Chains Rev 9-7-27-10 by Jeff Goins

8/9/2019 Chains Rev 9-7-27-10 by Jeff Goins

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Chains



CHAINS

by

Jeff Goins

V – 7-26-2010Cover art by Lyric Goins

701 Brookwood Ave

Hamilton, Ohio 45013

Home Phone - 513-896-9309Cell - 513-291-0706

Email: [email protected]



ACT I

SCENE 1

HONEYMOON. VACATION SPOT. PRESENT DAY.

The sound of an instrument beingtuned begins before the curtainsopen. Curtains open on empty stage with a the bard sitting atop aplatform tuning his bouzouki. Thereis a large blank screen in thebackground.

BARDOh! Hello. 'Be with you in just a moment.

(Finishes tuning, stands)Allow me to introduce myself. I am Dirwyn Scop the

bard, the spirit of lore, a teller of tales, a weaver of blankets of song and fable to keep you warm on frosty midwinter nights, blah, blah, blah,you get the idea. The story tonight is about twoyoung lovers with love in their hearts and foreveron their minds. Anna Savannah Hope, young,beautiful, but oh so easily bored, and Evan, nobleyoung man who fears his own shadow and worries thathe worries too much. Both bound by the chains ofloneliness but are about to meet and fall in love.But love, enigmatic creature that it is, sometimesleads those of us with even the best intentions

and the truest hearts on the strangestadventures...

"CHAINS"

Evan and Anna Savannah Hope enterdancing to the song. Acting out the meeting, courtship, and marriage.

BARD SINGS

CHAINSA LONELY YOUNG DREAMERHER THOUGHTS IN THE SHADOWS

WAITING FOR LOVETO BLOW IN THROUGH HER WINDOWSWAITING FOR THE SONGSILENCE ONLY ANSWERS HER CALL

A JACK OF ALL TRADESA WANDERER OF PAGESNOT SEEKING, NOT FINDINGTHROUGH UNCOUNTED AGES



NEEDING JUST A SONGNOT KNOWING HE NEEDED AT ALL

WHAT WOULD SHE DO IF HE CALLED DOWN A STARLAID IT RIGHT DOWN AT HER FEETBOASTED OF TREASURE AND PROMISED HER GOLD

BUT GAVE HER NOTHING,GAVE HER NOTHING BUT LOVE

ANNA WHEN WILL I BELONG?EVANWAITING ON THE OUTSIDE LOOKING IN

ANNA WHEN WILL THIS PAIN END?

EVANSTANDING ALONE IN RAIN

ANNA WHEN WILL THE SUN RISE?

EVANAND FEEL THE WARMTH IN MY HEART

ANNA WHEN WILL THE WINDS CHANGE?

EVANAND TOUCH SOMEONE TO RELEASE ME

ANNA WHEN WILL I BE FREE?

EVANSET ME FREE, SET ME FREE, SET ME FREE

ANNA FROM THESE CHAINS

NARRATORWAITING BY THE SHOREWAITING BY THE TELEPHONE

WAITING FOR THE POSTMANTO BRING HIM A METAPHORDRESSED BEFORE COFFEEPEEKING THROUGH CURTAINS DRAWNHE WAITS FOR HER FOR THEMTO SAIL AWAY WITH THE DAWNPLAYING TO THE SONGLAYING IN THE SAND



KNOWING ALL ALONGMUSIC IS THE TOUCH OF A HAND

TRANSITION TO TREE OF PROMISES:

SCENE 2

THE TREE OF PROMISES

Evan and Anna Savannah Hope come outto stand before the tree of promises,an ancient oak tree on a cliff sideby the hotel in which they arespending their honeymoon.

ANNA (Looking at the tree)

Here it is, Evan. This is the tree my father usedto help me climb when we came here on vacation.

EVAN(Looking the tree up and down)

It's a magnificent tree, Anna, looking up thathigh makes me a little dizzy. How old would yousay it is?

ANNA I was told it is at least a hundred years old.

EVANWell, it's beautiful. It's amazing it survived allthese years overlooking the sea on this cliff.

(looks over cliff)Wow! That's high, don't stand too close, there.Wait, I have an idea.

(Digging in his pocket)I should carve our initials into it!

ANNA NO! Are you crazy? You can't just cut into abeautiful old tree like that?

EVANIt was just an idea. You’re right, I could get

caught.

ANNA Don’t be such a scaredy cat. You’re always so

worried you’re going to get into trouble. I know,give me your pendant.

(Taking off his pendant and her pendant offalso)

There's a hole in the tree up there.



(Starting to climb)I used to imagine finding treasure in it when I was little.

EVANWait! Are you sure you want to do that? You might

get hurt! What if you fall?

ANNA Then you'll catch me.

EVANWell...ok, but be careful!

ANNA (putting the chains in the tree)

There. Now no matter what, our pendants will betogether and so will we.

EVANWhat if someone cuts the tree down?

ANNA You worry too much, Evan.

EVANBut, what are the chances those necklaces will besafe up there? Someone might steal them.

ANNA What were the chances we would find each other?We did, and if someone else DOES find them, they might also find their own true love like we did.That would be perfect. Our lives are perfect andperfection is forever.

Before the song begins, on the blankscreen appears a heart pendant.

"OUR LOVE IS FOREVER"EVANTHERE IS NO ONE ELSE FOR ME BUT YOU

ANNA

THERE IS NO ONE WHO CAN TAKE YOUR PLACE

EVANTHERE IS SO MUCH MORE FOR US TO DO

ANNA I'M COMPLETE WHEN I LOOK AT YOUR FACE

CHORUS (TOGETHER)



OUR LOVE IS FOREVEROUR LOVE MAKES US WHOLEOUR LOVE IS FOREVER

Anna knocks Evan off the cliff in the middle of Evan singing "forever".She screams his name. The big screengoes black. Lights down.

Lights up on the Bard.

BARDBad things happen to good people sometimes, thatis to be sure. Sometimes it's a good thing thatthe living don't know what happens after we crossover. Evan has no idea that the end is sometimes

just the beginning, you can bet on it.

IN THE FOREST OF UNFINISHED LOVE

Evan awakes on his back among treesand men looking at him.

EVANWhere am I?

MAN 1(Helping Evan up)

I hate to tell you my good man, but you're dead.EVAN(Standing)

What? What do you mean?

MAN 1There's not much more to it than that.

MAN 2Give him a minute, he'll get it.

EVAN

I'm...dead? Oh man, I've never been West ofIndianapolis before, this is terrible!

MAN 2(in the background)

Told you he'd get it.

MAN 1What do you remember last?



EVANI was on the cliff with my new bride, on myhoneymoon.

ALL(make a shared empathy pained expression)

Ooooooohhhhh

EVANSo is this...heaven?

MAN 1Nope.

EVAN(gasping)

What? You mean...this is...

MAN 1

(raising eyebrows)Oh no! No, no, no. This isn't the other place!Goodness no. This is the forest of unfinished love.Your soul is tied to this tree until you'vecompleted what you need to complete. Here yoursoul can be hurt and even "killed"

(Making quote signs in the air)Sending you completely over the edge to the "full"

(quote signs again)Afterlife without ever getting the chance tofinish whatever it was you didn't finish.

MAN 2You see, this is a kind of in-between place, where men go when they have unfinished business onEarth.

EVANJust men?

MAN 2No, women get to come here too, just not as trees.

EVANWhat do women come here as?

(Gets hit with a rock)Ow!

ALL(in unison)

Rocks.

EVANThat seems a little harsh.



MAN 1Why do you say that? Women ARE the Earth, thefoundation of all life in the whole world. Without women, there would be no human life in the worldat all.

MAN 2Every developing baby starts out female anyway, men are just mutations of the female form.

MAN 1(pointing at man 2)

He was a doctor.

EVANWell, that's a beautiful sentiment. I would neverhave thought of it that way. You guys are deep.

MAN 1

Actually, we just want to stop getting hit byrocks.

EVANSo what do I need to finish?

MAN 1Well, that's what we don't know isn't it?

MAN 2Yeah, take Bill over there.

(Pointing at one of the men)

EVANWhat about him?

MAN 2Hey Bill come over here and tell our newcomer yourstory.

(whispering to Evan)It's my favorite.

BILLI think I need to kill a vampire.

EVANWhat?

BILLYeah, I was killed by a vampire, but I was in loveat the time, so here I am. My body is off roamingaround, sucking peoples' necks

(Grimacing)



Complete strangers necks! While I am stuck here.That's so gross.

EVANHow did you get had by a vampire?

ARCHERY

Scene plays out with Bill and girldance out the song and ends with herbiting him.

ARCHERY

AS I WALKED THROUGH A WANING SUMMER DAYI FOUND A MAIDEN DRESSED IN SUMMER FARESHE STROKED THE GRAY CLOUDS PASSING OVERHEADAND WORE THE DAY'S BURNT ASHES IN HER HAIR

SHE SAID "WOULD YOU CARE TO HAVE A GAME OF PLAYFUL ARCHERY?"

SHE TORE THE LEAVES LOOSE FROM THE MAPLE TREESWITH THE FORLORN SADNESS IN HER EYESI WATCHED THE MOON REFLECTING IN HER TEARSAND FELL THE STARS DOWN FROM THE FALLING SKIES


AND THORNS CARESSED HER SMOOTH AND PERFECT SKINAS SHE WALKED THROUGH MY SOBRIETYSHE SPOKE IN RIDDLES OF THE EVENING WINDSWITH UNDERTONES OF HIGH ANXIETY


I STOOD THERE HELPLESS AS A YEARLING FAWNSHE DIDN'T NOTICE MY PERPLEXITYMY HESITATION COST ME EVERYTHINGAS I AFFRONTED HER PROPRIETY


SHE CAME TO ME IN ROBES OF SILKEN MISTHER MUSCLES TIGHT AS STRING UPON THE BOWWRAPPED UP TIGHTLY IN HER AGONY

HER STARE SHOT THROUGH ME JUST LIKE AN ARROW


BILLAnd then she bit me, so one day, maybe, I'll geteven and put my body to rest.

EVAN



So, do all of you have a story like that.

MAN 3I was hanging a picture...

MAN 1

Oh, don't start with the picture story again,please!

MAN 3Sorry.

A shadow falls over the stage. The men begin looking for cover as a menacing growling or howling echoesin from the distance.

EVANWhat was that?

