow from it.


v'dz

Has your tiredness made you heartless?


g'tzn

Do you think that I do not want to help them? Do you think I want to see them suffer so? I want to feed them, to clothe them, to give them water to slake their thirst and lave their filthy bodies! I have wanted to help them far longer than the ages you have ever known.


v'dz

What do you mean? We concocted their family in the early days and found them a place where they could grow --


g'tzn

                        (Interrupting)

We gave them only the body, V'dz -- the husk, the crust ... the vessel. The heart is so much older.


v'dz

I guess I do not understand ...


g'tzn

You will. You will, V'dz. We must wait -- must give them their time.


v'dz

It isn't fair!


g'tzn

And what have I told you about using that word?


v'dz

That I mustn't. That it's one of the most debilitating words contrived. That it depletes belief and distorts expectations. That, if wielded at all, it should be applied no higher-up than Hide-and-Seek or Go Fish -- that it's socially misleading and morally damaging to apply the prospect of fairness to anything that really matters.

(A beat)

I just wanted to help them.


g'tzn

Your heart has grown, V'dz. Do you know that?


v'dz

I think my heart is breaking.


g'tzn

That's what I said.

 

(g'tzn embraces v'dz and turns to exit. v'dz, venting his frustration, turns back, throws the seeds as far as he can, then exits.

(aya and feton come to life, backtracking a bit and continuing.)


aya

I'm not wanting your water or planning you harm. To prove my motive chaste and sweet, let me share a treasure with you.

 

(aya reaches into his pocket and withdraws a carefully wrapped object. he peels away the well-worn fabric to reveal a small wooden flute. feton is puzzled.)


feton

What is it?


aya

It is of wood.


feton

That I can see. I know wood. It's of very old and handsome grain. One sees so little wood ...


aya

You have a sled that's built of it.


feton

Oooh! That's what you're after!


aya

No, no! I'm not. I admire your beautiful sled.


feton

It is held in partnership. We found it a long time ago.


aya

I knew you'd admire an object of wood, since you know what the substance is.


feton

What is that quaint contraption? It's carved and gouged with purpose unclear.

 

(aya hands the flute to feton.)


aya

See if you can tell.


feton

Hmm ...

(Examining the instrument)

Stirring small pots, perhaps. Other than that, I see no use.


aya

It is a sound-maker.

 

(aya takes the flute, places it to his lips, and blows a single note of a few seconds' duration. The tone is pure and sweet. feton is awed by the sound, yet extremely disturbed -- even fearful.)


feton

Ooooh ...


aya

Is it not rapturous?


feton

I've never heard such a sound. Truly, I have not. It stirs something within me ... that ... I cannot explain. Cannot contain.


aya

And not every sound it makes is the same.

 

(aya blows a different single note, as pure and sweet as the first. feton is even more troubled.)


feton

Please! Do not do that again. The sound ... it feels that something inside me raises its head to listen and heed. I do not know the feeling, nor what to do with it.


aya

Forgive me. I thought it was a beautiful sound, and I wanted to make it for you.


feton

It is spellbinding. Exquisite. I can almost feel it and smell it. There's a soft fondant taste in my mouth.

      Far, far too much beauty is stored in that thing. Where did you get such a terrible and marvelous tool?


aya

When I was a very small creature, it was given me by a very old man.


feton

There is another man out there somewhere?


aya

Oh, I suppose he exists no more. This was a long time ago. Even then, I think death was nipping at his calloused old heels. We came upon each other one day, where our trails crossed and digressed, both startled at finding the other. He was so gnarled and much larger than I -- I'd never seen a man fully grown -- I thought he was some other breed. But as time has gone by, and my limbs have extended, and torso expanded, and patterns of fur formed the same, I've seen we were of the same sort, he and I. That day I gave him some water. In turn, he gave me the sound-maker. He had found it, he said, a long time before, somewhere in his broad, tiring travels. He didn't tell me that it made sounds; I'm saddened to think that perhaps he didn't know. He counseled I use it to twist up my undies to keep them from dragging the ground. I carried it with me for some time before discovering, quite accidentally, during angry wind, that it made such magical noises. Since then it has been my closest friend. Well, of course, more recently there was Hishi.


feton

You mean God?


aya

Yes, but he wasn't God then. At that time he was still just plain Hishi -- a fairly low form of life.


feton

And he knew of your sound-maker?


aya

Oh, yes. It had been friend to him, too -- in my hands. When he got upset or couldn't sleep at night, I would blow a sound for him and he rested more easily.


feton

How can a piece of wood be a friend? How does it embrace?


aya

By what comes from inside it, and touches you inside.


feton

Hmm. A probe I'd not fancy, I think.

      I soundly advise you to use it again to twist up your undies, if undies you have. Or soak it for sound-maker stew. That thing is demonic and vile.

 

(aya wraps the flute and returns it to his pocket.)


(continuing) feton (continuing)

I, too, have a special treasure hidden away. Would you like to see it?


aya

Of course. I'm curious what a woman values enough to hide from a man. Does it also make some kind of sound?


feton

Oh, no. Nothing so unseemly. And it's very important ...

(Lowering voice; confidentially)

It's very important that she not know about it.


aya

"She"?


feton

The one I travel with. The other woman.


aya

That is also a woman?


feton

A youthful one, yes. A burgeoning one with ceaseless itch.


aya

But the two of you ... you are so different.


feton

Unfortunately, that's very true. And that is the reason she must not know of this.

 

(Feton reaches into her secret place on the sled and extracts a wooden box bound with leather thongs. she opens the box, folds back a covering, and removes a small mirror.

(feton hands the mirror to aya. As he looks at the back side of the mirror, aya shows his bewilderment and disappointment. Then he lifts it to his mouth and blows on it in an effort to make a sound.)


aya

I like my treasure better.


feton

Look at it -- up close.

 

(aya, still looking at the back side, fails to grasp its purpose.)


(continuing) feton (continuing)

The other side!

 

(aya turns the mirror over, sees his own reflection and is startled out of his wits ...)


aya

(Screaming in fear)

Aaaaaaaahh!

 

(... as he jumps up and runs, then stops, looks at the mirror again ...)


(continuing) aya (continuing)

(Screaming again)

Aaaaaaaaaaahhh!

 

(... then he stops again, looks at the mirror, draws back but doesn't run, then cautiously reaches toward the mirror, withdraws, reaches again, getting a bit closer, draws back -- finally he touches the mirror and realizes what is inside probably can't reach him. But he is still very wary.)


(continuing) aya (continuing)

There's something inside it! A wide-eyed, startled and skeptical creature!

 

(aya more calmly examines the mirror, front and back.)


feton

Yes! I found that window a long, long time ago, a very great distance from here. And always the creature has been inside. Still alive, traveling with us, through all this time, though it's gotten coarse and wrinkled through the years. Some beasts hold youth so loosely.

 

(feton takes the mirror and looks into it, smiling.)


(continuing) feton (continuing)

But, still, it is a beautiful creature, is it not?

 

(aya takes the mirror and again looks into it.)


aya

Indeed it is, now that it's more placed. I've never seen a creature quite like it. A truly beautiful critter.


feton

And that is why my companion, Ramugel, must not know of this treasure.

 

(feton takes the mirror to wrap and return it to its hiding place.)


