I'm currently at work on a new play. The novel in progress is on hold; the poetry collection is coming in fits and starts. As I work on the new play, yet another idea for yet another new play has arisen. That one will have to wait over there with the novel and poetry collection.
This week, I'm sharing two of my works. One is a monologue of a character based on my grandmother Maggie. It isn't based on a real incident, but one from my imagination. It is called "Common as a Loaf of Bread."
The second is a libretto for a small opera entitled "Alberta." The libretto was published by Oregon Literary Review, but the opera music has never been completed and the opera not yet performed.
What of my writing would you like to see more of? Fiction, non-fiction, drama, poetry?
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COMMON AS A LOAF OF BREAD
a monologue
by Sandra de Helen
MARGARET
Child, don't get underfoot. I've got to get this bread worked up early today because I got to get those tomatoes picked before they rot on their blamed vines. Cockeye! Now see what you made me do! I've dumped in too much flour. Hand me that can of lard.
Can't she see I'm busy here? Lord love her she's quick as a trout, but she WILL hang about asking questions.
Diana May will you set your hiney down in the corner? If you're going to watch, I'd druther you watched from over yonder.
Oh now she's going to pout. Here she is plumb grown up with young'uns of her own, still pouting when her grandma don't pay her enough attention. Well, I guess it won't kill me to tell her how to bake bread, though God knows why anybody would want to do it lessen they had to. I'd go to the store and buy light bread if I had the money.
Here now. You see the ingredients ain't nothing but yeast and scalded milk mixed together good, then flour and lard. How much? Depends on how many loaves you're aiming to make. Just dump some in until it looks right. Now take this ball here and start working it. Wait, wait, dust your hands first ... that's good, you don't need to cover the whole kitchen floor. Okay, now work it. Here the table's big enough for both of us I reckon. Just do what I do.
Look at her. Thirty-three years old and never baked a loaf of bread in her life. Ask me, Gladys spoiled that child. Of course, Gladys is near sixty and I never caused her to bake bread, so I guess it's my fault when you come down to it. Ain't none of us had it easy though, what with one thing and another. There ain't a one of us could ever tolerate a man for any length of time. Although I'd still be with Donald if he hadn't of died.
What? No, we got a ways to go yet. I was just thinking about your grandpa. Yeah, he was a good 'un. Don't let up! You got to knead that dough till it's as stretchy and smooth as the elastic in your drawers. If your arms hurt, you have to think about something else.
She's evidently got something on her mind. Looks like the kneading is taking her mind off IT instead of the other way around. Whatever it is, she'll either tell me or she won't.
What time does that gal you brought down here get up out of the bed? Well, what did she stay up so late for? Didn't the light keep you up too? I never could of stood nobody reading in bed. You know how I am about that. When it's time for bed it's time for bed. Reading is for some other time. Where did you meet this gal... okay, Judy then. Where did you meet Judy?
Theater. I can't figure how she has time to write them pieces and put them on. Works all day, raises little Serena all by herself and now she's putting on plays to boot.
Any men in the plays you put on? Well, I just wondered, that's all. Curious, you know. I don't know when's the last time you mentioned a man, and you're young and healthy yet. Why your mother had been married four or five times by the time she was your age.
Look at her blush. I wonder if she's got a beau she ain't mentioned.
How's your dough doing? Why look at that! It's as pretty as a new Playtex! Here, let's let 'em rest a spell. Just put her in a ball, slap her in that bowl and cover her up. Good, good. Let's clean up our mess now.
She seems disappointed. Look at her, she's deep in study. Wants to tell me something, I can see that. I sure wish she'd go ahead on and spit it out. Whatever it is, it can't be that bad.
Child, are you fixing to move to Alaska again? or what?
Her face has gone red again. What in the world is so hard to say?
Is that all? Well, Diana honey, it don't matter none who you love, long as you love somebody. This Judy person seems okay. Is she good to you? That's all that matters then. Don't you worry about what people think. People ain't dumb, they know there's always been women who loved other women, and men who, well, you know. You told your mom yet? You better do that, you know she worries about you. Yeah, you go on and do that now, I got to see to the tomatoes myself.