MAN 1(moving toward his tree)

You've got to get into your tree, man, thecollector's coming!

EVAN(Looking away from the men)

Collector? What collector?

MAN 2(also moving toward his tree)

The soul collector, man, don't you know anything?

EVANI'm sorry, I just got here! How do I?

(looking around.)

All the men have disappeared.

EVAN (cont'd)Hey! Where'd everybody go? How do I get in my tree?I'm new at this! Ahhhhh!

(looks at the tree and notices that thereis an oval vignette carved into it with the

name "Anna" glowing in the middle. He panicsand runs away)

MAN 1(coming out from behind his tree, the namehas ceased to glow.)

Uh, guys? I think we scared him.

MAN 2



(laughing)Ya think?

MAN 1Hey buddy! Come on back, we were just fooling withyou! Buddy!

MAN 3Dude, he's gone.

BILLNow you've done it.

MAN 1(looking worried)

He'll be back.

MAN 2Should we go after him?

MAN 1Are you kidding? The REAL soul collector might beout there somewhere. I'm not going anywhere!

END SCENE 1

SCENE 2

Evan walks through the forest and adaze holding a picture of Anna in is mind (which appears as a vignette onthe big screen.)

EVANHello! Guys! I think I'm lost! Anyone? Why me? Whydoes this have to happen to me? I don't like the woods, I don't like the wilderness. I like safe.I like home. This is neither!

DARKNESS(an elegantly evil, well-dressed and well-spoken man smiles and steps out from behind a tree)

Lost are we?

EVAN(startled)

Possibly.

DARKNESSWhat are you looking for, my boy?

EVAN



The trees of unfinished love.

DARKNESSAh, yes, those. Do we have something undone on theother side?

EVANWell, I don't know if WE have anything undone, butI know there are a few things I'd like to finish.

DARKNESSLeave a girl behind did you?

EVANMaybe, I didn't catch your name.

DARKNESSI'm Ness, Dark Ness.

EVANYou're kidding.

DARKNESSWould I lie to you? My brothers are Cruel, Evil,and Biz. I have a sister, Cozy, but we don't talkabout her, she's not quite right...

EVANOk, then, well, I have to go...

DARKNESSSo soon? I've been waiting for you for quite sometime, why leave now?

EVANYou've been waiting?

SONG "BELIEVE" BEGINS

VERSE 1

DARKNESSCAN YOU BELIEVE HOW LONG IT'S TAKEN FOR ME TO GET TO YOU?A MILLION YEARS FLY BY WITH A BLINK OF MY EYE

AND WHAT I SAY IS TRUE.I'M STILL IMPATIENT AS HELL LONG AFTER I FELLI UTTERLY BELIEVE I DESERVEONE MORE SOUL FROM THIS HUMAN ZOOONE MORE SOUL

EVAN

NOW I BELIEVE THAT YOU'RE HERE FOR ME



BUT I ALSO BELIEVE THAT YOU'RE NOT REALI'VE CROSSED OVER, BUT I'M STILL FREEAND I DON'T CARE HOW YOU FEELI BELIEVE A SOUL MUST BE GIVENYOU CAN'T TAKE IT BY FORCE, YOU CAN'T STEAL

DARKNESSI BELIEVE BELIEF HAS POWER

EVANYOU HAVE NONE OVER ME

DARKNESSFREE WILL IS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL THING

EVANAND YOU'LL NEVER HAVE IT WILLINGLY

VERSE 2 (TOGETHER)

DARKNESSCAN YOU BELIEVE HOW LONG IT'S TAKEN FOR METO BELIEVE IN YOU?A MILLION YEARS FLY BY WITH A BLINK OF MY EYEAND WHAT I SAY IS TRUE.I CAN'T GO HOME AND LEAVE YOU OUT HERE JUST TO ROAMNOW COME BACK WITH MEIT'S OVERRATED TO BE FREETO BE FREE

EVAN

NOW I BELIEVE THAT YOU'RE HERE FOR MEBUT I ALSO BELIEVE THAT YOU'RE NOT REALI'VE CROSSED OVER, BUT I'M STILL FREEAND I DON'T CARE HOW YOU FEELI BELIEVE A SOUL MUST BE GIVENYOU CAN'T TAKE IT BY FORCE, YOU CAN'T STEAL

DARKNESSI BELIEVE BELIEF HAS POWER

EVANAND I GIVE NONE TO YOU

DARKNESSFREE WILL IS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL THINGEVANTHIS CHAT IS OVER, I'M THROUGH

(Evan turns with a brave face then runs offstage in terror)



DARKNESS(Picking up the picture of Anna)

Who says I'm after you?(vanishes, lights down)

END SCENE 2

SCENE 3

Evan still wanders through the woodslooking for the starting place, histree. He hears a commotion and goesto investigate. The battle movestoward him.

(singing while fighting)I AM DEATHI AM WARCOME KNOCKING AT MY DOORI'LL HAVE YOU DYING TO FIGHT

TO FIGHT TO KILLBECAUSE DYING AND FIGHTINGIS WHAT YOU'RE DYING TO FIGHT FOR

I'M A BLOODY PREDILECTIONTHE HOPELESS ADDICTIONIN TRUTH AND FICTIONI'LL MAKE YOU STEP UP FOR MORE

I AM THE KILLING WRATHTHE UNFOCUSED RAGEIN EVERY HISTORY BOOK

ON EVERY BLOOD-SPATTERED PAGEI AM THE FALLING AXEI AM THE SMOKING GUNI AM ALL FOUR HORSEMENGROUND INTO ONE

I AM THE RAGING HEART POUNDING AT YOUR DOORI AM THE GOD OF WAR

(turns to look at Evan snarling)And I suppose you want some too!

EVAN(startled, drops to his knees)

AHHH! No! I'm, I'm just in need of directions!

GOD OF WAR(completely changing his demeanor tocivilized Englishman)

Ah! Right! What are you looking for?



EVAN(a bit surprised, still horrified)

Um, well, I'm lost and am trying to find my wayback to the forest of unfinished love.

GOD OF WAR

Right! Well, you go that way, until you get to thestream of enfettered schizms at the tracks of thesoul railway, then turn left. You can't miss it.

EVANAh, great, thank you!

(turns to leave)

GOD OF WAR(shouting again)

And where do you think you're going?

EVAN

Uh, I was just...

GOD OF WARYou think you can just up and go without so muchas a "by your leave"?

EVANSorry! I was just...

GOD OF WARWhen I give directions, a price must be paid!

EVANAhhh! Of course! What do you want?

GOD OF WAR(back to English gentleman)

Tea?

EVANUh...

GOD OF WARI was about to have tea when those ruffianschallenged me. Join me?

EVANUh...sure.

GOD OF WAROh smashing! I hate to tea alone. Oh, and what's more.

EVAN



What's that?

GOD OF WAR(screaming, draws sword)

SALAD!!(goes running into the kitchen (backstage)

flailing his sword, the sounds of hacking,slashing, and screaming can be heard. Hecomes back out with two plates of perfectchef salads)

There we go. I hope you like chef.

EVANUh...sure.

They sit down to eat and have tea.Lights down, come back up with twohalf-empty plates and the twoconversing.

EVAN (cont'd)So, you're the god of war eh? Excellent salad, bythe way, thank you.

GOD OF WARYes. Oh, you’re quite welcome, I am passionateabout my salads.

EVANForgive me for saying so, but you seem awfullypolite and, well...

GOD OF WARCivilized?

(chuckles)

EVANWell, yes!

GOD OF WARWell of course I am. Have you seen the state ofaffairs in today's warfare? Modern war is verycivilized. It's all internet now. I love a goodvirus, and nothing, I mean nothing, will shut a

country down faster than a good rampant servervirus. Or better yet, a boot sector Trojan, withstealth! Ooohhh.

EVANWow. That's amazing.

GOD OF WAR



What has two thumbs and inspired the "I love you"virus?

EVANI don't know, what?

GOD OF WAR(pointing to himself with both thumbs wagging)

This guy.

EVAN(eyebrows raised)

Wow. Again.

GOD OF WARYou should have seen my predecessors, throwingrocks and howling like apes, or storming aroundin bronze armor carrying, get this, iron, yes iron,

swords.

EVANBut you have armor...

GOD OF WARI'll have you know that this armor is constructedentirely out of titanium/carbon ceramic polymernano-wire and this sword can only be forged in zerogravity. The old gods' weapons can't hold a candleto this material. It even makes excellentnon-stick cookware.

EVANYet another…wow. That's amazing.

GOD OF WARI should say so. So why are you looking for thetrees of unfinished love anyway?

EVANBecause I was attached to one of the trees.

GOD OF WARAh! So you have some unfinished business with your

love, then, eh?

EVANSomething like that, but I don't know what it is.I was just married and I fell of a cliff on myhoneymoon.

GOD OF WAR(Applauding)



That's brilliant! And you don't know what you haveleft to do?

EVANWell, I assume that she's going to move on and Ihave no say over things now.

GOD OF WARNever assume, lad...

EVANYeah I know, "it will make an ass of you and me".

GOD OF WARYou don't know what you need to do my lad, justlike I didn't when I first got here.

EVANWhen YOU first got here? You mean you weren't

always here?

GOD OF WAROf course not! Most of us spirits were human once.We get here by merit and exceptional talent.

EVANSo you were a killer?

GOD OF WARNo, actually, my talent was for strategy andextreme skill in a sport that required nerves ofsteel, split second timing, extreme physicalcontrol, and a keen eye for tactics.

EVANWow, what was it? Soccer? Kendo? Wrestling?Chess?...

GOD OF WARShuffleboard.

EVANUm.

GOD OF WARDon't tell me you can't see the extreme militaryprowess needed to master the art of shuffleboard.

EVANWell, I never really thought...

GOD OF WAR



Of course you didn't, that's why you're not a god,they COULD see it and that's why I'm here, nowfinish your crouton.

EVANI can't stay long though, I have to get back before

something bad happens. I’m very scared ofeverything. My own shadow, all the time, but I havethis feeling, I don't know if it's somethingtrying to tell me something, or just the fact thatI have something unfinished to learn about, butI feel compelled...

GOD OF WARFear not longer! I'll have you before the stream before you know it, and then you can go and findout why you're here and take care of that nastyfear thing you’ve got.

EVANYou're going with me?

GOD OF WAROf course, lad, I'll go with you! Glad you asked!I love a good seek and destroy! There is no greatervalidation of war than to fight for a just cause!