(continuing) feton (continuing)

You see, she -- Ramugel -- labors under the ludicrous opinion that ... well, you've seen her, so you'll know how difficult this is to accept, but ... she believes that she is beautiful.


aya

What? You aren't serious ...


feton

Shhh! You mustn't laugh at her. She's reasonably companionable, in comparison to smaller and furrier animals whose claws can't be clipped. Oh, yes, at times her thinking is like fingernail on eyeball; but then she'll smile and speak fit words or offer weak but willing hand, and I think she warrants upkeep. We are all the company each has, since my monkey died and she stopped seeing double. So I humor her. I let her think she is beautiful. I see no need to destroy her illusion. But you see why she must not know about the window and the beautiful creature imprisoned inside. Should she ever observe true beauty, I know she'd be terribly pained. And of course it's quite important that the beauty stay imprisoned, for it is at all odds with our world. If it is released, we won't survive its charge! And that is why you must not let any more sound escape from your sound-maker. Don't you see?


aya

Oh, I don't know about that ...


feton

You must get rid of it! Rid yourself of the sound-maker -- destroy it before it destroys us! It has something in it which digs at our insides with uncontrollable demands!

 

(feton has returned the mirror to its hiding place. A loud moan is heard from off stage. aya takes notice.)


aya

I think I hear the voice of God. I should go.


feton

But ... the sound-maker ... ?


aya

I cannot discard a friend.

(Turns to leave)


feton

Wait! Is there a word that you call yourself?


aya

God and I call me Aya.


feton

Aya. And we call me Feton.


aya

Feton. A pretty word to be called.


feton

Perhaps you could introduce me to God sometime.


aya

He's a little under the weather at the moment, but give me time to get him patched up. Then we'll invite you and, uh ...


feton

Ramugel.


aya

... you and Ramugel for tea.


feton

Ah! You have a leaf?


aya

So old and used up it's mostly a memory -- but it's no worse worn when it's shared.


feton

You're as gracious as you are glib. I look forward to the time. But you remember what I said about your sound-maker. If that sound is loosed, it will change us forever. You harken to my words.

 

(As aya exits, feton's smile drops and she stares after him. Then, in a disconsolate state, she returns to stirring the pot. ramugel enters from the direction in which she left.)


ramugel

I have returned.


feton

Ah! You found your way back.


ramugel

I followed the print of my foot, as you taught.


feton

And you did not walk backwards. Good. So what did you discover?


ramugel

Nothing. Nothing at all.


feton

Nothing is not nothing when it adds to your knowledge.


ramugel

Were you attacked while I was gone? Those footprints ...


feton

Hm. The spoor of friendship's petition. While you were exploring, I met Aya, a wishful prophet-elect.


ramugel

One of those?


feton

And I was correct. God is the uglier one. The prophet is rather handsome. I had not looked at him from the proper angle before.


ramugel

Perhaps God has his good side, too, and you just haven't found it.


feton

Very hard to tell. We must chip away the dogma if we want to find the shine.


ramugel

So shall they become close travelers with us? ... pull our sled and shoulder our wares? ... dance and do pranks till we chortle?


feton

I think they lack the talent.


ramugel

Even small-minded feral are trained to be guards, or track down the food, or fetch on command --


feton

The prophet harbors danger. He has something that troubles me greatly: An old piece of wood that makes sounds. It takes his breath and forges it into euphonious lure. A sound I can't describe. I only can feel it. It does something to me, inside ... makes me want something ... and I don't know what! A longing. A brutal and stirring hunger -- as though something inside me that's deep in its sleep is fighting to open its eyes.

      It is too much ... for me ... for you. The sounds ... too much for ear to seize, too much for heart to hold. Such beauty could fill one to the point of ... bursting.

 

ramugel

You describe a beauty that I cannot understand, then tell me it's too threatening to possess.

 

feton

What little beauty may exist must be trapped and contained -- to be viewed in small measure for novelty's sake -- that only. But let it roam loose in our world? Oh no. Never that. It does not ... fit. Beauty breeds thoughts that waste our time and vex the mind. The crust of the earth is rank, the heat of the sky is cruel. The water is thin and tepid, the trees are hard and brown, the mountains are stripped of cloud and mist. Beauty can live in the head of the fool and the heart of the idle dreamer; but the truth is rust and rot. To endure, we must find our ease in that.

 

ramugel

So what's to be done about the sound?

 

feton

He must get rid of it. If he will not separate himself from it, then he must go, too.

 

ramugel

But he is the prophet-elect. Won't God be lonely without him?

 

feton

From what I've observed in the past, God tends to over-do, with more balls than he'll ever juggle well. He may be frustrated or sorry, perhaps even pained. But lonely? -- oh, no, never that.

 

ramugel

But ... if true beauty can't exist, then I shall be destroyed.

 

feton

You've nought to fear, my child. One thing you've never learned: Nothing possesses beauty until it tugs at someone's heart.

 

ramugel

I don't understand.


feton

And that may be your shelter.

 

(ramugel reaches down to get a taste of the pot's contents. feton slaps her hand away.)


(continuing) feton (continuing)

Two more days! That, at least. You'll simply have to wait.

 

(ramugel wanders away in a sulk; feton is stirring the pot. Lights shift into nightfall -- approaching darkness. Then we hear the sound of the flute -- one pure, sweet solitary note.

(feton is extremely agitated by the sound. But it has a different effect on ramugel. she smiles softly, looking into the distance in search of the sound.)


ramugel

What a beautiful sound!


feton

(Agitated)

That is the sound I warned you of. Never let the cursory recognition of presumed beauty bamboozle you.

 

(Another tone of the flute is heard. ramugel moves fluidly into a gentle dance, then sings a single note that eases into harmony with the flute. Other tones from the flute, and harmonies from ramugel, maintain the dance for a few seconds. But, then, feton can stand it no longer.)


feton

(Interrupting; angrily)

What is that sound you make now?


ramugel

I don't know! I didn't know it was there! It's something that came from inside of me, pulled out by the other sound.


feton

Just as I suspected! The wretched thing's infectious!

 

(aya steps onto the stage, seeking the source of the other tone; he lifts the flute to his lips and blows another sweet tone. ramugel again harmonizes with it. It remains a very simple harmony of single tones. feton's anger is more evident. Then there is the interjection of a third tone. It is hishi, off stage. The sound manages to be almost harmonic for a second or two before it lapses into the sound it really is: A hurting man's cry of pain. All harmony of tones is destroyed.)


(continuing) feton (continuing)

Ah-ha! You see? The voice of God -- with no interest in beauty -- but truth! Remember that, my child: We are left with only the truth! Not beauty!

 

(they freeze in position as g'tzn and v'dz come on stage.)


v'dz

She seems to think that beauty is a bad thing.


g'tzn

The idea of beauty is one of humanity's more amusing experiments.


v'dz

Now you speak as though beauty is not a good thing.


g'tzn

Beauty doesn't exist -- like a rock you can pick up or a stick you can break. Beauty is never possessed by anything. Beauty exists only in one's interpretation. It is a thing of the mind, not of the world. Look around you here. What do you see that is beautiful?


v'dz

(Looking around)

Nothing.


g'tzn

But someday, you may look at this and see something very different.


v'dz

I really don't think so.


g'tzn

Hm.


v'dz

Will she get rid of the sound that bothers her so? Will she really drive Aya away from here?


g'tzn

I have no idea. I never know what they're thinking, and I certainly can't control them. But I'm sure there will be changes. They're ready for that.