Poor thing. All that upset just because she's gone and fell in love with a girl. I could tell her a thing or two, but she'll find out what she needs to know. I'm glad her father didn't live to see this day. Men don't understand these things. I know John never understood about me and Betty Jo. Had to go all crazy and get a divorce. Betty Jo would have had a laugh about Diana May. Funny how things turn out.
****
Alberta the Opera (libretto)
c 1999 Sandra de Helen
PRELUDE
Dance troupe (e.g., Do Jump!) depicts baby Alberta’s abandonment, her being taken in by a wolf clan, raised by them, then being discovered by scientist/professor, captured and studied by him.
ACT ONE
Scene One: Hall outside classroom at the University
of Montana, Helena. ROY and PROFESSOR
are conversing.
PROFESSOR
Indeed, rumor has it that the government will intercede.
They say we cannot allow ranching
to die out completely.
ROY
It is not ranching itself that is at stake in Montana.
The conglomerates are certain to succeed.
PROFESSOR
What you say may be true. However, all
the ranchers have united in their desire
to end the re-introduction project.
ROY
Yes, the wolves are killing our herds. Their release
onto our lands has decimated
not only the numbers of sheep and cattle,
but the number of ranches as well.
PROFESSOR
A reliable source has revealed to me
that an announcement will be made
later today,
naming the Leader of the Hunt.
ROY
The Department of the Interior will
sponsor a hunt to kill the wolves?
PROFESSOR
Yes, the wolves will be eliminated.
The ranches will be saved.
A leader will be chosen
this very day.
ROY
Oh! Lucky man!
PROFESSOR
Young and brave and strong is he!
Now I leave you
I must prepare for my afternoon lecture.
(Exits)
ROY
If I were that man! If my dreams
were realized ... A rescue for the ranchers,
led by me. Victory!
The respect, the satisfaction of saving
small ranches from bankruptcy
from obliteration. All Montana
would revere me.
My fellow students would cheer me.
And I would return to you,
sweet Alberta,
to tell you, for you I succeeded,
for you,
for our love.
Heavenly Alberta, graceful Alberta!
mystical form of light and beauty
You fill my thoughts
and haunt my dreams
You are the joy of my soul.
I would go with you, return you
to your own big sky
the mountain breezes of your native land
for which you are named.
ROY (Continued)
I would build our cabin in the sky
and harbor you there forever.
Heavenly Alberta, graceful Alberta!
mystical form of light and beauty
You fill my thoughts
and haunt my dreams
You are the joy of my soul.
(ENTER DOLORES)
DOLORES
Look at you, oh happy man!
The delight in your eyes,
upon your face!
She must be quite a woman
to create so much rapture in your heart.
If only I were such a goddess!
ROY
I was dreaming aloud, I fear.
Thinking only of myself as a leader of men.
For today the Secretary of the Interior
will name the savior of Montana.
And I long to be he!
DOLORES
I can see why any man would yearn to be
the savior of Montana --
how grandiose!
ROY
I admit that is true!
DOLORES
And yet I feel you hide the truth from me.
Are you sure there is not a woman
behind the flame in your cheeks?
Do you not bear the torch for her?
ROY
Who?
(She has heard me call the name of my love.
She has discovered my secret.
What shall I say or do?)
DOLORES
(I hope that I am that secret woman.)
ROY
(She knows I love Alberta!)
DOLORES
(Is he shy? Or am I not the one?)
ROY
(She has read my mind, or
read my journal, or
she heard me call the name ...)
[ALBERTA ENTERS]
Alberta!
DOLORES
Alberta! My friend, come to me.
You know Roy, I believe?
What’s this? Are you tearful?
ALBERTA
It is weak of me, I know.
But I have only just learned
that the government plans
to kill the wolves!
Here! In Montana!
The wolves who were brought here from my
own province, my country: Canada.
Why? I do not understand why!
ROY
The project is a failure.
The wolves are preying on our herds.
ALBERTA
But why not return the wolves to Canada?
DOLORES
How naive! Alberta surely you
realize the expense involved in such an endeavor.
Far easier to kill them.
ROY
The hunt will be humane, you will see.
Better to shoot them than to let them starve.
ALBERTA
Why not feed them?
ROY
Our ranches are in danger of disappearing.
The wolves must be eliminated.
Remember, it is only a small number
and they -- once gone --
will not be replaced.
Montana will be saved!