EVANUm, right.

GOD OF WAR

Finish up! We must be off!(Roars)

The two finish up with their mealsand the lights go down on them whilecoming up on a man talking to a smallgroup of people.

POETRY(reciting)

I am simultaneous,TV reporters stare in mute surpriseat my ubiquitous lack of presence

as I sit at their feet and counttiny boulders embedded in the sidewalkat the corner of Yin and YangI am simultaneousI spontaneously ageas people ask me for directionsto their cars in the parking lot while sober drivers drink to my healththat may not be the safer bet of the



twoI like you a lotI might even love youbut words are unconditionaland you mean to say that what you mean is not what I ask

I am both hereand though you think you see meI walk between this worldand sit on both sides of the chairthat forces me into the paperI am simultaneousshadows cast off knowing glancesshade the burn causedby scathing remarks from old ideasand burners left on by a busy mindI found my mortality in a drawerit was next to my imperfect heartthat teasingly reminded me

that it was going to kill me one day while I wasn't lookingI am simultaneousI'm a spark that crosses the boundary between lifeand main streetthat will go out like seven billion othersthat light the sphere just long enoughto see the innocence in Norman's drug store Thatsliver in my eyeyou know the onestuck in your minds when you tried to seethe origin of the idea

of how to find the sliverI am simultaneousI have the notion in my pocketthat I invented youas a fully autonomous slaveof your own willfully independent of my desireIf you wish to be you need only ask yourself onequestion when you are face to facelook in the mirrorclose your eyesthe truth is there.

Crowd snaps fingers in appreciation.Spirit of Poetry nods knowingly.

GOD OF WARWell, that was odd. In an incredibly boring kindof way.

POETRY



Excuse me?

GOD OF WARYou heard me. That was a boring load of crap.

POETRY

I'll have you know that I am the Spirit of Poetry.What I say spreads on the winds to find the earsof those in need of inspiration. I spread the joyof words and imagery.

GOD OF WARLike a virus.

POETRYWhy do you seek to hurt me so? What kind of soul would...

GOD OF WAR

I, am the god of war!

POETRYOh. Well, that makes sense. Do you wish to do battle with me now?

GOD OF WARI don't waste time on pitiful, sensitive littlethings like yourself.

POETRYUnless of course it was a war of words, in whichyou are sorely under-prepared and exceedinglyovermatched.

GOD OF WAR(Outraged)

Over? Over matched? Me? Ahhhhhh!(Drawing his sword)

POETRYNow, now, let's not rupture a gasket big guy. Youare scaring your companion.

GOD OF WAR

I have no companions! I stand alone! Oh! Evan,right.

EVANMy name is Evan.

(Offering a hand to Poetry)

POETRY



Of course, the joy in our meeting is entirely mine.How did you wind up in the company of such a beingas this?

(pointing at War)

EVAN

Well, he agreed to help me find my way back to thetrees of unfinished love.

POETRYWar? Agreed? I've heard of him and that's a miraculous thing in itself, you must be veryspecial.

GOD OF WARHa ha.

EVANWell, I don't know about that, but I do know that

I need to get to the stream of...ah...

GOD OF WAREnfettered Schizms.

POETRYAh, right, that. Well, it is a truly inspired questyou're on, my boy. Would you mind if I came alongand took notes? This sounds remarkably inspiring.

EVANUm, no, I suppose not, sure, come along.

GOD OF WARGreat. We'll just inch along now. I've heard ofyou too, Poetry and you're notorious for draggingyour feet.

POETRYLike a veritable caterpillar? That is not true.I am thoughtful. We won't inch along. I'll keepup, but you know, that does inspire me.

GOD OF WARRight.

POETRY(Music begins to play. War paces impatientlyduring the song.)

CATERPILLAR WALTZ

POETRY SINGSINCH AROUND UPON THE GROUNDLIKE A VERITABLE CATERPILLAR



CHASING LEAVES OF GREEN UPON THE TREECLIMB INTO THE TREES IN VIEWIN HOPES OF GETTING CLOSER TOFILLING BITES THAT DON'T TAKE FLIGHTAND IT ALL SEEMS LIKE A DREAM TO BE FREE

SHOOT YOUR ROOTS BELOW THE BOOTSOF THE DANDY WORKERSWHO PICK YOUR EARS THROUGH ALL THESE YEARSSPREAD YOUR SEEDS DOWN THROUGH THE WEEDSTHE GROUND IS CALLING UPWARDSTO PASS ALONG THE HARVEST SONGAND IT ALL SEEMS LIKE A DREAM TO BE FREE

THERE IS JUST A TOUCH OF SADNESSTO THE LOTS OF THOSE WHO HUNTTHEY PLAY THE VILLAIN WELLAND TO THEIR PREY THEY BEAR THE BRUNTOF STORIES TOLD TO SCARE THE YOUTH

INNOCENTLY STARRING INTHE ROLES THAT THEY BECOMEWHEN THE CROWS COMEWHEN THE CROWS COME

(THE BIG SCREEN LIGHTS UP WITHEVAN’S HALF OF THE HEART PENDANT ON ONE SIDE AND ANNA'S FACELOOKING SAD AND AFRAID ON THE OTHER, EVAN SNEAKS AWAY)

THE NIGHT'S UNWELCOME TIDINGSTHAT KEEP WINDOWS BOLTED SHUTIN EVERY RABBIT'S HIDING HOLEAND EVERY TINY HUT

AND HIDE THEIR EYES ASSOULS MARCH BYTO A DISTANT FUNERAL DRUMIN STORIES TOLD TO SCARE THE YOUTHWHO PAY NO HEED TO SOMEAS THE CROWS COMEWHEN THE CROWS COME

INCH AROUND UPON THE GROUNDLIKE A VERITABLE CATERPILLARCHASING LEAVES OF GREEN UPON THE TREEAND IT ALL FEELS LIKE A DREAM TO BE FREE

GOD OF WARNo, you're not going to hold us up at all.

POETRYI have to follow my inspiration.

GOD OF WARI've got your inspiration right here.



POETRYThat was uncalled for.

GOD OF WARLet's get out of here, Evan. This guy...

(noticing Evan is gone)

Oh, that's bloody great. Now he's gone.

POETRYWell, let's catch up with him!

GOD OF WARI'll catch him, you just try and keep up.

POETRYYou don't have to be so competitive.

GOD OF WAR(pointing at self)

War?

POETRYUgh.

GOD OF WAR(Catching up with Evan)

There you are, why did you run off like that, asif I didn't know it was Poetry's fault.

EVANNo, it wasn't anyone's fault, War, I just need toget there as soon as I can. I get this feeling thatsomething is really, really wrong and I might beable to do something about it. I'm afraid I'm goingto miss something important.

POETRY(looking at War)

Evan, you're dead. And where do you get thisfeeling? You're not there, you can't know, andthere's nothing to be afraid of any more.

EVANI'm still somewhere though. I know I can help her.

I know I can. I feel like we're still connectedsomehow. Is this normal?

GOD OF WARYou need to get back to your tree, Evan. Then you'llfind out what to do. That's the way it is here.If you're supposed to go to her, you'll find outthere.

(Drawing sword)



And we'll DESTROY anything that get's in our way!AHAHAHAHAAAAHHHHH!!

(Starts to take off running)

POETRYHold on there, my dear Lord of War...

GOD OF WARThat's "God" of War.

POETRYCertainly, my apologies. If This young man goesto the Stream of Enfettered Schizms, he has nochance making it back to his tree.

GOD OF WARAnd why is that?

POETRY

The stream does strange things to those who gazeinto it.

GOD OF WARThen we'd better stop him.

Poetry and War take off after Evan.

GOD OF WAR (cont'd)(Seeing Evan)

Evan! Wait!

EVAN(Stopping)

I can't wait! I have to go!

POETRYYou must wait, there's something we must tell you.

EVAN(climbing up the embankment to the railroadtracks)

Is this it? Is this the stream? Some stream! It must be miles across!

(looking down)

These are railroad tracks.

GOD OF WARThere are a lot of souls crossing over nowadays,Evan. Mostly because of me.

POETRY(To War)

You are the flatterer, aren't you.



GOD OF WARHuh?

POETRYActually, the plagues killed more...

GOD OF WARI've never been one for statistics.

EVANSo they don't have a boat any more?

GOD OF WARNope. It's a train. A long, long, train.

POETRYYes, it is a train of souls to be carried to theglorious...

EVANWait, you're saying this is a 'soul train'

(boogie music starts to play)

POETRYNow stop that! Evan, you must be warned about the waters of this stream.

EVANI don't care about these waters! I just know thatshe needs me. I'll swim across if I need to.

GOD OF WAR(chuckling)

Not without a kevlar scuba suit. You shouldn'teven look into those waters, boy.

POETRYI'm warning you, Evan, you may not like what yousee in there. It could ruin you.

EVANRuin me! Ruin me? What am I now? I'm dead, ordreaming. I'm hopelessly lost in a place where Iam dead but can still die trying to help someone

I can't find!(looking at the water distractedly)I don't even know for sure if she needs help. ThoughI can feel it deep down. I don't like going to thestore for milk and eggs,

(getting more distracted)let alone traverse the edges of reality and facesome bizarre "inner truth" about myself that Inever knew was there. Ruin me. What are those?



(pointing at the water, moans, growls, andhowls can be hear coming up from the water.)

GOD OF WAR(Looking at the water)

Oh, those are thundering nematodes.

EVANWhat? Nematodes? Nematodes are tiny little worms.Those things are gigantic!

GOD OF WARThey get pretty big here.

EVANUh, yeah! Why are they there?

GOD OF WARThey eat the souls of those who try to swim back.

You don't think there's a boatman for nothing doyou? Those waters are bloody dangerous.

EVANIt doesn't matter, I have to get to her before it'stoo late.

POETRYToo late for what?

EVAN(As if a confession)

She get's bored. So easily. I was her onlycompanion. She was always making me do things,things I was afraid of until she came along...

GOD OF WARShe'll just have to find her own form of...

POETRYAhhh...I think I understand now.

GOD OF WARWha?

POETRYYou were her only entertainment, weren't you?

EVANWell, not the ONLY form...

POETRYYou want to be her only form of entertainment,right?



GOD OF WARWhat are you talking about?

POETRYEvan wants to get to her before it's too late, mydear thane of conflicts.

GOD OF WARDear what?