 

(g'tzn smiles, slips his arm around v'dz's shoulders, and they exit.

(Lights fade.)


-- End of Act I –


Act II – Scene 1

 

(As lights come up, we can tell that some time has passed. The stark tree still stands, but now its branches are gone. There is an arrangement of rocks surrounding a single large rock which serves as a temple. There is a row of stones that separates the men's living space from the women's living space.

(The area has taken on a lived-in look. Rocks have been meticulously placed to form the "walls" [mere boundaries] of the women's area, and the sled has been incorporated into that design. The men's living area is littered with stones and bones and tattered hides to define their space, which totally lacks the order of the women's space.

(Feton and ramugel have all of their food pots in use at the moment -- stirring and mixing and checking. The mood between the women has improved. There is even a festive air and sense of enjoyment in what they do. feton tastes from one of the pots.)


feton

You're learning, Ramugel. You may prove useful yet.


ramugel

Oh, remember the time when I fixed pebble stew?


feton

I remember the time that I ate it.


ramugel

It wasn't all that bad.


feton

And not all that good, though you soaked them for weeks on end. The brown ones, I think, were more tasty.


ramugel

Smoother, at least.


feton

Less bothersome in their passage.


ramugel

This festival thing -- it sounds like such fun. Why've we not done it before?


feton

It's awfully hard to celebrate when we're always on the move. One tends to misplace the ornaments. We've settled down a bit, at last. Our mobile home stays put.


ramugel

And so we feast and party -- the festival of string.


feton

Spring, you silly, giddy child! Spring with the sound of puh!


ramugel

And why do we celebrate it now?


feton

Another of those infernal legends. Lies, really, I suppose. But without lies, we'd have no belief. To observe a supposed occurrence gives rise to occasional levity, and then to celebrate, though with self-imposed cause, relieves the guilt of the celebrant. The story is that once upon a time, at this point within the circuitous complexities of lights meandering all over the place, with a more predictable regularity than they do now, this was the moment within a particular cycle when all lifeless matter renewed itself, and it turned green.


ramugel

Green?


feton

It was a color, I think.


ramugel

Well, it could cause a welcome divergence if our celebration improves the mood of Aya.


feton

He has been morose of late.


ramugel

He's irked with himself, no one else. He regards his status as prophet with fervor. He has his god and he has his message, but no one left to preach to.


feton

He needs a larger market base.


ramugel

We, of course, required no conversion, for we believed in his God from the start.


feton

Well, almost. It took some sorting out. But why not? He's usually harmless and sometimes entertaining.


ramugel

Is that all God should be, you think?


feton

I think that's quite enough. If he ever thought us susceptible, I'm sure he'd make demands. If God were to take himself too seriously, or we him, it could only lead to guilt and factions.


ramugel

Have you noticed that when God gets himself in a snit, if you ignore him he soon comes around?


feton

He doesn't want to be thought ill of.


ramugel

It's sort of like a game in which you make him play your way.


feton

Like a pouting little boy.


ramugel

What's a little boy?


feton

A man in maggot stage. Or so I've heard.

 

(aya comes running on stage, stopping at the boundary of stones between the living spaces.)


aya

Feton! Ramugel! Please, may I have permission to enter your abode?


feton

If you haven't your sound-maker, you may enter.

 

(Full of excitement, aya steps into the women's area.)


(continuing) feton (continuing)

Sit, Aya. Sit and contain yourself. Ramugel, serve him some cool stone. Perhaps that will help.


aya

Forgive my refusal of your stringent politeness, but there's no time for cool stone or composure! From the top of the dune, across the great ridge, by the river of dust! -- I saw them!


feton

Saw what?


aya

A troupe of two-legged creatures! A great plodding herd of fierce beings!


ramugel

Two-legged creatures?


feton

Are they something like us?


aya

They've two legs. They're upright. That's something like us!


ramugel

And you say they are fierce?


aya

I would be if I were they, so to be on the safe side, I'm guessing they are.


feton

And how many are there?


aya

A sizable assembly! -- half dozen, perhaps.


feton

Do they appear to be threatening? Do they growl, pounce or lunge?


aya

Of course they are threatening! They're creatures, they're moving, and they're headed our way!


ramugel

Perhaps we should tell God.


feton

Whom, by the way, I've not seen today.


aya

He slept not a wink for the whole of the night. He has a rash I'll decline to describe, so he rose while the night light was high in the sky to go search for a pool of cool water.


ramugel

If he tries walking on it again, there'll be mud pies for supper.


feton

And if he sits in it, he'll change it to brine.


aya

Then you know of his rash.


feton

It was only a guess. Lately God's had a very odd stride. But now we may need him. There could be a battle.


aya

Oh, you know God doesn't like us to fight. If it comes to that, we'll have to do it ourselves, then convince him he wanted us to do it for him.


feton

Well, we know he's on our side, and that's what's important.


ramugel

He is much easier to deal with after the fact. He forgives more readily than he permits.


feton

We limit his choice and force his hand. I'd never presume to control him, but it's fun to unravel his knots. How far are these creatures away?

 

(ramugel is wandering away, looking off in the distance for the travelers. she strays off stage.)


aya

Not far at all.


feton

And are they riding animals?


aya

Only each other. They're moving slow but sure. If we but had some sticks for defense.


feton

Well, you stripped your side of the lifeless tree, playing games with pebbles and feathers and bone.


aya

And your limbs you ate.


feton

Not always alone, if you think back a bit.


aya

We've only the stones.


feton

And those abound. Perhaps we best prepare.

 

(they have begun to form a pile of stones when ramugel runs on stage.)


ramugel

They're here!


feton

Right here?


ramugel

Almost.


aya

Them all?


ramugel

Just one, right here.


aya

Just one?


feton

Has it only two legs?


ramugel

Has only two feet. Could not see the legs.


feton

The breasts of a woman?


ramugel

I could not tell for the beard's too long. I threw a rock as the group advanced. They stopped just beyond its reach ...


feton

They're not far away. She throws like a girl.


ramugel

... and the queerest of all continued advance. It stands at the gate even now!


feton

Some gate. Two rocks with no closure. What stopped its progression?


ramugel

I told it to stop.


aya

And it obeyed you?


ramugel

It seems to be amply trained.


feton

Perhaps it's the beast that gives rise to the tale that a man could be trained to be useful.


aya

Can he not?


feton

There's no proof yet.


(offstage) bibar (offstage)

Hello!

 

(they look at each another, frightened at what may be in store.)


(continuing) bibar (continuing)

May I enter the space where you dwell?


feton

It speaks with discernible tongue!


aya

I've known birds to do that.


feton

Though you've been wrong in recognizing that species a time or two.


aya

If one is to believe the bird.


ramugel

What will it do if we don't let it in?


aya

The better question is, How could we not let it in?


feton

Take a deep breath and brace to look fierce.

(Calling out)

You've license to confront us, but do keep your distance. We're armed and prepared to protect.


aya

Attack if it lunges, but run if it spits.