ALBERTA
(I love him! But how can I love him,
when he believes the wolves should die?)
DOLORES
Alberta, still you cry.
Can you not see the logic of this plan?
(Something more must trouble her.
Is she the love in Roy’s heart?)
ROY
(Rip my heart from its cage! How can I
love Alberta
when she loves the wolves more
than Montana?)
It is a simple plan,
and it will not take long.
ALBERTA
(My heart cries out to Roy
as well as to the wolves
who raised me from a baby.
Oh pain and sorrow,
fill my soul.)
ROY
(Dolores sees something between
Alberta and me.
She knows our secret.
Look at the anger
flash upon her face.)
DOLORES
(These two! How dare they carry on?
He is mine,
he belongs to me.
Alberta is a misfit, not truly
a woman, not really
a wolf. She belongs nowhere.
She should leave him be!)
[SECRETARY ENTERS]
Father!
SECRETARY
Dolores my pet, I am happy I found you.
I am about to name the man
who will lead the hunt,
put an end to the failed
re-introduction project.
DOLORES
Alberta, this is my father,
Secretary of the Interior.
Father, you know Roy.
SECRETARY
The student rancher!
I do. Please, all of you
follow me to the quadrangle.
SCENE TWO:
[THEY ALL walk to the quad, where a media conference is assembled.]
SECRETARY
Ladies and gentlemen of the media,
I have called you here today
to announce the end of the re-introduction
of wolves to Montana.
Our experiment has failed.
The wolves will be hunted and eliminated.
I hereby name the Leader of the Hunt:
Roy, a student rancher from Helena.
ALBERTA, DOLORES, MEDIA
Roy! Roy! Roy!
ROY
Thanks be to the gods!
My dream has come true!
DOLORES
(My love! the leader!)
ALBERTA
(Why do I tremble?)
SECRETARY
Now, young hero,
go to the Federal Building.
Your weapons and victory
wait for you.
ALBERTA
(Why do I cry? For whom shall I pray?
What power binds me to the wolves?
Or to Roy?
Who is my friend?
Who is the enemy?)
ROY
A thrill of glory enters my being.
Filled to overflowing, I hurry
now to gather my hunters!
Death to the wolves!
Montana is saved!
DOLORES
[To ROY] Take this locket, wear
my picture next to your heart.
Your victory is assured.
I share your joy.
My darling, I must tell you --
I asked my father to appoint you --
to fulfill your dream
of saving Montana.
(Because I love him so,
I want only to see him happy.)
I share your dream
I share your joy.
Go now, save Montana!
SECRETARY
(Failure of my project tastes bitter
on my lips. May victory
in this endeavor bring happiness to me,
to my daughter Dolores,
and to her beloved -- Roy.
Darling daughter not only your joy
is at stake. My heart cries
out for victory!
Sweet Victory!
[TO ROY]
Go, go now, Roy!
Bring victory!
ALBERTA
(For whom shall I weep?
For whom shall I pray?)
MEDIA, SECRETARY
Go, go now Roy! Save the ranches!
Save Montana!
DOLORES
Save Montana!
ALL
Go Roy, save Montana!
[ALL EXIT EXCEPT ALBERTA]
ALBERTA
Save Montana?
My own throat, my own lips gave voice
to this disastrous cry.
How can I love a man who
goes now to kill the very family
that raised me?
The animals who sheltered me
fed and nurtured me?
My human parents abandoned me,
left me to the wolves.
The wolf clan claimed me.
Adopted me as one of their own.
Now I turn my back on them?
Allow my heart to turn to stone?
Oh, Goddess of the Moon, hear my
prayer, look on my tear-stained face
and pity me.
Goddess, lead me to the truth of my soul
show me what to do.
Roy is the only man I have ever loved
he is handsome
he is brave
He treats me with tenderness and care.
He holds a grand vision
to save the small ranches from extinction.
And yet, and yet -- Goddess of the Moon,
you know why my heart is breaking.
My clan faces certain death.
How can I love the man who
brings their destruction?
All I ever wanted, all I ever prayed for
was a family. A normal family.
Goddess, do not abandon me.
[SHE BEGINS TO HOWL. SOON, THE WOLVES JOIN IN.]