POETRYEvan is afraid she is going to move on without him.

EVANShe won't wait long. If I'm truly dead. She mightnot wait if I'm just in a coma and dreaming allthis. Do you know how boring hospitals are?

POETRY AND WAR

Yes.

EVANI can see it now.

Lighting changes and they look up ata vignette in the big screen thatappears with Anna singing.

ANNA SINGSTHE SADDEST THING

THE SADDEST THING IS NOT IN LOSING YOUTHE SADDEST THING IS NOT IN MAKING PLANSTO SEE THEM SHATTEREDI LAY MY HEAD UPON A PILLOW OF REGRETAND DREAM OF ALL THE THINGS TO DO TO MAKE ITGO AWAY LIKE NOTHING MATTERS

THE SADDEST THING IS NOT TO BE ALONETHE SADDEST THING IS NOT TO HAVE A BROKEN HEARTTHAT LINGERSI COVER COLD NIGHTS WITH A QUILT OF MEMORIESTHAT PULLS AWAY FROM ME NO MATTERHOW I TRY TO GRASP SLIPS

THROUGH MY FINGERS

IT'S NOT THAT SAD TO SAY GOODBYEIT'S NOT THAT SAD TO MAKE ME CRYTHIS SADNESS WASN'T IN MY PLAN

THE SADDEST THING IS NOT TO WATCH YOU GOTHE SADDEST THING IS NOT TO CALL YOUR NAMEWHEN YOU CAN'T HEAR ME



I WEAR A VEIL GRIEF FOR ALL THAT COULD HAVE BEENTHAT SLOWLY FADES AWAY LIKE GHOST IN TIMEEVEN THOUGH I LOVED YOU DEARLY

IT'S NOT THAT SAD TO SAY GOODBYEIT'S NOT THAT SAD TO MAKE ME CRY

TO LET YOU GO WAS NOT THE PLANTHE SADDEST THING IS THAT I CAN

Lighting changes back to poetry, War,and Evan.

POETRYEvan, you realize that wasn't her.

EVANWhat do you mean 'that wasn't her', of course it was, we were looking right at her through some holein the fabric of space-time.

GOD OF WARWe were?

POETRYActually, no. What we were looking at was from your mind. That was YOUR vision of what she'd do, notthe actual person.

EVANAre you sure?

POETRYI've seen it before, Evan, it happens.

EVANHow can I see her for real then?

GOD OF WARYou can't. At least not until...

EVANUntil what?

POETRY

Not until you cross over.

EVAN(walking up to the tracks and looking intothe water)

But I can't cross over, I have something to finish.I was supposed to get back to my tree and find out what is going on, right?



GOD OF WARThen you have to go back there now. That would bethe safe thing to do.

EVANBut you know, I'm TIRED of playing it safe! Where

has it gotten me so far? I'm dead? I have no usefor safe anymore! I don't care about me. I'm done with me! I have so many regrets about playing itsafe and not taking any risks, and there's nothingI can do about it except watch them

(looking startled at the water)Flowing by in the water.

BARDAnd Evan stood transfixed as he watched his lifefloat by in the stream of enfettered schizms.

BARD BEGINS SINGING

THE RIVERHE STOOD UPON THE BANKPERCHED UPON THE RAILROAD TRACKHE WATCHED HIS LIFE FLOAT BYWITHOUT A CHANCE OF EVER GOING BACKTHE RIVER ROSE UP TO HIS ANKLESTHEN HE FELT THE CURRENT PULLHE ONLY HOPED HE COULD HANG ONUNTIL HIS DEBT WAS PAID IN FULL

AND THE RIVER KEEPS RISINGTHE RAIN KEEPS FALLINGTHE FLOOD GATES CREAKING ANDTHE DAM KEEPS LEAKING


HE TRIED TO STEP AWAY BUT THEN

HE KNEW HIS FEET WERE STUCK IN FASTTHE TIME HAS FINALLY COME FOR HIMTO PAY HIS WAY IN FULL AT LASTTHE WATER RUSHED AROUND HIS SHINSAND QUICKLY CLIMBED UP PAST HIS KNEESTHREATENING TO PULL HIM DOWNAS THE ROARS DROWNED OUT HIS PLEAS

AND THE RIVER KEEPS RISING



THE RAIN KEEPS FALLINGTHE FLOOD GATES CREAKING ANDTHE DAM KEEPS LEAKING

AND THE RIVER KEEPS RISINGTHE RAIN KEEPS FALLING

THE FLOOD GATES CREAKING ANDTHE DAM KEEPS LEAKING

EVAN SINGS

HOW MUCH MORE DOES A MAN HAVE TO TAKEPOUR DOWN THE RAIN, LET THE FLOOD GATES BREAKAND THE RIVER KEEPS RISING ON

BARDHE TRIED TO GRAB A PASSING BRANCHAND PULL HIMSELF OUT OF THE STREAMAND FOLLOW DOWN THE RIVER

TO FULFILL THE ESSENCE OF HIS DREAMTHE RIVER MOVED TOO QUICKLY ANDHE WATCHED THE BRANCHES SAIL AWAYAND WITH THEM WENT THE HOPE OFEVER MOVING TO A BETTER DAYAND THE RIVER KEEPS RISINGTHE RAIN KEEPS FALLINGTHE FLOOD GATES CREAKING ANDTHE DAM KEEPS LEAKING

EVANHOWEVER DID I WIND UP HERE

BARDHE THOUGHT AS HE LOOKED OVERHEADTO WATCH HIS DREAMS GO FLOATING BYLIKE OLD TREES WATERLOGGED AND DEADTHE CURRENT WASHED HIM BY AND WOULDMOST CERTAINLY SPELL OUT HIS DEATHTHE REST IF HIS LIFE NOW RESTS UPONJUST HOW LONG HE CAN HOLD HIS BREATH

AND THE RIVER KEEPS RISINGTHE RAIN KEEPS FALLINGTHE FLOOD GATES CREAKING AND

THE DAM KEEPS LEAKING


EVANHOW MUCH MORE DOES A MAN HAVE TO TAKE



POUR DOWN THE RAIN, LET THE FLOOD GATES BREAKAND THE RIVER KEEPS RISING ON

BARDAND THE RIVER KEEPS RISINGAND THE RIVER KEEPS RISING

AND THE RIVER KEEPS RISING

Lights go down for a moment and whenthey come back up Poetry and War areholding Evan, trying to revive him.He eventually awakes

EVANWhat happened?

POETRYIn a flash of resonating cerebral reminiscence,

you succumbed to devastating waves of sentimentalvivacity.

EVANAgain, what happened?

GOD OF WARHe said you passed out, man.

EVANOh.

The sound of a great steam whistleblasts in the distance.

POETRYAh, now the time of lives crossing into the netherrealms.

EVANIt's the train?

POETRYIt is the train.

The great steam whistle blows againas the train pulls to a stop beforethem.

A darkly cloaked figure jumps off as"Soul of the Seed" begins to play.

The figure takes off its hood toreveal the girl who begins to sing.



CHARON SINGSSOUL OF THE SEED

RISE INTO THE WIND AND CAST ASPERSIONS TO THE GROUNDA DISCONNECTED REFLEX REARRANGING WITH THE SOUNDWORDS STRUCK IN MARBLE MAKE THE MEN WHO MAKE THE LAW

INNOCENCE IN IDLE GETS STUCK IN THE DEVIL'S CRAW

ALL THESE LIMITSINFINITE WAYSEVERY MAN CAN SEE WHENPASSING THROUGH IN LESSER DAYS

ALL PLACED IN THE SOUL OF THE SEEDALL PLACED IN THE SOUL OF THE SEED

SING OF RUNNING RIVERS FLOWING UP INTO THE SKYCLOUDS POUR DOWN AS LIGHTNING BURNS A PATH ACROSS YOU EYEDARK SPIRITS LAUGH AS THUNDER AND DANCE WITHIN THE STORM

WHILE AWAY IN SLEEPING KEEPS ARE SLEEPY KEEPERS KEEPING WARMSTOP YOUR COUNTINGIT NEVER ENDSESSENCE IN A VIRTUE CALLS DOWNPATIENCE IN THE WINDSALL PLACED IN THE SOUL OF THE SEEDALL PLACED IN THE SOUL OF THE SEEDCAT SCAN BRAIN PANELECTRIC SOUL TAKEINNOCENT SAVAGESVIOLENT LOVE MAKE

I'M GOING TO TAKE YOU QUICKLYIN WORD AND IN DEEDFLOWING THROUGH MY VEINS RUNSTHE SOUL OF THE SEED

CURSE THE SUNLIGHT HOURS SCREAM AND FIND OUT WHYTHE LOVE YOU GET FROM MONEY TO YOUR DESTINATION FLYWITH THE QUALITY TRANSIT AS THE SEPARATION FAILSTHERE'S NO DENYING HEARTACHE AS THE MOURNING WIDOW WAILS

LOVE OF MANYLOVE OF FEW(FLUTE)

ALL PLACED IN THE SOUL OF THE SEEDALL PLACED IN THE SOUL OF THE SEED

the song ends with Karen (Charon)standing in front of Evan, Poetry,and War

EVAN



You're not Charon

KAREN(eyebrow raised)

You're a bright one.

EVANI'm sorry, my manners! Forgive me, my name is...

KARENEvan, I know.

EVANWhat?

POETRYShe is caretaker of souls, Evan, the keeper of theendless list, the librarian of the infinitevolumes...

GOD OF WARYeah, she knows you. It's her job.

EVANBut I thought Charon was a guy.

POETRYOh, now don't be so insensitive to the other gender, my lad.

KARENCharon was my great grandfather. I run the trainnow.

EVANWow, ok, I guess things change then, huh?

KARENThey sure do. When the old gods are tired of whatthey do, they can hand the job down to someone else.

EVANDoes it have to be a relative?

KARENNot at all. Sometimes the job gets handed down tosomeone who just deserves it by 'higher'authorities. Isn't that right, War?

GOD OF WARQuite.

EVAN



(to War)Is that how you got the job?

GOD OF WARYes, when the big guy

(Pointing up)

saw my incredible strategic competence, he sawfit to hand the position to me when I died.

EVANWhat about you, Poetry, you were human too, right?

POETRYYes I was, then after a reading of one incrediblepoem from me, the position of 'Spirit of Poetry' was created just for my humble self.

GOD OF WARYou're about as humble as a gold necklace on an

infected pimple.