 

(they grab stones and await the creature's appearance. bibar enters, his bearing straight and rigid. he bows his head in greeting. There is nothing threatening in his manner, but nothing friendly, either.)


bibar

I acknowledge, my fellow travelers, that you allow me to be in your presence.


aya

We weren't sure if we had a choice.


feton

Don't let him know that.


ramugel

(To Bibar)

Roll over.

(A beat)

I said, roll over!


feton

Ramugel, what are you doing?


ramugel

Testing obedience. It seems now to be less compliant.

(To Bibar)

Sit up!


aya

I think it is.


ramugel

Speak!


feton

You know it can do that!

 

(bibar has ignored these goings-on.)


bibar

You savages seem to be somewhat confused by the presence of similar body. Have you been of such long isolation?


aya

(To Ramugel and Feton)

Why would it think us to be isolated?


ramugel

It must not know the status of things.


feton

If we are all there is, in what way are we sequestered?


ramugel

Perhaps it lays claim to being a mammal such as we are.


feton

That's another woman?


aya

Most likely another man.


feton

Well that's a relief. I'd hate to know I was aging toward that image.


aya

Have you a label, strange caller?


bibar

My name is Bibar Jevonia Ludashin.


feton

He is called not by a word, but by an entire sentence.

 

(they huddle to discuss the situation.)


(continuing) feton (continuing)

Why do you think he is here?


aya

Hunger, perhaps.


ramugel

Then we could offer him some of our soup. It'll be ready most any day.


feton

Perhaps it's a meat-eating creature, and that could be ready much sooner.


ramugel

Well that's not a pleasant thought.


aya

He's patient.


feton

Animals of prey have to be.


ramugel

You're frightening me.


feton

I'm frightening myself.


aya

He stands still and waits. There's no intent to leave us.


feton

How can we possibly know what he wants?


aya

We must think of some way to find out.

 

(they ponder the possibilities for a few moments.)


ramugel

We could ask him.


feton

Oh, aren't you the smart one? To think the task so simple.


ramugel

What would it hurt to attempt?


feton

You thought it; you try it. If you dare to suggest it, you must dare to its test.


ramugel

I shall. Perhaps there's no need to fear him at all.


aya

And, yet, perhaps there is.

 

(With trepidation, ramugel moves toward Bibar.)


feton

Gumption outweighs prudence to prove a flimsy point.

 

(ramugel walks cautiously to Bibar and stands in front of him, looking into his eyes. bibar lightly touches Ramugel's head; they stand this way for several seconds. Then ramugel turns and solemnly walks back to the women's space. she finds a scarf to tie around her dress, adjusts her dress, smooths her hair. she is calm, deliberate, pensive, remote. bibar waits patiently. feton runs to ramugel. aya watches and listens.)


feton

What are you doing, Ramugel?

(A beat)

Tell me, child, what's happening?


ramugel

I am preparing to leave. Bibar Jevonia Ludashin insists that I go with him.


feton

How could you know?


ramugel

He told me. He said that if I went with him, he could explain his purpose here -- and more.


feton

The creature said nothing, Ramugel! He said nothing to you at all!


ramugel

He told me much. The name of his wife ...


aya

His what?


feton

The woman to whom he is bonded.


aya

Beasts of adhesion, it seems.


ramugel

And the names of his two sons, who travel with them, and the names of their wives who march, too. He told me a bit about the land from which they come ... but would not tell me all.


aya

What land is that?


ramugel

It does not have a name. They believe it to be the only such place, so therefore it needs not a name.

 

(aya pulls feton aside.)


aya

Might it be that Ramugel is one of them, and not, after all, one of us?


feton

Not likely, I think. I've known her so long.


aya

How long, and where did you meet?


feton

I found her beside an abandoned old path, near a well filled with thistle and dust, not yet so old that she could talk, and far too weak to crawl. I took her for my own that day -- she's all I've ever had. I truly think she's one of us. But even if she weren't back then, I've molded her to be.


aya

Then how do you explain such happening?


feton

I can't.


aya

I wish you could. He tells a tale with mouth shut tight, she hears without a sound? Perhaps she made the story up.


feton

It's true that she's vain and reluctant to learn. But far too guileless to practice deceit. I doubt she knows how to lie.


ramugel

I go now, Feton.


feton

Where is it you go?


ramugel

That I do not know.


feton

Near? ... or far? ... or farther still?


ramugel

I do not know who knows.


feton

And will you return?


ramugel

I've no answer for that.


feton

Please do.


ramugel

I suppose we must wait and see.

 

(ramugel starts to leave, then turns back to Feton.)


(continuing) ramugel (continuing)

Not since I can remember have I been away from you. I know I'll miss your nearness.


feton

And I know that I'll miss yours.

 

(There's an awkward stillness, then ramugel embraces feton. The action takes feton by surprise; she has no idea how to respond.)


ramugel

I sense you deep inside me -- dear, beautiful Feton.

(releases Feton, hesitates, wonders)

There's such strange feeling in my breast, like something pulling there.

 

(ramugel moves toward Bibar. As she nears him, bibar turns and exits, ramugel following. aya and feton watch the departure, their eyes following the unseen figures for some seconds before feton speaks.)


feton

I miss her already.


aya

And so do I.


feton

She spoke with a tangible tenderness.


aya

I know.


feton

I never heard such manifestations.


aya

What does it mean?


feton

Who knows?


aya

Oh, rats!


feton

What now?


aya

It occurs to me what a flounder I am as a prophet. Not only I fail to add to God's flock, but I lose a third of the herd.


feton

Ramugel will return.


aya

You do not know that.


feton

She must.

 

(aya thinks a moment, then makes a decision that excites him.)


aya

I have no experience in countering aggression, but standing here isn't the answer. Come!

 

(aya grabs feton's hand and they rush off. v'dz rushes on. he is carrying some sticks and moving toward the tree when g'tzn runs on and stops him.)


g'tzn

What do you think you're doing now?


v'dz

New branches for the tree. Weapons, games or food ... you know. After all, they think it's spring.


g'tzn

(Admonishing)

V'dz ...


v'dz

What's the harm in a few dead sticks? It will look like life to them!


g'tzn

The last time I saw you so direct and resolved, you'd sat in a lava flow. What is it with you now?


v'dz

It's just that they seem so close.


g'tzn

To what?


v'dz

To ... finding ...


g'tzn

What?


v'dz

(A beat)

I'm not sure.


g'tzn

Then it is ignorance that excites you? Never a good sign.


v'dz

(With honest realization)

No, G'tzn, not ignorance. I don't know what will happen, but I know it will be good.


g'tzn

So it is baseless assumption that inspires you.


v'dz

No! I don't think so!


g'tzn

Come, V'dz. Bring your sticks and your tape and your tacks. We leave them to their journey -- without our interference.

 

(they exit.)

 

(Lights out.)


-- End of Scene 1 (Act II) --


Act II – Scene 2

 

(Lights comes up to reveal the setting unchanged. feton is listlessly stirring the pots. aya is sitting in the men's space, lethargically handling his flute.)


aya

Are you still preparing for that festival thing? I don't feel at all celebratious.


feton

The meal is in progress. And I spent so much time in choosing material from which to make the feast. Besides I've naught better to do.


aya

You think too much of Ramugel.


feton

What could be too much?


aya

I think of her, too.


feton

I know.