END ACT ONE
ACT TWO
SCENE ONE
In the classroom. Professor is
lecturing. ALBERTA is seated in
student chair. DOLORES stands
behind desk to right of
PROFESSOR (who leans back
against front of desk.)
PROFESSOR
Today we cover much ground,
preparing for your examinations.
Ask yourselves what would you do
if your herds were
being attacked, your sheep, your cattle
slaughtered by wild animals?
You have seen the results of my study,
my long-term experiment
with the re-introduction of one
human child
into society, one rescued from the wild.
She is your fellow here,
your classmate, perhaps your friend.
But objectively, ask yourselves
this: Has the project been a success?
Does Alberta share your values,
hopes and dreams?
Is she everything she seems?
(Or perhaps more? Dear God, I secretly
pray for more.)
DOLORES
Thank you, Professor.
With your permission
I will lead the class from here.
PROFESSOR
Yes, of course.
(Dear God, I pray Alberta’s soul
has remained wild. That she
will rise up and speak for her wolf clan.)
I leave you in the best of hands.
[HE EXITS]
DOLORES
Alberta, there is no need for you
to write the examination.
As the object of the Professor’s study
you are not expected
to maintain objectivity.
ALBERTA
I require no special favors
I will write the essay with my fellows.
DOLORES
Whatever you prefer.
We will now see
a film of the creatures in the wild.
DANCES OF THE WOLVES
ALBERTA
(My family! My family!
my heart belongs to you.)
SCENE TWO
[SHE RUNS FROM THE CLASSROOM TO THE QUADRANGLE]
ACTIVISTS
Stop the killing!
Save the wolves!
[REPEAT]
LONE ACTIVIST
Look! It is Alberta --
Alberta, raised by wolves.
She must know their ways,
the truth of their lives!
ACTIVISTS
Alberta! Alberta!
Come join us!
Save the wolves,
stop the killing!
ALBERTA
Please, leave me alone.
(I cannot help myself,
how can I help their cause?)
Leave me in peace.
LONE ACTIVIST
Alberta! Hear our plea,
only you and you alone
know first-hand the truth,
and beauty, of their lives.
ACTIVISTS
[SURROUNDING ALBERTA] Stop the killing!
Save the wolves!
[REPEAT]
SCENE THREE
[ALBERTA breaks free, returns to the
classroom, which is empty except for
the PROFESSOR, who is preparing to
leave.]
ALBERTA
Professor please help me,
you are the only one who can help me!
PROFESSOR
Alberta, my dear girl,
what can I do?
ALBERTA
I do not know which way to turn.
My heart is breaking.
My very soul is in pain.
Oh Professor, what am I to do?
For whom shall I pray?
PROFESSOR
Why? What has happened?
ALBERTA
I love Roy, I love him fiercely
and yet,
And yet, my heart seems to tear itself
from my body.
All I want is a normal life,
a family of my own.
I dream of Roy and our children
playing together, living in the sun
of the big skies.
But the wolves! They own my soul!
The wolf clan is my family
and Roy has gone
to save Montana!
PROFESSOR
Dear Alberta, my child, you
must put these things from your mind.
Put them behind you.
Think only of your studies.
PROFESSOR (Continued)
Science is the answer,
the only answer.
You should write a grant for further study.
(And yet, and yet, my heart leaps
to know she knows her true family
is the wolf clan!)
ALBERTA
Thank you, Professor for listening
to my tale.
I leave you now to return
to my prayers.
(For whom shall I weep?
For whom shall I pray?)
END ACT TWO
ACT THREE
SCENE ONE
ALBERTA alone in the moonlight.
ALBERTA
Goddess of the Moon
Please hear me tonight.
No one understands my fears,
my confusion, my plight.
Why do I love this man who
will destroy the ones who kept me alive,
fed and nurtured me and made me
one of their own?
Goddess, why?
Why do I love Roy?
[ROY ENTERS]
Roy!
ROY
Alberta! Heavenly Alberta!
So it is true!
Do not turn away,
I love you, too.
ALBERTA
Yes, I love you,
but I cannot be with you!
ROY
Alberta, please, listen to me.
I love you.
If I succeed, I want us to marry!
ALBERTA
Marry?
(He wants us to marry!
Oh joy, he will be mine!)
ROY
I will save our ranch, we
will marry.
We will raise a family!
We will howl at the moon!