POETRYWhat? Do YOU even know what that means?

GOD OF WARNot really.

EVAN(looking at Poetry and War oddly)

I have so many questions.

KARENI don't have long, I have to get these souls overto the other side.

EVANI know, I won't keep you. Do people ever try tosneak back across on your train?

KARENSure, there are those who don't want to wait.

EVANWait? For what?

KARENDue process. There are forms to be filled outbefore one can cross back over.

EVANYou mean you can cross back over?

KAREN



Well, of course, silly, where do you think dejavu's come from?

EVANI've heard of reincarnation, but...

KARENWell, there's that and there are also brand newsouls that need transport, that's my favorite part.It's such a happy job on the way back.

POETRYEvan, I know what you're thinking, and it's nota good idea. Even if it IS a very noble thought.

KARENEvan, if you rode the train into the world of theliving, you'd have to be born again as a baby.

EVANWould I ~have~ to be born?

KARENNo one has ever gotten back into the living worldas anything but a newborn.

GOD OF WARWell, what about all the ghosts...

POETRYNow that's just rumors, those people ignored thelight.

GOD OF WARBut they got back.

POETRYIn what condition?

GOD OF WARWell, they weren't...

POETRYCorporeal? Tangible? In a form that allowed them

to interact with their environment in any meaningful way?

GOD OF WARWell, they...

POETRYThey couldn't do anything! They were ghosts!



(Thunder rolls, Evan sneaks away afterlooking rather startled)

GOD OF WARWell...

KARENAnd there are rules about those who cross withoutpermission, too. Those who sneak back are rarelyallowed to cross over without some major atonementor other major act of selflessness.

POETRYSo, Evan could be potentially trapped, in a dream state, or more like a nightmare, from which thereis no awakening. Possibly forever.

GOD OF WARThat's a risk that Evan is willing to take, isn't

it Evan?(Noticing Evan is gone)

POETRYOkay, great, now he's off again. Nice going, War.

GOD OF WARNice? Wha? You're blaming this on me? You're theone who spewed all that talk about ghosts and notgetting to come back!

POETRY

We were just telling him the truth, weren't weKaren?

KARENDon't get me in the middle of your fight.

POETRYI am a pacifist and a scholar, I do not fight. Idebate occasionally...

GOD OF WAROh, please shut up and let's go get him.

POETRYWhy?

GOD OF WARWhy?

POETRYYes, why? Why are we trying so hard to help thisyoung man who obviously doesn't want it?



GOD OF WARBecause we care?

POETRYOh, please.

GOD OF WAROk, then maybe it's because you care and I wantto WIN!

POETRYOf course you do.

GOD OF WARThen we should get after him, then.

POETRYFine.

KARENI should get back to the tracks, guys, thethundering nematodes are threatening to swarm us.They do that when we stop for any length of time.

POETRYOf course, my dear, you do what you need to, we'llsee you at a later time.

GOD OF WARRight! Take care dear boatman, or boat-woman,or...

KARENJust call me Karen.

GOD OF WARRight! We're off.

END SCENE

BEGIN SCENE

Evan walks alone back toward theplace where God of War told him to

go to find the tress of unfinishedlove.

EVANI know this is the way War told me to come. He said'go to the stream of enfettered schizms and turnleft. I'm sure this should be...

EVAN (cont'd)



Wait! Is that it? Are those them? Yes!(He runs to the trees)

Where is mine? Where is it? Is...that...oh no.(Evan sees that his tree has been struck bylightning)

Great now what?

SONG, FAERIE TALESONCE UPON A TIME EMPTINESS TOOK ME LIKE A CANCERI DREAMED OF REACHING OUT FOR YOU,COMPLETE MY SOUL'S DEMANDSAND I'VE HEARD FAERIE TALES OF THOSEWHO REACHED OUT FOR AN ANSWERAND PULLED BACK WONDROUS TALESOF MAGIC FOLK IN ENCHANTED LANDSAND THOUGH YOU'RE HERE,YOU SLIP AWAY LEAVING ME WITH EMPTY HANDS

THE MUSIC'S GONE AND SO TOOIS THE SHIP ON WHICH IT SAILS

AND LEFT WITH NOTHING EVER AFTERI DON'T BELIEVE IN FAERIE TALES

SOME CAN FIND IT WITH THEIR EYES CLOSED ON A MOONLESS EVENINGFILLING VOIDS, COMPLETING SOULS AS EASY AS CAN BEBUT I REACH OUT TO FEEL THE MAGIC'S BREATH UPON MY FINGERSI SIT THERE BLIND AND PARALYZED, WORDS POUR OUT WITHOUT MEANINGPRAYING THE MUSE WILL COME HAPPINESS AGAIN WILL BESORRY IS THE ONLY MUSE WHO WANTS MY COMPANY

THE MUSIC'S GONE AND SO TOOIS THE SHIP ON WHICH IT SAILS

AND LEFT WITH NOTHING EVER AFTERI DON'T BELIEVE IN FAERIE TALES

THE MUSIC'S GONE AND SO TOOIS THE SHIP ON WHICH IT SAILSAND LEFT WITH NOTHING EVER AFTERI DON'T BELIEVE IN FAERIE TALES

MAN 1Hey guys, look who's back.

MAN 2Evan, we're really sorry about everything here...

EVANWhat happened?

MAN 1It was struck by lightning, Evan. It's gone.

EVANHow can this be? What happens to me now?



MAN 1You're free.

EVANFree?

MAN 1Yeah, you're free now, you can go anywhere, doanything you want.

EVANThat means nothing to me, I needed to find out whatI was supposed to do. How will I be able to helpher now?

MAN 2If you know you have to help her, then why are youtrying to come here?

EVANWhat do you mean?

MAN 1I think he means you knew from the beginning whatyou needed to do, you just had to go out and doit. You wouldn't have been able to leave in thefirst place had you not known. That's why we can'tleave, we don't know what we need to do yet. Ifyou had stayed here, you might have been 'killed'

(making quotes in the air)When the lightning hit.

EVANThat's right! I really owe you guys a debt ofgratitude for that whole 'soul collector' ordeal,you really saved me.

MAN 1Well...I have to confess...it was intended as ajoke and it kinda got out of hand. The 'soulcollector' never actually comes here. He isusually busy messing with souls in the living world. He's not actually ever here.

EVANOh, but he IS here! I ran into him when I left here.He's a awful fellow, but I got away because I toldhim I didn't believe in him. He couldn't hurt me.

MAN 2Wait, he DIDN'T hurt you. Evan, he could haveripped you apart if the stories are true.



EVANStories? You mean you've never seen him?

MAN 2Oh no, he doesn't come here, he'd much rathercorrupt the living or cause a death or something

like that. It is said that he is trying to finda way to cross back over into the land of the livingbut the boatman won't let him across on the train.

EVANWhy she called a 'boat' 'man' when she is a girlon a train?

MAN 1We don't question that.

EVANAh.

MAN 1Anyway, when the soul collector finds a strongenough tie between someone on this side and thesomeone on the other, he could make a sort ofconduit to cross over without riding the train.

EVANOh no.

MAN 1You didn't tell him anything about your own

situation did you?EVAN

I don't think so, I don't know!

MAN 2That might have been why he left you alone.

EVANIt might also be why I'm getting this horriblefeeling every time I turn around! He's after her!I need to get back to the train!

(takes off running)

MAN 1Hey! Do you think that's a good idea?

MAN 2Maybe you should think about it!



Evan runs off stage, lights go down.Lights come up on Poetry and War walking to catch up with Evan.

GOD OF WARSo, if you swing the lettuce over your head

vigorously, (Swinging his hand over his head and cryingout a mighty battle cry)

as if to make a distracting feint with your bladebefore taking off someone's head, you will havedried the lettuce to a crisp perfection.

POETRYSo why the battle cry?

GOD OF WARThat's just reflex.

POETRYAh.

Evan runs past them without noticingthem. Poetry and War turnnonchalantly and continue talkingabout proper salad preparation.

GOD OF WARTHEN you add the sliced ham and turkey if you arethusly minded...

POETRYSo when do YOU add the cherry tomatoes?

Lights go down

END SCENE

BEGIN GARDEN SCENE

THE GARDEN OF A MILLION TEARS

Evan runs past the garden where anumber of beautiful women, scantily

clad, luxuriate amid their garden.Evan runs past in a full blind panicoff stage, then walks casually back with his hands in his pockets to chat with the ladies.

EVANWell, hello ladies. I'm looking for...



ROSE(posing sensuously)

We know what you're looking for, stranger.

EVANYou do?

LILY(stepping toward Evan)

Of course we do.

SNAPDRAGONYou're a nomad, you're a weary soul.

ROSEYou're a traveller in search of a soft...

LILYWarm...

SNAPDRAGONBed.

EVAN(dreamily)

Ooooohh, yes. I mean, no! I'm trying to find mylove.

STRAWBERRYWe can take you in and make you well.

LILYWe are all yours now.

EVAN(dreamily again)

That would really be nice. I've been through a lothere lately.

ROSEWhy don't you just come in here with us for awhile.

EVAN(drowsy)

I don't even know who you are or where I am.

ROSEI'm Rose

LILYI'm Lily

SNAPDRAGON



I'm Snapdragon

STRAWBERRYI'm Strawberry

GOOSEBERRY

I'm (Walking behind Evan who jumps as if pinched)Gooseberry.

RoseWe are the garden.

GARDEN OF A MILLION TEARSWE ARE THE GARDEN OF A MILLION TEARSWE ARE YOUR DREAMS WHEN YOU'RE ALONEWE'LL TAKE YOUR HAND AND MAKE YOU LIVE YOUR FEARSAND SUCK THE LAST MEAT FROM YOUR BONESWE NEED YOU.

WE'VE BEEN AROUND HERE FOR TEN THOUSAND YEARSWE RUN OUR ROOTS INTO THE DEEPWE LOVE YOUR MISERY, WE DRINK YOUR TEARSYOUR SOUL IS LOST, IT'S OURS TO KEEPYOU WANT USREFRAINYOU ARE JUST A MANYOUR TEARS FALL LIKE RAINRUN IF YOU CANWE CAN SMELL YOUR PAIN

(Poetry and War search for Evan and a rousingflute solo through an instrumental break

helps them find him)NOTHING YOU CAN DONOTHING TO DISCUSSWE BELIEVE IN YOUNOW BELIEVE IN US

BELIEVE IN USBELIEVE IN USBELIEVE IN US

The girls sing as they lead Evan to

their garden. Just before they gethim all the way in, the spirit ofpoetry and the god of War burst in.The spirit of poetry grabs Evan asthe god of War wrestles all four ofthe women into the garden.