 

(hishi raises the flute to his lips but feton walks to him and interrupts him before he can blow.)


(continuing) feton (continuing)

Aya ...


aya

Yes, Feton?

 

(feton takes the flute from him and throws it as far as she can -- in the same direction where V'dz threw the seed.)


feton

It was to be either you or the stick or you both. That choice pleases me best.

 

(aya is a bit surprised but lets it go. The flute is not his primary concern right now.

(hishi enters, walking with some care.)


hishi

Ah ha! Adoring subjects. I bless you and salute you.


aya

He seems to be feeling better.

 

(hishi starts to step into the women's area to cross to the men's area.)


feton

Even you need permission to pass. You know that.


hishi

Oh shoot, Feton. I forget.


feton

Having a God with poor memory has guaranteed benefits. I shouldn't complain about that.


hishi

And besides, I've been wondering, since I am God, why can't I do, then, whatever I want.


feton

You should have thought of that before I set the rule.


hishi

Why can't I set the rules?


feton

God never sets his own rules. That's done by those who worship or despise him.

(Finally giving permission to pass)

Oh, go on! Just go!


hishi

(Crossing to his area)

A testy disciple, eh Aya?

 

(aya pays him little heed.)


aya

Would God like to sit on his throne?


hishi

Standing's preferred at the moment.


aya

But you're soothed a little, I trust.


hishi

It helped, but I'm far from healed.


feton

So the water is sullied.


hishi

Not much.


feton

Enough.


hishi

My child, is there a problem you'd like to discuss? Your mood isn't totally decent.


feton

I simply never thought I'd worship a god with a scabby behind. That's all!


hishi

(To Aya)

You told her!


aya

She guessed it! The way that you walk ...

 

(hishi leans against a rock, avoiding contact with his backside.)


hishi

Play me a note. Perhaps that will help.


aya

I'm, uh, short of breath today, it seems.

(Aside to Feton)

And short a flute to boot.


hishi

That's too bad. The sound of your flute calms the pain in my rash.


aya

I don't think I'll put that in the book.


hishi

Why such a silence? Why so withdrawn? You haven't been quarreling, have you?


aya

Ramugel is gone.


hishi

You misplaced her?


feton

She's captured.


hishi

Have we been invaded?


aya

By demons grotesque.


feton

There's no way to simply explain.


aya

Unerringly sought, directly enticed ...


feton

By wizardry -- that's what I think.


aya

Magically charmed and ingeniously induced to leave by a voice we could not detect.


feton

'Twas a man in a robe ...


aya

Carrying a staff ...


feton

Long hair, and long beard ...

 

aya

And a name just as long.

 

hishi

Amiable, this man?

 

aya

Patient, at best.

 

feton

I fear his heart may not be kind.

 

hishi

Where are they now?

 

aya

Just over the dune with the rocks and the ripples.

 

feton

We followed some way and tried to regain her.

 

aya

Ramugel ignored us, with cold, brittle stare. Unlike her, I thought, what she did.

 

feton

The child's words never before held conviction. But this time conversed with a meaningful force, though she spoke not a word to us there.

 

(feton goes to Hishi.)

 

feton

Oh dear God, please cause her return. Watch for her safety and bring her back soon.

(A beat)

Well? Have you no answer?

(A beat)

I know smiting and spitting breaches your ethics, but couldn't you make an exception just once? To chastise abductors and bring back the child? She's all that I have, or want!

 

(hishi is uneasy with the request, unsure what to do.)

hishi

Feton ...


feton

Yes, my Lord.


hishi

I don't know what to do with your praise, much less your earnest request.


feton

Please, my Lord, this is no time to play the humble game.


hishi

I'm playing at nothing! I'm telling the truth! Our lives have plodded vaguely on, no chaos came our way. We've had an idyllic life, us four, and so, being God was no great demand and offered diversion at times. One grows to enjoy adulation, and some days even think it's deserved. But now we need help, and I do not have it! I'm not the sublime that you think! It was, in fact, an irksome push to elevate me thus.

 

(feton and aya look at each other, then quickly move together for discussion.)


aya

He's done this before, you know, in days of depression and nights when he's bored. But never so cogent as now. In the record that I shall write someday, I shall refer to this phenomenon as God's denial of himself, for, as I see it, God has a need to maintain an alliance with the common creature, and has some difficulty -- because of his innate humility, which he of course created -- accepting, even himself, that he is worthy of his own lofty station, which, of course, he, himself, also created. However, when we take into

consideration the many variations of expression --


feton

(Interrupting)

Save it for the book, Aya. If God insists he cannot help us, is the truth, then, that he's weak?


aya

No no! This response is just a, uh ... facet -- a trying characteristic, one might say ... a fascinating incongruity beyond our mortal senses which demands the tempering heat of theologians.


feton

And do you aspire, also, to be a theologian?


aya

My goodness, no! I've neither the sadness nor the near-sightedness for that.


feton

I think it's much simpler. God has low self-esteem.


aya

But I don't think his depression denies him his divinity.


feton

He hasn't a choice. If believers believe, then God must be God! That is, after all, what gives him his power.


aya

So decision is made?


feton

It's firm. He'll just have to accept his superior rank, regardless of substandard claim.

 

(they turn back to Hishi.)


aya

Like it or not, you're still God.


feton

Beyond any question, the question is settled.


aya

Despite whatever you claim that you are, we declare you to be what we want you to be.


feton

We worship you anew.


aya

Now cut through your claims of ineptitude and tell us what to do.


feton

If you come up with a miracle, there's no one to complain.


hishi

But I don't know what to do!


aya

Why must God be pushed so hard to do the proper thing?


feton

Lead us to victory!


aya

To victory!


feton & aya

To victory!


hishi

(Giving in reluctantly)

Oh, okay. Come on. Which way did they go?


aya

That way, my God.


hishi

All right. But I'm not planning on hitting, nor do I want to be hit. God bruises more easily than some might surmise, if some would care to recall.

 

(hishi turns to exit. feton and aya follow, their excitement apparent. As they are about to exit, bibar steps out, blocking their departure. they hesitate a second, then feton seizes the moment.)


feton

Where is the child!

(A beat)

Please bring back the child to me.


bibar

Why?


feton

I want her.


bibar

Do you?


feton

I need her.


bibar

For what cause?


feton

She belongs to me.


bibar

Does she?


feton

I have no bill of sale, but ... ask her.


bibar

Do you love her?


feton

Would it make a difference if I did? Then I do.


bibar

Do what?


feton

That -- what you said.


bibar

Love?


feton

Yes. That. I love at her. Now will you return her?


bibar

I do not know what you think you are doing.


feton

Nor do I, it seems.


bibar

I would like very much to return Ramugel to you. She's just another mouth to feed, though that's little nuisance for she eats almost nothing. She finds our food odd and not appealing. She washed in the gravy, petted the rib roast, and then used the bread for a cushion. Then she ran from the table and sucked on some rocks. She's charming enough, but essentially useless, so far as our way of life. But we will take care of her, for we have a need, and return her when we have all the data.