Howl at the moon!
[HE PLAYFULLY HOWLS AT THE MOON. ALBERTA JOINS HIM, BUT THE HOWLING CATCHES HER AND TAKES HER OVER. SHE HOWLS AS A WOLF.]
Or maybe not!
Maybe we will not howl at the moon!
[HE LAUGHS. SHE TRIES TO LAUGH.]
So you see my love,
you are my love.
It is for you, as well as for me,
that I must lead the hunt,
must save Montana!
Please keep our secret safe,
and pray for my victory.
[KISSES HER; EXITS]
SCENE TWO
Return of the hunters. A crowd has
gathered at the university quadrangle.
Most are the ranchers and students, but
a few are the animal activists, of whom
Alberta is now one. They face off
against each other while they await
the return of the hunters.
RANCHERS, STUDENTS
Save the ranches!
Save Montana!
ACTIVISTS, ALBERTA
Stop the killing!
Save the wolves!
[REPEAT]
[ENTER PROFESSOR, DOLORES, SECRETARY]
PROFESSOR
Soon the hunters return.
DOLORES
He will return victorious.
SECRETARY
I hope they have been victorious!
(If only this fiasco were behind me.
If only I had not agreed to re-introduce
the wolves.
If only they had not preyed upon the cattle.
If only there had been a better way.)
I am sure they were victorious!
DOLORES
Look! Here are the hunters now.
(How my pulse quickens at the sight
of my beloved Roy!)
[ROY ENTERS, FOLLOWED BY THE HUNTERS. THEY CARRY ONE WOLF TIED TO A LIMB.]
ALL (EXCEPT ACTIVISTS & ALBERTA)
Hail to the leader of the hunt!
Welcome return to each and everyone of you
who dared to take up your weapons,
to save our ranches from the predators
from our enemy
from the wolves.
Roy! Roy! Roy!
SECRETARY
Roy! Receive the commendation
from your grateful government.
We honor your commitment,
your vision for our nation.
CHORUS
Roy, our grateful government
bestows this commendation
to honor your commitment
and your vision for our nation!
(REPEAT)
ROY
I proudly accept
this honor for all our efforts
(And I am proud, except ...)
DOLORES
Roy, you are my hero!
You are the man I adore.
Come, my sweetheart, let us go.
Pray, what do you linger for?
ROY
(Where is Alberta? Have I lost her?
Forever? I long for her.
Wait! She is here, I’m sure.
[THEIR EYES MEET WHEN HE SEES HER WITH THE PROTESTERS]
I have lost her!)
Yes, why do we linger here?
We must celebrate the victory!
[ALBERTA LEAVES, CRYING]
DOLORES
Lover, now that you have fulfilled your dream,
why not fulfill mine?
Our marriage would be
the perfect way to show
the world your victory.
My father would happily bestow
his wealth as well as his honor
upon our union; if you will make it so.
ROY
Yes, oh yes, Dolores! Let us marry!
We will return to my ranch lands,
we will raise a beautiful family.
Let the justice join our hands!
Fine people, share our joy!
Celebrate our engagement!
ROY/DOLORES
Fine people, share our joy!
Celebrate our engagement!
CHORUS
He has returned a hero,
filled with joy and victory!
Now they will marry
and raise a family.
Celebrate! Share the joy!
SCENE THREE
Outside the building where a
wedding shower is in progress. Reveling guests, including
DOLORES and ROY can be seen
within. ALBERTA is outside,
looking in. ROY comes outdoors
for a breath of fresh air.
ALBERTA tries to hide, but he
sees her.
ROY
Alberta! You are here!
Why are you not inside?
ALBERTA
I did not come for the shower,
see? I brought no gift, nothing.
I’m sorry, I will leave. I don’t want to interfere,
or to cause you pain.
ROY
It is true, the sight of your face
brings me sorrow and pain.
We should be in this place
together. It is you I should be marrying.
ALBERTA
No! We have made our choices --
each of us. You chose to shoot and kill
innocent animals, who had no voice
in their fate, no choice but to be killed.
ROY
Can you not see that I did only
what I had to do to survive?
To save the ranches, I had to be
the one to end their lives?
ALBERTA
No! No, it is not true. Here is what I see:
You are a pawn in their game.