EVAN



(as poetry struggles to get Evan away from the cave)

War! Wait, we have to help War!

SPIRIT OF POETRYHe can take care of himself.

EVANBut they're ancient! And they're foliage!

SPIRIT OF POETRYHe'll be fine! We have to get out of here!

EVAN(struggling as they go off stage)

War! They're not human! Stay out of the bushes!Charlene's in the trees! Charlene IS the trees!War!

The two go off stage and leave Warto his fate. They come back outtalking.

EVAN (cont'd)I can't believe we just left him like that.

SPIRIT OF POETRYWe had to. There was no other choice. His fate wassealed when he came on this quest.

EVANWhat kind of crap is that? Fate? There is no fate.There is only choice. He didn't have to fall likethat.

SPIRIT OF POETRYHe knew what he was getting into, Evan. He livedfor that sort of thing. If he is gone, he wenthappy.

Wars walk onto the stage

GOD OF WARBye girls!

GIRLS OF THE GARDEN(in unison from off stage)

Goodbye War!

EVANHuh?



SPIRIT OF POETRYHow did...?

GOD OF WARI escape?

(biting down on a piece of lettuce to the

sound of a moaning woman)You know how I love salad.

The three walk off stage together, when the Spirit of Poetry noticessomething.

SPIRIT OF POETRY(pointing at God of War's chin)

You have something in your beard. Is that saladdressing?

GIRLS OF THE GARDEN

(From off stage in unison)Au revoir, War! Au revoir!

GOD OF WARYes, it's french.

(Grinning)

END OF SCENE

BEGIN SCENE

Evan, Poetry and War stand at thetrain of crossing talking to theboatman.

POETRYEvan, are you sure this is what you want?

EVANI'm sure.

GOD OF WARYou're sure you're sure?

EVAN

I'm sure I'm sure

GOD OF WARYou're sure your...

POETRYWar! Please.

GOD OF WAR



I just wanted to be sure.

EVANI'm sure, War. I think I am anyway. I can't tellany more. I just have this constant, overwhelmingfeeling that I need to go to her. She needs me,

no matter what shape I'm in and I'd rather spendeternity as a ghost knowing she's safer than safehere or wherever I am knowing she's not.

KARENIf you are fully aware of what you're gettingyourself into, I will not deny passage back intothe land of living. But be aware of one more thing:time does not flow the same for us as it does forthe living. Things may have changed since the lasttime you saw her, and they might not. We just won'tknow until we get there.

EVANOh, ok.

KARENOther souls will be coming and going and it mightget a little...hectic, and disorienting for youin the passenger car. The newborn souls are mostlysleeping through the ride, you know how babies arein the car.

EVANNo, I don't. We never got to have any children.

KARENI'm sorry.

EVANMe too. Can we go now?

(turns to Poetry and War)I don't know how to thank you guys.

POETRYThink nothing of it, we really didn't do that much.

GOD OF WAR

Well, I wouldn't say that.

POETRYNo, you wouldn't.

EVANWell, War's right, you two did do a lot for me andI'm going to miss you both. You're not at all whatI thought gods would be like.



GOD OF WARNo?

EVANNo, you're more like...friends.

POETRYI think that's gods ARE supposed to be like, Evan,but don't tell War that.

GOD OF WARI'm standing right here!

POETRYYes, but you don't know we're talking about you.

GOD OF WARYou are?

POETRYSee?

KARENWe have to go now. The thundering nematodes areabout to attack!

EVANRight, well guys, I mean, God of War, Spirit ofPoetry, it has been a pleasure panicking with you.

POETRYAnd we with you.

GOD OF WARDo not speak for the God of War. And we you, m'lad.Now go!

(with a flourish from his sword)We'll hold off the mighty worms until you areclear!

Evan gets on the train and the lightsgo down to the sound of battle.

END SCENE

END ACT 1

FOR ACT 2

BEGIN ACT 2

BEGIN SCENE



Anna knocks Evan off the balcony andscreams.

ANNA (Alone on the balcony)

Evan! What have I done?

Anna walks out on the stage while thescene changes in the background.

ANNA(cont'd)I can't believe he's gone. It's been six monthsnow and it seems like it's been just a few seconds.

Lights come up on the background andit's Anna's apartment. Her friends,Ashley, Brinn, and Barb, are there.

BARB

Anna, we need to talk to you.

ASHLEYSweetheart, it's been six months since theaccident and you're still moping.

BRINNWe want you to come out with us tonight and enjoyyourself for a change.

BARBYeah, come with us.

ANNA I'm sorry, I just don't feel like it tonight.

BARBYou haven't felt like it for months.

ANNA I can't help it, I just don't want to go.

BRINNYou don't want to go on, you mean.

ASHLEYThat was mean, Brinn.

BRINNI didn't mean it to be mean, but it is the truth.

BARBBrinn!



ANNA Brinn's right, Barb, I don't want to go on. I wanthim back.

ASHLEYHe's not coming back, Anna. I'm sorry, baby, but

he's not.

ANNA I know, Ash, but I can't stop thinking about him.

BRINNAnna, you know we love you, but it's time to moveon.

BARBBrinn's right Anna, it's time to start thinkingabout the future.

SONG "MOVE ON"

THE GIRLS SING

ONCE YOU MET A BOYWHO LOVED YOU VERY MUCHAND YOU LOVED HIS KISSAND HE LOVED YOUR TOUCH

AND THE TWO MADE ONEAND YOU PLANNED YOUR LIFEHE, THE HUSBAND WASAND YOU BECAME THE WIFE

CHORUSBUT NOW, HE'S GONEYOU'RE STILL SO YOUNGIT'S TIME, TIME TO MOVE ON

YOU DON'T HAVE TO FORGETYOUR LOVE CAN STILL LIVE ONBUT DON'T FORGET YOURSELFEVERY DAY BRINGS A BRAND NEW DAWN

SO CHERISH EVERY DAYAND LOVE YOUR LIFE ANEW

AND WALK OUT THROUGH THAT DOORWITH US WALKING NEXT TO YOU

CHORUSAND NOW, EVEN NOW HE'S GONELIFE IS FOR THE YOUNGAND THERE'S TIME, YES THERE'S TIME TO MOVE ON



ANNA You are right, girls, it IS time to move on.

The girls breathe a sigh of reliefand start toward the door

ANNA (cont'd)But I can't. Not now, I'm not ready.

(she follows them to the door and watchesthem each leave)

BARBWe're not waiting forever, Anna. You have to comeback to us soon. I have been your friend for a longtime, and I want you back. I'll be there when you'reready.

ANNA Thanks, I think.

(Anna closes the door and picks up a photoof Evan)

Where are you, Evan? You can't be gone like this.Not like this. I can't believe it! I just can'tbelieve it!

(Starts shouting)There has to be something else! There has to besomething, some-where else. I can feel you closeto me! I need you so much!

(Shouts at the ceiling)Is there something else? Is there something else?I'm tired of this! I don't want to be alone, butI don't want anyone else! I want to know!

(Music starts)SONG: THE END

ANNA SINGS

AND IN THE END IS THERE JUST DREAMING?IN THE END DOES IT GO ON?IN THE END DOES SOMETHING BECKON?LIKE THE COMING OF THE DAWN?

IN THE END ARE WE DELIVERED?IN THE END DOES SOMEONE CALL?IS THE END JUST A BEGINNING?IN THE END DO WE JUST FALL?

WHAT IS THAT TWINKLING IN THE CORNER OF YOUR SPARKLING EYE?ESSENCE INCORPOREAL OR REFLECTIONS OF A LIFETIME PASSING BY?DO GODS GATHER 'ROUND US AS ETERNALLY THROUGH SPACE WE FLY?IMAGES TO BE SEEN IF THE MIND WOULD ONLY OPEN UP ITS EYE.



ARE WE JUST PRODUCTS OF THE PROCREATION OF OUR KIND?OR ARE WE EACH AN ASPECT OF A SINGLE UNIVERSAL MIND?UTTER GENETICS AND EXPERIENCES OF OUR KIND.INSIDE A TEMPLE BEARING ONE NEW SOUL TO WHICH IT IS ASSIGNED?CHORUS

AND IN THE END IS THERE JUST DREAMING?IN THE END DOES IT GO ON?IN THE END DOES SOMETHING BECKON?LIKE THE COMING OF THE DAWN?IN THE END ARE WE DELIVERED?IN THE END DOES SOMEONE CALL?IS THE END JUST A BEGINNING?IN THE END DO WE JUST FALL?

IS THAT A SOUL DEPARTING AS THE FINAL BREATH IS THROUGH?OR IS IT JUST EVAPORATION OF THE MORNING'S DYING DEW?CELLULAR DEGENERATION CREEPING UP ON ME AND YOU.

THE DOWNY EVIDENCE IN TELLING WHERE THE FLEDGLING ANGELS FLEW.

CHORUS

AND IN THE END IS THERE JUST DREAMING?IN THE END DOES IT GO ON?IN THE END DOES SOMETHING BECKON?LIKE THE COMING OF THE DAWN?IN THE END ARE WE DELIVERED?IN THE END DOES SOMEONE CALL?IS THE END JUST A BEGINNING?IN THE END DO WE JUST FALL?

ANNA (cont'd)No, I won't move on, not yet. I'm not ready.

A few days pass and Darkness appearsoutside Anna's apartment.