 

(all stare after Bibar as he exits. kretch enters from a different direction, unseen by the group on stage until kretch begins to laugh.)


kretch

(Bringing laughter under control)

The old man disturbs you, doesn't he? Pay him no mind. His head is mostly ornament, and prattle is his speech.


feton

Who are you?


kretch

I did fail to introduce, did I not, so merry was my entry. I'm exhausted and eccentric. Condone. My name is Kretch Novn Pelded.

 

(kretch moves to stand in front of Feton; kretch places a foot in front of her, heel on the ground and toes in the air. she maintains this position as her smile fades.)


(continuing) kretch (continuing)

You deny cordial foot-push to a stranger?

 

(Finally comprehending Kretch's intent, feton places her foot out, in a position similar to Kretch's, and they touch toes. The smile returns to kretch's face.)


(continuing) kretch (continuing)

Ah, so joy.

 

(kretch moves to Aya, who now understands the physicality of the address, and aya responds appropriately to kretch's foot-greeting.)


(continuing) kretch (continuing)

(To Aya)

Ah, so joy.

 

(kretch moves to hishi, where the greeting is repeated.)


(continuing) kretch (continuing)

(To Hishi)

Ah, so joy.


hishi

(Uneasily)

I, uh ... saw joy.


kretch

Now that we have touch-toed, we must deem ourselves acquainted. Eh?


feton

Are you with the intruder?


kretch

That old kumquat Bibar, you mean? Yes, I am afraid I am. I am his wife.


aya

His adhesion.


kretch

(Laughing)

Yes yes yes. I am his adhesion. Very good. Don't expect him to laugh at it, however. He was born with good looks, which he lost the next day, but humor he's never had. It's made him prickly and stilted.


feton

First "love," now "humor." Their speech is at least partially foreign.


aya

So you're a part of the capturing group.


kretch

Depends on how you look at it. I travel with them because I must. We belong to each other. Though, frankly, harsh duty to the task oft outweighs the moral urges. The place where we live has fallen upon hard times -- well, that is we thought they were hard until we reached your dismal domain. Now we are striving to return home to renew our trust in what we had. When we left it it seemed so little, but in truth it's paradise. Though, with luck at all, in an age or two, there will be yet another generation, and they too will likely complain that its goodness pales.


feton

Could you possibly have traveled farther than we?


kretch

Yes and no, yes and no. Each of us journeys farther than anyone else. That's the nature of our separate courses. No one reaches the end of the passage, lying back in comfort on a welcome bed of death, sighing with a smile to breathe the final words: "Well, now, that wasn't so bad."

(A beat)

No.

(With a bit of her laugh)

No no no no no. If ever you see that, you will have observed the greatest lie of all. But if it could be said in truth, you would be observing one who truly cheated himself of the meaning and value of the journey he completes. For, in fact, if the journey's not demanding, it is not worth the time. We gain nothing at all in comfort, except a deceptive sense of all being well.

(Finds a place to sit.)

Do you mind if I sit? Some place I need not straddle? Besides my age, there are my sons. I ride them when we travel -- one at a time, of course -- and one of them's a pain. Debbit Cloter Vultorna has a rounded back, well-padded with flesh, and a tummy for the dig of my heels. Shoulders broad enough to spread my lunch, hair enough to wipe my hands, and no dissent if I drop crumbs in his ears. I like riding him -- he was built for it -- though he's good for little else. Still I'd like a stableful of him. But Custurack Shonotcher Bezzagar is really something else. When I mount him, even with a saddle, our bones collide in all the wrong places at all the wrong times in all the wrong ways, and his skin draws tight so there's nothing to hold. His lope is a jar, his stance is a skewed one, and his footing's a hazard at best. But he's smart, let me tell you -- as smart as they come, with vision that pierces the night. And a beautiful voice, and marvelous face. Gentle by nature, though stubborn. Maybe I shouldn't speak ill of my son, but he's just a very bad ride. His wife, however, is taken with him. But she has a broader rear-end than I, with a cushion built-in to assist.


hishi

Why do you have such very long names? Ours are small, but suffice.


kretch

Well, you see, where we come from --


aya

Where is that?


kretch

(Ignoring the question)

-- we have a large population. Upwards of a dozen, by the time we return, barring pestilence or plague or bad neighbors. It is our thought, if procreation should take hold, that our population could increase significantly. Given the expected throw-away rate, we could end up with a dozen or so more in a while or two. Long names eliminate confusion, and make roll call so much more entertaining. Just think of the show when someone has a litter.


feton

None of this matters. Tell me about Ramugel. Will she be returned to us?


kretch

Of course.

 

(bibar steps in, unseen by the others, bringing ramugel with him. ramugel moves as though in a daze.)


feton

And when?


kretch

(Motioning toward Bibar and Ramugel)

She's here.

 

(feton runs to ramugel and leads her to their space. ramugel sits, seemingly unaware of her surroundings.)


bibar

I apologize for the manner in which we had to handle this particular interview --


feton

Interview?


bibar

We needed to get to know each of you better, in order to determine our affinities and rapport. Ramugel was the last to examine.

 

hishi

The last?

 

aya

I have not been checked out.

 

feton

Nor I.

 

bibar

You have. Each one of you. You would not remember, as Ramugel will not when she fully revives.

(Indicates Hishi)

We took you as you sat in the puddle this morning. That rash needs a dose of good ointment. I could tell you the active ingredients for one, but none of it grows in this land. Feton came to us as she went to find shadows, seeking dew she could scrape in her pot. And Aya as you wandered the dunes before dawn in search of your private relief.

 

aya

You saw me out there?

 

bibar

We averted our eyes till you finished. But Ramugel never separated herself from all others, so was never alone for our taking. And so we intruded, as you are aware, in order to make the exam.

 

hishi

(Indignantly)

I am in charge here, Bi-boo Jo-Jo-Whatcha-Motcha-ever it is, and I protest, I think, what you've done, whatever that is ... I'm fairly certain.

 

bibar

What have we done?

 

hishi

I wish you'd tell me. What have you done?

 

bibar

Merely gotten to know you better. We could not spare the time for normal discourse and exchanges. We're in a hurry. So we went to the heart of the matter -- quite literally.

feton

And just what did you learn of us?

 

(ramugel will gradually return to normal and become one with the listeners.)


bibar

Some very interesting things. Our species, yours and ours, may not be a perfect match, but it isn't off by far. There are no major incompatibilities, and the minor ones could likely be corrected with discipline and study. You do claim a need to seek those things that may be taken into one's self to make your lives a bit fuller, but find such opportunities far too seldom. We think that urge is curable.

      We each possess a basic drive toward self, though you have a stronger counter-force then we. And I think there is, in each of you, a yearning for true beauty, though you really don't know what that is for you've had no standard by which to judge. It is beginning to force you to look inside one's self for beauty, there being none without; and that may, I suppose, be of some little value -- though it seems to increase significantly one's capacity for loneliness.

      You've each one had your inner dreams, but they're dusty and shriveled, so old they are, and new ones die for lack of food. You have yearnings you cannot name, cravings you dare not acknowledge, hungers you despair to assuage.

      In short, my friends, considering your longing and your location, I have concluded that you are running an endless race, for there is no finish-line.

      Contrast this to our home -- the land to which we soon return. It is not without its trials and strain, but no more do they loom so large. We live in a land of hills green with grass, where trees offer bud and flower and fruit. Water in streams flows down from the mount, and a soft breeze cools every day. Some seasons there is more to eat than others, but famine seldom persists. At times the streams run low and brown, but normally revive. And there is fire, to cook the food and warm the wintered hands.