It is the mega-ranches that are the enemy.
Dolores, the Secretary
they mislead and misguide you
They use your own vision
to betray you!
Oh Roy, open your heart.
You mind, your eyes!
Help me save the wolves,
Help me save their lives!
ROY
You are deluded. The wolves are gone!
I led the men
We eliminated them all
we counted every one!
The project is over,
the work is done.
ALBERTA
I wish I didn’t know this terrible truth
If only it weren’t the fact
The activists are planning a massive release
of wolves from Canada
They are ringing them here,
to Montana!
ROY
Make them cease!
Stop the release!
If the activists follow through
You know what the Secretary will do!
ALBERTA
Roy, please, stand with me!
If we join forces -- and publicly --
together we can form a bond
together we’re stronger than either one
Do you not see?
They will have to stop the release,
stop the killing.
ROY
Alberta, you are the one who must stop them
you can and must plead
Make them cease the release
and no more wolves will have to die.
ALBERTA
Roy, you are the one who must stop them
You can and must plead
Make the government see
that no more wolves should have to die.
ROY ALBERTA
You don’t understand! You don’t understand!
You must make a stand! You must make a stand!
ALBERTA
I thought, deep down
somewhere inside you
I was certain
that you truly loved me.
ROY
I hoped, deep down
somewhere inside me
I was praying
that you truly loved me.
ROY/ALBERTA
I do!
I do love you!
You don’t understand me --
I don’t understand you.
ROY
Can you not see
that if I choose you
I lose everything I’ve ever dreamed of.
My ranch, my newfound place in the world?
I saved Montana!
My heart cries out for you,
cries out, Alberta!
But I am a rancher,
and if I have to,
I will once again: Save Montana!
ALBERTA
You belong to Dolores.
You belong to Montana.
Your heart will never be free.
You will do what you must,
you will kill again,
and my heart is with my family.
[THEY BOTH ARE IN DESPAIR. THEY BOTH SOFTLY HOWL AS THEY WALK AWAY FROM EACH OTHER, TO OPPOSITE SIDES OF DOWNSTAGE. THEY TURN TO LOOK AT EACH OTHER.]
LIGHTS FADE; AS THEY DO, A SMALL SPOT CATCHES DOLORES SITTING AT AN OPEN WINDOW.
ACT FOUR
SCENE ONE
DOLORES pulls SECRETARY outdoors from the shower
party.
DOLORES
Father, there is something you need to know.
As I waited by the window for Roy,
I overheard a plot to overthrow
your recent success and victory.
SECRETARY
You overheard Roy plotting to undo
his own victory?
That is blasphemy!
DOLORES
No, not Roy, you misunderstand.
hear me out, listen now.
It is the activists’ plan
to release thousands of Canada’s
hungry wolves in Montana!
SECRETARY
We must stop them now.
Before the news spreads.
Blast those damned protesters to hell!
Everything was going so well!
We have to find Roy,
I will appoint him again.
He can renew the hunt
He can round up his men,
and once again,
Save Montana!
[ROY ENTERS]
Roy! My boy!
You are just the man
I wanted to see.
DOLORES
My darling! Where have you been?
You are needed again,
to save Montana!
ROY
I don’t know what you mean,
I have already been
on the hunt and completed my mission.
SECRETARY
We were recently told
of an evil plot, that is unfolding
to undo what we’ve done
The protesters will discredit you
unless you pick up your gun.
ROY
No! I will not go again!
I will not gather the men
I will not kill another innocent wolf!
I cannot!
DOLORES
What are you saying?
Have you lost your mind?
Or, do you prefer to lose your land?
SECRETARY
My son, I see it’s a blow
Believe me, I know
What it means to have your work
come undone.
But you must go again,
now, go gather your men
And just once again,
Save Montana!
ROY (to Dolores)
I know we are to marry
I know I am being unkind
But I cannot kill the wolves again
Somehow I have changed my mind.
DOLORES
Somehow? You mean someone!
I know you love Alberta.
I thought my love had won,
but then, well then, I heard her.
And I knew I had lost you.
Lost your love to her --
you love Alberta!
ROY
I’m sorry, it is true.
I find that I do
love Alberta!
And I can never again
do what hurts her.
The wolves are her clan.
What kind of a man
would choose their death
over life with Alberta?