STALKER BEGINS WITH ONLY DARKNESS'S HEAD VISIBLE

I GET A MOST PECULIAR FEELING THAT YOU DON'T KNOW WHO I AM,I'M THE SHADOW IN YOUR CLOSET I'M THE GREAT-GRANDSON OF SAM,I'M THE MYTH THAT'S TOLD TO TEACH YOU TO BEHAVE OUT OF FEAR,

I'M THE SYRUP ON THE PREACHER'S TONGUE, THE HONEY IN YOUR EAR,

I'M THE IRE THAT GUIDES THE SISTER'S SWITCH, THE LUST IN FATHERJONES,AND THEY CAN'T IDENTIFY ME, THEY JUST FEEL ME IN THEIR BONES,SOME KNOW ME AS A TRICKSTER, SOME SAY I BEND AND TWIST,MY GREATEST TRICK WAS TEACHING YOU THAT I DO NOT EXIST,



NO, I AM NOT A METAPHOR THAT STINGS THE MODERN MIND,AS YOU MARCH ONE TO THE NEW DAWN I AM COMING UP BEHIND,I WALK UNHINDERED IN YOUR SLEEP, UNKNOWN THROUGHOUT THE LAND,AND AS YOU PURGE ME FROM YOUR THOUGHTS, YOU LET ME GUIDE YOURHAND,

I DON'T MAKE YOU PULL THE TRIGGER AND TAKE GUILT FROM OFF THETASK,AND I DON'T HAVE TO MAKE YOU DO IT, ALL I HAVE TO DO IS ASK,I CANNOT RAPE THE WILLING, THAT'S THE GLORY OF FREE WILL,I'M A FUNGUS ON YOUR LIMBIC THAT SUGGESTS YOU GO AND KILL.

Lighting changes and reveals thatDarkness is dressed as a priest. Heknocks on Anna's door. She goes tothe door.

DARKNESSExcuse me for the intrusion, but are you Anna?

ANNA Yes.

DARKNESSI am Father Richard Logner. I heard about yoursituation. I'd like to talk to you for a momentif I could.

ANNA

How did you hear about...it was Barb wasn't it?DARKNESS

Yes, it was Barb, she told me about your loss. Shealso expressed concern for you.

ANNA She couldn't keep a secret if it was super gluedto her...

DARKNESSCan we talk for a moment?

ANNA Yes, I suppose, would you like to come in?

DARKNESSThat would be lovely.

ANNA Would you like a cup of coffee?



DARKNESSThat would also be lovely.

ANNA How do you like it?

DARKNESSSweet and dark.

ANNA Sugar and a little cream?

DARKNESSYes, the darker the better.

Anna goes to the kitchen to getLogner a cup of coffee.

ANNA

So what did you want to talk about, Father?

DARKNESSI want to talk about you, Anna. Have you gottenout of the house lately?

ANNA No, I'm not ready for that yet.

DARKNESSWhen did your husband...cross over?

ANNA It was about six months ago.

DARKNESSI'm sorry to hear that. How close were you?

ANNA What? We were married? Very close, what do youthink?

DARKNESSI'm sorry, I meant, were you together long beforeyou were married? Sometimes, people marry who

haven't had the time to really get to know eachother.

ANNA Yes, we were engaged for over a year.

DARKNESSYou can live with someone all your life and notreally know them, my dear.



ANNA I'm a good judge of character.

DARKNESSYou let ME in.

ANNA (looking suspiciously)So, you must be a good person, right?

DARKNESSYou do seem to have a knack for picking out thegood ones.

ANNA I hope so.

DARKNESSLet me get to the point, Anna. Your friend is

concerned that you might need a little shove, ora friendly fire lit under your...ah...shall we say,lack of initiative?

ANNA I really don't...

DARKNESSI know it hurts, Anna. I know it's hard to moveon without feeling like you've betrayed someone,but trust me, he doesn't have a clue what'shappening to you right now.

ANNA That's a terrible thing to say!

DARKNESSBut it is the truth. He is in a place that is so wonderful, all he wants to do is wait for you tojoin him.

ANNA So why shouldn't I just end it all right now, then?

DARKNESS

Oh my goodness! No! That would be an unforgivablesin and you would never see him or anyone else again!You have to live a full, good, rich life full of wonder and love. Fill your plate to the rim andnever look back.

ANNA I'm not that brave, Father.



DARKNESSThere is courage in you that you don't even knowabout, my dear. And you may have courage, because wherever you go, I will be with you.

Music starts and Father Logner

begins to sing.Song, Snow Flowers

DARKNESS SINGSWINTER'S END, THE SUN SHALL LEND A HAND TO KILL THE SNOWCOLD DAYS WE'LL SPEND AS MARCH SHALL SEND US STRUGGLING AS WEGOTHE STRENGTH IS THERE TO BURDEN BEAR ALTHOUGH WE'RE FEELING LOWLIKE FLOWERS' WILL UPON THE HILL TO PUSH UP THROUGH THE SNOW.

WHEN TIMES ARE HARD WE'RE DEALT A CARD TO DISCARD OR TO KEEP.AND CHANGES MAKE, GET WHAT WE TAKE AND NOT LOOK BACK AND WEEP.THE TREES ARE FROZEN, SOME ARE CHOSEN TO FALL DOWN AND DIE,

THEN ASK GREEN JACK TO PLANT THEM BACK TO GROW BACK TO THE SKY.

STOP AND DALLY AS WE RALLY COURAGE TO GO ONADULTS IT MAKES AS BALLS IT TAKE TO STAND AND FACE THE DAWNSO TRY NOT TO FALL AS STRENGTH WE DO CALL FROM SOMEWHERE WE DON'TKNOWAND WHERE IT'S BEEN, ALWAYS WITHIN, LIKE FLOWERS THROUGH THE SNOW

LIKE FLOWERS' WILLUPON THE HILLTO PUSH UPTHROUGH THE SNOW

ANNA Father, you have truly inspired me!

DARKNESSThat's wonderful! When would you...

ANNA I'm going to travel the world!

DARKNESS

You're...

ANNA And I'm going to take Evan with me!

DARKNESSBut...

ANNA



Not physically of course. In my heart!

DARKNESSIn your heart?

ANNA

(Taking Darkness's hand and showing him tothe door as she speaks and he stammers.)Yes! He's still with me, Father, that's why I can'tseem to leave him behind like everyone seems to want me to do. So I've decided that I'm going toget away from everything, but I'm taking Evan's memory with me! We're going to see the world...together! Good bye Father, and thank youagain!

DARKNESS(Outside the door)

That's wonderful, indeed, little one. You see the

world with your dead love. You see how empty itis when no one can get close to you. You will see.You will see me too, because wherever you go, IWILL be with you.

Darkness disappears and the lightsshift to Anna preparing to leave for"the world"

ANNA (Packing)

This is going to be so great, Evan. We will see

it all together just like we talked about. You werealways so scared about travelling and leaving thesafety of home. I'm going to show you that it'snot as bad as you thought it would be.

Music begins as Anna begins hertravels. Darkness sings "The Wolf"as Anna and dancers act out hertravelling from place to place. Mentry to approach her throughout thesong, but are rebuffed by Darkness who consistently imposes himselfbetween them as if she is his

territory. She notices the menshunning her, but does not realizeit's Darkness behind it all.

SONG, THE WOLF

DARKNESS SINGS

AS YOU WALK ALONG THE PATHWAYPRAY THE SUN WON'T LEAVE YOUR SIDE



DARKNESS CRAWLING UP BEHIND YOUWOLVES COME OUT FROM WHERE THEY HIDE

YOU'RE UNNOTICED AS ACROSS THE COSMOSDISTANT GODS DO RIDENOW'S THE TIME TO DO OR DIE

SO TURN AND DRAW YOUR SWORDOR RUN AND HIDE

IT TRACKS YOUR LAGGING FAILURESEYES GLOW RED AND STILL BEHIND THE TREEIT SMELLS THE FEAR INSIDE YOUONE MORE FALLS TO WOLF SHE DID NOT SEE.

THE ROADS ARE PAVED BY THOSE TOO SLOWAND THOUGHTLESS OF THE DANGERS CLOSE BEHINDSURVIVED IN KIND WHEN YOU FIND THE MINDTO SPIN THE WHEELS AND LISTEN TO THEM GRIND

THEY TASTE THE WEAKNESS IN YOUHOWEVER MUCH THEY GORGE, THEY DO NOT FILLTHERE IS NO HIDING FROM THEMTHE PACK OF HUNTERS PROWLING FOR THE KILL

AND AS YOU WALK ALONG THE PATHWAYPRAY THE SUN WON'T LEAVE YOUR SUNNY SKIESJUST ONE CHANCE TO STAY ALIVE SO TURNAND PLANT YOUR BLADE BETWEEN ITS EYES

Lights go down as Anna tries to enjoyherself and finds it increasinglydifficult to do so. Scene changes toEvan on the train.

Evan is besieged by passengerscoming and going, not knowing whento get off the train, and not beingable to contact Karen. The ride seemsendless.

EVAN(sitting on the train, looking out the

window)How long has it been? How long have I been here?

(to another passenger)Excuse me, sir, do you know anything about thetrain?

MANI had cancer.



EVANOh. I'm just trying to find out how long I've beenhere.

MAN 2It's a one-way trip, boy, don't you know anything?

EVANWell, that's not entirely true.

MAN 2(to another passenger)

Look who's the new conductor.(They laugh)

EVANFine.

(The train stops and the passengers get off,still chuckling. Others get on)

I don't know when to get out. It keeps going backand forth across the river. I have to help her.I have to get to her. I'm afraid that if I get offnow I'll miss her! I told her forever. I promised.Please.

(falls asleep)

The lights dim and spotlights Evan.Evan sleeps. A figure comes into thedim spotlight.

BARD

Evan. Evan, wake up.EVAN

Huh? What? I was asleep?

BARDYes, it's time to get up, you've had a rough wayto go, young man.

EVANYou mean this whole thing has been a dream afterall?

BARD(Laughs as the light come up to reveal thatthey're still on the train)

No, you're still on the train.

EVANWhat? This can't be! It should be a dream, I should wake! Please! I was on my honeymoon.



BARDEvan, you are dead, and it's time to face it. Thingschange. Some times for no reason.

EVANIt's not fair.

BARDThings sometimes seem like they aren't fair, butthere is a grand scheme afoot and we are just pawns.Even the Gods must play along.

EVANI don't understand.

The Bard takes out his flute andstarts to play Changes.

SONG, CHANGES

BARD SINGS

INSTILL THE SOUL INTO SILVERFALL IN LOVE WITH THE MOONSEE THE PATH LAID OUT BEFORE YOUAND EVERYTHING CHANGES

STANDING TO FACE THE SUNRISEDOES IT ALL HAPPEN TOO SOONWISH IT COULD BE LIKE IT USED TOAND EVERYTHING CHANGES

THROUGH THE FOG THERE IS A DISTANT SCREAMINGTOO FAMILIAR IS THE VOICEWALK ON THROUGH AND HOPE THAT YOU'RE DREAMINGAND THERE IS NO OTHER CHOICE

SOAK IT IN AND DISBELIEVE THE VISIONREAL IS SO MUCH WORSE THAN LIESWHAT YOU DO IS ALWAYS YOUR ON DECISIONNO ONE WANTS TO HEAR YOUR CRIES

SEARCH FOR MORE THAN A PURPOSESOMETHING MORE THAN "TO BE"PATIENCE IS YOUR UNDOING

WAIT AND WE SHALL SEE

GOD CHUCKLES AT YOUR INERTIA BEGIN THE ULTIMATE CLIMBTHROW YOUR HEART TO THE FOUR WINDSEVERYTHING CHANGES IN TIME.