      It is not a perfect land, at all, but preferred to your tragic clime. We see its value now. We left our land to search for more. But none exists, it seems. So we return.

 

(bibar turns to kretch. they stare intently at each other for a few seconds, then nod their heads, and bibar moves to stand beside Kretch.)


kretch

Bibar leaves it to me to announce our decision.


hishi

You are returning to your land. Is that not your decision?


kretch

There is something else. More important, for you. We wish to offer the opportunity of a new and blessed homeland. We shall serve as guide along the road, and open wide the gates.


feton

You mean we may come with you?


aya

Do you hear that, God? You found someone to lead us out of the desert and into the promised land.


hishi

I didn't find them at all, but I'm packed and ready to go. When do we leave here, Kretch?


kretch

Wait! Wait! You anticipate too eagerly. There is one other thing.


hishi

What is it, Kretch?


aya

Whatever we need to do, we'll do.


ramugel

Just tell us, please, Kretch.


kretch

It is this. We take with us only two.


aya

Two of us?


kretch

Just two.


feton

Who, Kretch? Which two do you choose for the trip?


kretch

We have chosen none. Who goes is up to you.


ramugel

To us?


hishi

We must decide?


kretch

Two may go; and two remain. Your choosing will mark who goes. But you must not combine to discuss it. You must make your choices alone. So think. Who do you want to go? Who do you want to stay?

 

(Kretch observes as the others lapse into deep thinking. kretch begins to move among them, smiling and observing. bibar remains motionless as he observes.)


(continuing) kretch (continuing)

We do not as easily detect your thoughts in the way we do with our own, so if I may gently touch you ...

 

(Kretch goes to Feton and places her fingers on Feton's head. kretch mutters, smiles.)


(continuing) kretch (continuing)

Ah, yes. This works just fine.

 

(After a few moments with Feton, kretch moves to Ramugel, repeating the process; then she moves on to hishi and aya before standing alone a moment, assimilating the information.)


(continuing) kretch (continuing)

Most interesting. Indeed, such riveting muse. The thinking processes, apart and in sequence, are novel, engrossing, though brief. But then, you want to know the results, don't you?

      Feton elects to stay. She fears she might not endure the voyage, though I would have let you ride the soft back sometimes. But there is also her selflessness -- she is willing to decline her opportunity in order to make way for someone else. An admirable quality, Feton, though little understood. And by the way, Ramugel, she was hoping her choice made room for you.

      But Ramugel, too, decides to stay. She's afraid of the journey, fears the unknown, and doubts our basic honor. She wanted more than anything to remain with Feton; her staying would either keep her with Feton, or make room for Feton on the journey, she reasoned. She felt she could not lose.

      Now, you two ...

(Indicating Aya and Hishi)

Aya desperately wants a plentiful supply of food, an endless reserve of water, a gracious portion of comfort. He's weary of wanting and missing, of looking with tired eyes that find too little. Who can fault him? But he knew that, regardless of who went and who stayed, there would be something here that he sorely would miss, so he never could make up his mind.

      The other one -- whose name is unclear even to himself, it seems -- another creature of vacillation. He thought of the strangest reasons for taking the trip, and improper ones for staying. He simply could not decide. Then, in his mind, he tossed a flat stone, choosing rough side for staying, and the smooth side came up. And then he almost cried, and wondered why.

      And so now, your choice determines our choice; for, you see, the process of your choosing means more to us than the choice that you have made. You have revealed your strongest traits -- and your weakest. You have shown us what you have to offer.

 

(kretch and bibar look at each other a few seconds, then nod in consent.)


(continuing) kretch (continuing)

We pick Feton and Ramugel. Your selflessness is an attribute we can live with -- interesting enough to observe, and will probably make you more easily domesticated. Welcome. Just one more lengthy trip for you, and then the land of adequate. Come. Your new life begins.

 

(kretch and bibar move to exit. As they near exit, they sense that the women are not following. they turn back to them.)


(continuing) kretch (continuing)

Come, I say! We've not the time to waste! My sons are saddled and their wives are packed.


bibar

You haven't the time for good-byes.

 

(kretch and bibar turn again to leave, but ramugel's words stop them.)


ramugel

There's something about this that pulls the wrong way.


bibar

Nor have we time for nonsense!


kretch

Please don't perturb the old man.


feton

She's right. Something's wrong. We cannot go.


bibar

What?


kretch

You are declining our invitation?


feton

We cannot leave our ... friends.


bibar

You're choosing to stay with these pitiful beasts? Both of them covetous, slothful, aimless -- and each filled with treacherous doubt!


feton

Forget your foolish magic touch! You really do not know them. One of them has been my friend, the other one my god. Neither has been perfect in his role, or even, sometimes, very good. But they have been firm in what they are, and they have stood fast with us, through thin and even thinner. I do not want to leave them -- not because I am selfless, but because I, too, am greedy. I desperately want to feel their presence, though we could easily live without them. I want to hear their voices, though their sound can seldom console. I'm willing to share my water with them, and they will share their stones.

      It is true that we have cried and screamed and sometimes fought -- briefly, without malice, my God -- yet we have also touched and shared and made our homes. For whatever value it has for me, these are the ones I choose to be with.

 

(Kretch is disturbed -- even saddened -- at the turn of events. bibar stares at Feton for a few moments.)


bibar

And so, the truth is known. You're as pathetic as they. No, more -- for you had the opportunity and wasted it with the folly of emotion. Why didn't we pinpoint your authentic nature?


feton

Myopia is not bound by social stricture.


bibar

And to think that we almost let your kind into our midst. We should be thankful that, at least, you showed us your true selves, so base and shameful it is, before we hauled you off. As the nature of your state continues its decline, when even the faintest recall of dreams is long gone, I curse you with the constant memory of the offer of a gift, and rejection that spelled your doom.


feton

What looks like doom to you looks like life to us. We travel different roads.

 

(Bibar turns and walks away.)


bibar

Come with me, Kretch. We leave.

 

(bibar exits. kretch looks after him, then back to the others. Her sadness is obvious.)


(continuing; offstage) bibar (continuing; offstage)

Kretch Novn Pelded!


kretch

I shall come!

(To the others)

I must go.

(Hesitates)

You've something I wanted to learn about, for I did see that you have the seeds that could bring the harvest to feed your every hunger. And your fields are fertile now. It is true that we have pure rivers and rich soil and soft rains -- but you will gather the sweeter fruit.

      I pray God bless you and keep you.


hishi

I'll try.


ramugel

Goodbye.

 

(kretch exits. Slowly, everyone eases out of the tense positions, unsure of what to say -- unsure of their true bond. At last ramugel speaks to Feton.)


ramugel

I feel the need to walk a while.


feton

Do you think, my dear, it's safe?


ramugel

I never have felt safer.

 

(ramugel exits. feton remains in her "house"; without enthusiasm, she returns to stirring the pots' contents. aya and hishi have gone into a huddle. In moments, they approach the boundary line between their homes.)


aya

Feton?


feton

Yes?


aya

May we enter?