I do love Alberta!
[to Secretary]
I’m sorry, it’s true.
I find that I do
love Alberta!
I will no longer hurt her!
Alberta!
[EXITS]
SCENE TWO
ALBERTA sits in the moonlight,
surrounded by a wolf clan.
She pets them; they comfort her.
ALBERTA
All I ever wanted was a family.
How long it took me to see --
my family!
You loved and protected me,
nurtured and held me,
You gave your all to me
and for me.
Now I ask that you also
forgive me.
My family! I love you,
my family!
Once you stood prepared to die
to protect me.
Now I stand prepared to die
to protect you.
My family! I love you,
my family!
For awhile I forgot you,
tried to outrun you.
Thought I had to be normal,
whatever that means.
Forgive me for pretending
to be only human.
You taught me to know better.
I tried to forget.
I wanted to be a woman.
I wanted a man.
You taught me to always
remember my clan.
I’m not only human
I’m one of my clan.
You are my only family,
ALBERTA (Continued)
my real family.
We are family.
Together we live, or
together we die.
[ROY ENTERS. ALBERTA PUSHES THE WOLVES INTO THE CAVE, AND STANDS PROTECTIVELY IN FRONT.]
ROY
Alberta! At last I have found you!
ALBERTA
Don’t shoot!
ROY
Alberta, my love, I will never again hurt you.
I have no weapon, I come only to find you.
Heavenly Alberta, graceful Alberta
mystical form of beauty and light.
Be with me tonight.
You are the love of my life.
ALBERTA
I cannot leave my family.
I am making my stand.
I will live or I will die, here.
I will not leave my clan.
ROY
Then I will stand with you
if you will allow.
I’ll love and protect you,
our life together starts now.
ALBERTA
How long it took me to see --
my family!
They loved and protected me,
nurtured and fed me.
They gave their all to me
and for me.
My family!
Once they stood prepared to die for me.
Now I stand ready to die.
ALBERTA (Continued)
My family!
They have forgiven me,
my family.
ROY
Forgive me, can you ever forgive me?
You and your family?
BEHIND THE SCRIM, DOLORES
PLEADS WITH HER FATHER.
DOLORES
Father, please!
You are the Secretary!
You can call off the hunt,
give in to their please.
Father, I am on my knees!
Begging you, Father, if you love me,
make it stop
call it off!
If you don’t, he’ll be killed
and I do love him still.
SECRETARY
Daughter, please stand.
He’s no good for you
He’s not even a man.
He does not love you.
Stand up for yourself,
Be a woman, be strong
the pain won’t last long.
Come on, Dolores.
Let him go, Dolores.
DOLORES
Father, please!
Do you not see?
You know what he is to me --
I want to marry Roy --
not bury Roy
because you won’t stop the hunt!
SECRETARY
I cannot stop the hunt.
The men have all gone.
There is no turning back.
The hunt must go on.
Forget him, Dolores!
Roy will save himself
even though he won’t
Save Montana.
I will save Montana!
[SECRETARY EXITS. DOLORES SITS WEEPING.]
DOLORES
Oh, Goddess of the Moon,
you are all I have now.
I pray that you will soon
save him somehow.
Save him somehow.
I can’t save him now.
HUNTERS are heard in the distance. ROY and ALBERTA rise
to their feet. ROY pulls a hunter’s
vest from his backpack, tries to
put it on ALBERTA. She refuses.
ROY/ALBERTA
Goddess of the Moon,
hear our plea.
The hunters will be here soon,
will you save our family?
ROY ALBERTA
We make our stand! Roy, hold my hand!
ROY/ALBERTA
We pledge our love!
[THEY FACE THE MOON AND BEGIN TO HOWL.]
THE END
I will never tire of reading Common As A Loaf of Bread. The story that you tell as an external and internal one sided dialogue is superb. One of your best.
I saw Dolores, Alberta and Roy dashing about in a early movie, female forearms raised to foreheads, from one side of the screen to the other, him clutching his fists, his face tortured by the decisions he finds himself making. All very melodramatic. As a bread maker I’d rather be in the kitchen with gran. Rather dough on my hand than a gun in it. ‘Take over boy while I go and find Betty Jo… before I start howling…’ By the time I finished I was exhausted. Phew that was some read! 🐰