BARDNow get off the train.

(Lights go down on the bard)

Evan gets off the train only to findhimself standing in front of the

remains of the shattered tree to which he was originally tied. It isalso the honeymoon tree. The tree hasbeen carved into the shape of a chair.Darkness stands before it and a veryold Anna is helped out to sit in it.

NURSEHere you go, Mrs. Willoughby.

ANNA Thank you so much dear.

NURSEI have to go back inside for a few minutes, butI'll be back out in no more than ten minutes tocheck on you.

ANNA That's fine, I'm just fine right here.

EVAN(seeing darkness hovering by Anna)

Get away from her, Darkness.

DARKNESSWell, if it isn't our wayward young adventurercome home to claim his wrinkled prize.

EVANI said...

DARKNESSI heard you, boy, but you're too late, she's lostto you.

EVANI don't believe you.

DARKNESSYou're a ghost, boy. You can never touch her again.She's unreachable.

EVAN(running to Anna and falling at her feet)



No! Wait, that doesn't matter! I promised foreverand I meant it. I will be here forever and nothingcan change that!

DARKNESSShe didn't wait for you Evan. I seduced her a

hundred times within a year of your death. She'sa cheap slut and you missed it!(Laughs maniacally)

EVANLiar!

DARKNESSWell, what are YOU going to do about it? You'retoo scared to do anything, Evan. You're a coward!You're afraid to go outside at night. You're notgoing to do anything.

EVAN(Turns away from darkness)

I'm NOT afraid.

DARKNESSOh, but I think your are. Here I stand, waitingfor your lady love to pass away so I can claim hersoul and you're over there, trembling in fear of me.

EVANI'm not afraid of you!

DARKNESS(Triumphantly)

Then make your choice, her time is almost up andshe will be mine.

EVANNO!

(lunges at Darkness and the two begin toscuffle)

Scene changes to Poetry and War.

POETRYWar! Evan is in trouble! He needs us!

GOD OF WAR(Watching the fight while moving as if watching a boxing match)

What? Why should we go over there and interfere with...



POETRYBecause Evan is our friend! We have a duty to...

GOD OF WAR(still watching the fight)

Duty! You? I'm the God of War, I'm, ohhh yeah, I

taught him that move, I'm the one who knows aboutduty. Our duty, jab, JAB, is to watch and see who wins, and You know who I'm betting on.

POETRYWar, I can't believe after all we've been through with him, you'd just let him...

GOD OF WARAll we've been through? Are you serious? He nearlygot me married of to those...actually ratherbeautiful...young ladies from the garden...who made that most sensuous salad...

POETRYWar!

GOD OF WARAnd not to mention nearly getting us killed, well,you, killed by those damnable thunderingnematodes! My sword stays here.

POETRYWell not my pen!

GOD OF WARYour pen? Your pen!

POETRYYes, my friend my pen is mightier...

GOD OF WAR(sarcastically)

Oh no. Don't tell me! DO NOT say that your pen is mightier than my sword! Do Not! That is the single most cliche piece of tripe you could ever say. EvenYOU couldn't be that cliche!

POETRYActually I was going to say that, but only becauseI used my pen to fill out THIS!

(holds a page from a catalog in War's face)

GOD OF WARWhat's this?



(leans head back a bit to get a better lookat the page while Poetry reaches in his backpocket)

This is an order form from Smith and Wesson.(War moves the page to see that Poetry isholding a gun behind the page in War's face.

War bursts into delighted and surprisedlaughter)Ok, then! Let's go help!

POETRYThought so.

GOD OF WARYou know, I think I'm rubbing off on you.

POETRYIn your dreams, pal.

Lighting changes and the sceneshifts back to Evan and Darknesstussling.

EVANYou'll never have her!

DARKNESSShe's already mine!

EVANNever!

DARKNESSAlways!

ANNA Evan?

EVERYTHING freezes and they all lookat Anna who sits staring out over thesea.

ANNA (cont'd)Evan? I know you can hear me. You've always been

with me. My friends abandoned me, well, Iabandoned them in their eyes. I never met anyoneelse who could take your place. I was true to you my whole life.

(Evan looks at Darkness with a 'harumph')You said "forever", and so did I. One little lifeis nothing compared to the vastness of eternity,and forever is eternity.



(Evan walks away from a stunned Darknesstoward Anna)

Even after you had gone, I could feel you with me.Our love is so strong it reaches across the veilof death and keeps us tied together like the chainsin our tree. And now, here I sit, waiting for my

last few moments to pass before I get to be withyou again. I hope you still love me even thoughI'm old and wrinkled.

(She chuckles a bit)ANNA SINGSTHERE IS NO ONE ELSE FOR ME BUT YOU

EVANTHERE IS NO ONE WHO CAN TAKE YOUR PLACE

ANNA THERE IS NOTHING LEFT FOR US TO DO

EVANI'M COMPLETE WHEN I LOOK AT YOUR FACE

BOTHOUR LOVE IS FOREVER

EVANOUR LOVE MAKES...US...ANNA?

Evan looks down and sees that Annahas passed away.

EVANAnna? No! Wait!

ANNA (standing behind Evan in her young form again)

Evan?

EVANANNA!

ANNA

EVAN!

They start to embrace, but Darknesssteps in and grabs Anna's arm.

DARKNESSShe is MINE!

EVAN



No!

GOD OF WARNOT SO FAST, DARKNESS!

DARKNESS

What? No, Wait!

POETRYIt's over Darkness, you lose.

DARKNESSNo! Wait a minute! There's still a chance...

GOD OF WARThere is no chance in hell, and I mean that, thatshe will lose now, she's dead and the bet was "untildeath". You lose!

DARKNESSCrap!

EVANUm. Guys?

POETRYYou won Evan! You and Anna have won!

EVANI am SO lost right now. What are you talking about?

ANNA Evan?

GOD OF WARWe had a little bet going on.

ANNA (Squealing in delight)

Evan? You're here? You're here!

EVANYes, Anna, I'm here for you. I promised foreverand...A bet?

POETRYNot really a bet, more of a little side wager.

ANNA Who are these people, Evan?

EVANThat's a bet! What is GOING ON HERE!



POETRYYou said "Forever", the both of you.

EVAN(irritated)

Yeah?

ANNA Evan! Am I dead? What is happening?

POETRYAnd you meant it.

EVANYes, honey, you are dead, so am i and...

(even more irritated)YEAH?!? I know I meant it, so what?

POETRY

Well, we gods got together when we heard that word"Forever" and thought we'd put you to the task.There were some of us who believed you did meanit and there were those of us who didn't. War andI were on your side the whole time. Darkness betagainst you and did everything he could to see toit that you failed.

ANNA Gods?

POETRY

Yes, my dear. Your "Father Logner" is the spiritof darkness and corruption of the innocent. Hetried to seduce you to the darkness of lonelinessand loss for the remainder of your days withoutEvan. He even went so far as to keep you alone whenothers might have tempted you by getting betweenthem and you.

ANNA I thought it was odd that time in Italy when thatcute young cabbie looked at me in the mirror andjumped out of the car.

DARKNESSYeah, that was me.

GOD OF WARYou know, that was really stupid, Darkness, if youhad just left her alone, she might have given in.

DARKNESS



Yeah, I know, I realized that after the fact, butyou know hindsight...

GOD OF WARRight, always 20/20.

DARKNESSGo figure.

EVANAAAHHHH!! Wait a minute. This whole time, we werejust a bet? Of all the blasted, uncaring...

GOD OF WARNow hold on a minute. We gods are not as uncaringas you might think. It was I who struck the tree with lightning so you would come back to the train.That was pretty caring of me.

POETRYAnd I was the one who inspired you, Anna, to seethe world with Evan's memory.

DARKNESSI thought I did that.

POETRYNope, me, sorry.

DARKNESSCrap!

EVANYou mean you manipulated the whole thing so thatyou could win some stupid divine BET!?

POETRYNow hold on a second, Evan, I told you, you won.You won! And you fell off the cliff of your ownaccord, that WAS an accident.

EVANWhat do you mean, "You won" you mean "You" won,don't you?

POETRYNo, Evan, Anna, you both won. You said forever,you meant it, and you proved it.

ANNA And?

POETRY



And, my dear, it is my greatest honor to tell youthat you two are the new spirits of love.

ANNA AND EVANWhat?

POETRYThe gods may play with people, but they can begenerous. We struck a deal with the big guy, thatif you were to win the bet, you could be foreverexamples and inspiration to young love everywhere!Wherever young lovers are in trouble or in needof hope, it will be you two who can be there forthem. You really ARE forever!

GOD OF WARAnd here's your symbol. When people see this,they'll think of you two and the trials you wentthrough to be together.

(points out two half heart pendants chainedtogether on a large screen up stage)

I made that.

POETRYIt was my idea.

EVANSo who was the guy on the train?

POETRYHe's a friend of mine.

(waves to the bard, the bard waves back.)ANNA

Well, I guess there's just one thing to do!

Music begins as all the spirits comeon stage and begin settling the bet with Poetry and War

SONG OUR LOVE IS FOREVER (ROCK VERSION)

EVANTHERE IS NO ONE ELSE FOR ME BUT YOU

ANNA THERE IS NO ONE WHO CAN TAKE YOUR PLACE

EVANTHERE IS SO MUCH LEFT FOR US TO DO

ANNA I AM COMPLETE WHEN I SEE YOUR FACE



TOGETHEROUR LOVE IS FOREVEROUR LOVE MADE US WHOLEOUR LOVE IS FOREVERWE'RE REALLY ONE SOUL

OUR LOVE IS FOREVERFOREVER AND ABOVEOUR LOVE IS FOREVERFOREVER OUR LOVE

Chains Rev 9-7-27-10 by Jeff Goins

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Transcript of Chains Rev 9-7-27-10 by Jeff Goins