 

(Feton goes to the stones that mark the bounds and removes enough to form an opening.)


feton

You need never ask again.


aya

We, uh ... have come to, uh ...


hishi

... apologize.


aya

To say we're sorry.


feton

For what?


aya

I'm not sure. But I feel so in need of forgiveness.


hishi

And so do I.


feton

Well, now, there's an honest god if ever there was one.


aya

We feel we have failed you -- and Ramugel.


feton

No, you have not failed me. Not me or Ramugel. We never made promise or had expectation -- at least, none ever were stated. The crisis came at us; we stood there to face it. And looked more at ourselves than at them. We've questioned ourselves and doubted each other; we've questioned each other and doubted ourselves. But the storm has passed; we're safe ... and we're here. Perhaps that speaks our vows. When a torn garment has had its mend, the patch is the strongest part. Way I look at it, as long as I don't expect a friend to be perfect, and I don't expect God to be more than a friend, then things will likely work out very well.


aya

Then we are forgiven?


feton

Forgive yourselves, if it purges your pain. You never did us a wrong.


hishi

I'm thinking of a word.


aya

At a time like this, he plays charades?


hishi

I hope I'll be able to act it out, knowing now what I think it means.


feton

Ah, I think I know the word.


aya

Oh, yes. That word. The one that we earlier heard -- that had a pleasant ring ...


feton

... that no one could define ...


aya

... and yet could not discard.


feton

There are those words -- a few of them -- that never are defined with sound of mortal mouth, but only with an inner urge for music or for dreams.

 

(they stand together, looking at one another, and then they extend their hands and touch.)


(continuing) feton (continuing)

(To Aya)

And to you, Aya, I beg to make amends, for discarding your sound-making stick. I think I know now its true value, and I'll miss it. To prove my contrition ...

 

(feton reaches into a hiding place and takes out her mirror.)


(continuing) feton (continuing)

I shall destroy my treasure and release the beautiful creature that it holds.


aya

No, don't, Feton! You mustn't!

 

(His cry is too late. feton flings the mirror to the ground and the glass shatters. she and aya look at the pieces in amazement. they get down on their knees, examining the shards -- then realize the truth of the object. they begin to laugh at themselves as the puzzled hishi observes.)


feton

There's really nothing there at all!

 

(aya is holding a piece of mirror, moving it to observe the others in its reflection.)


aya

Of course there is! All the beauty that you ever saw -- all that and even more.


feton

Of course! Of course you're right.


aya

Oh, Hishi my friend, I'll explain it sometime. What fools we made of ourselves.


hishi

But why so much of this sound that you make, like the hoopla of a hungry hyena.


feton

That's laughter, my friend. It's called laughter


aya

When ignorance leaves, a hole is left. That's the happy sound of its filling.


feton

(To Hishi)

My God, did you notice that Aya called you Hishi?


hishi

It's all right. It's a memory I like to recall.

 

(ramugel comes rushing in, very excited.)


ramugel

Feton! Everyone! Look what I found! The very strangest thing!

 

(she holds out her hand. In it is a flower.)


hishi

What is that outlandish animal?


aya

There goes God playing dumb again.


hishi

I'm not playing dumb!


aya

And denying it. His way, I suppose, of forcing us to think things through for ourselves. Oh, I must remember to write that down someday.


hishi

Do you think, by the time you write your book, you'll recall what really occurred?


aya

Don't worry, my God. If facts aren't convenient, the gist will be there. The thing will read like a charm.


hishi

Such inspired imagination will result in over-writing.


aya

I'll try to stop short of confusing disciples.

 

(feton has taken the flower gently in her hand.)


feton

This isn't an animal -- not at all. I think this ... is a, a ... flower. I heard about flowers in stories when I was a little girl. It grows. From the ground. On a plant -- like this. And this, Ramugel ... I believe ... it is, it's green -- the color I told you about!


hishi

It's a ... floor? A green floor?


aya

(To Hishi)

Is she on the right track?


ramugel

I thought green was simply a fable.


feton

Perhaps we've thought too much was fable, and far too little real. Where did you find it?


ramugel

Near the rise of rocks where the growler lived, before he gave up and moved on. About a hard stone's throw from here.


feton

I should not be eager and thinking this way, but ... was there, perchance, more of them?


ramugel

There are many!

 

(ramugel reaches into her pockets and pulls out handfuls of the flowers, throwing them all around.)


(continuing) ramugel (continuing)

They grow in great abundance there! And in the midst of this beautiful field is a tree that makes such enthralling music as the breezes stir its leaves.


feton

The truth of beauty reveals itself, as does the beauty of truth. Indeed, it's the time of renewal! For where the plants grow, there is water. And where there is water, there is life. And where there is life, there are we. My friends, it really is the time to celebrate our spring!

 

(they quickly get into preparation for the festival. The Men move rocks into position for sitting together; The Women make final preparation of the food and will ladle it into bowls.

(As this action gets underway, ramugel begins singing -- a single tone. aya hears it and joins in with his single harmonic tone. hishi joins with a third tone, then feton with the fourth. Then different tones are tried by each, one at a time. At first, the sound may seem chant-like, but then takes on a freer and more joyous mood. The myriad single tones shift and swell as they weave the binding fabric of joy and hope. Their hymn fills the air.

(they seat themselves on the rocks, bowls of food in their hands, happy and smiling at each other, and as their song concludes, they freeze.

(g'tzn and v'dz have stepped into sight, keeping their distance from the merrymakers. With their freezing, v'dz goes closer. v'dz shows an excitement at his observation.)


v'dz

They did find something, didn't they? They finally found it!


g'tzn

Oh, I think they found quite a lot. And you played a part in that, didn't you? -- throwing the seed over there ...


v'dz

I really didn't have that in mind -- and besides, I thought they were beans. And then the flute took root. Still, they found something even more important than the flowers and the music, didn't they?


g'tzn

Of course.


v'dz

And it makes all the difference to them.


g'tzn

Indeed. It would make all the difference to anyone.

 

(v'dz studies the scene a bit more before making his significant pronouncement.)


v'dz

They found love.


g'tzn

(A beat)

Well ... yes ... that's one of the results ...


v'dz

But that's what this is all about!

(A beat; suddenly unsure)

Isn't it?


g'tzn

You're too much the sentimentalist, V'dz. And it's causing you to miss something.


v'dz

Oh! Happiness! They found happiness!


g'tzn

Mmm, the key to it, I think ...


v'dz

Well what, then? What is it they found? What have I missed?


g'tzn

Oh, this is one of those lessons that you must earn. I cannot give it to you. And that's the strength of their gift to you.


v'dz

Their gift to me?


g'tzn

Oh, there's never a shortage of gifts -- but short-sightedness may keep you from finding them.


v'dz

And where did those strangers from another land come from, anyway? I knew nothing about them.


g'tzn

My goodness, V'dz, it's never just our people working on these projects. I thought you knew that.


v'dz

It isn't?


g'tzn

Come, now. Let's go. Come! We'll leave them in peace to make their way. For this time, I think they'll make it.


v'dz

You really think so?


g'tzn

Come. Wish them well.


v'dz

Oh, I do. I give them every good wish that I have.


g'tzn

As do we all.

 

(g'tzn and v'dz turn to give the group one last look, and they, too, freeze and become part of the tableau. Then, very slowly ...

 

(lights out.)


-- End of Play –


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