Conflict in Two Voices

Conflict in Two Voices

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Scene: Advanced to downstage center, a middle-aged couple sit in two armchairs which are angled largely to face audience. There is a small table between them on which there are two empty glasses and a pitcher (of iced tea). When spotlight comes up, the couple is facing towards the audience. The stage is otherwise unlit.

Gloria (facing forward)

“A Poem of Love” by Mrs. Gloria Eversen

Sam (facing forward)

“A Poem of Hate” by Samuel Eversen

Gloria

The sun shone down on the golden field of grain.

Sam

Dark and overcast, the sky was drenched in black.

Gloria

Two persons approached amidst the splendor.

Sam

None trespassed upon this scene of bleakness.

Gloria

On the right walked he, on the left was she.

Sam

Forced together, in the dark inside, he and she sat apart.

Gloria

The plants filled the air with perfumes of sweetness.

Sam

The crude wood fire before them belched out its choking smoke.

Gloria

He looked at her, she at him, and their eyes sang songs of love,

Sam

Their eyes glared brighter than the fire, repulsing each other away,

Gloria

Clasping hands, their bodies merged into a kindling glow.

Sam

Until able to stand no more, the dark gap grew between them.

Gloria (turns towards Sam)

Good evening, Sam.

Sam (turns towards Gloria)

Good evening, dear.

Gloria

How was the office?

Sam

How was the house?

Gloria

Did business go well?

Sam

Was your bridge club successful?

Gloria

How is the Stock Market?

Sam

Is the washing machine working yet?

Gloria

It is working fine.

Sam

Business is awful.

Gloria (face forward)

“The Sea” by Mrs. Gloria Eversen

Sam (face forward)

“The Boulder” by Samuel Eversen

Gloria

Swiftly swirling sliding surf,

Sam

Steadfast sturdy stationary stone,

Gloria

Continuously sweeping in and out,

Sam

Perpetually standing still,

Gloria

Holding the harmonies of eternity.

Sam

Forming the foundation of forever.

Gloria (addressing Sam)

Care for some iced tea, dear?

Sam (turns to answer)

Thank you.

(Gloria pours and hands him a glass.)

Will you join me?

Gloria (answers, then look s forward)

No, thank you.

Sam (forward)

As a child, I was raised in the streets of the city amongst the cars and the crowds on the sidewalks. We moved to the country when I was ten, but my heart remained in the city, where I was raised as a child.

Gloria

As a child, I was raised in the fields of the country amongst the trees and animals. I remained there all my years, in the country, where I was raised as a child.

Sam

But when I became a teenager in the country, my attention turned from the city to girls, although I could hardly turn their attentions to me. I was never the athlete or the brain, but just a scrawny kid who was always hanging around.

Gloria

When I became a teenager however, I was suddenly confronted with something other than the trees and animals. Boys began to notice me and hang around. I guess I always was somewhat attractive. I could hardly find a moment alone.

Sam

I thought I was destined to the life of a loner, until I met my wife.

Gloria

I thought I would never escape the crowd, until I met Samuel.

Sam

I remember the first day we met. It was a hot summer day and I was mowing the lawn without my shirt on. I was so undeveloped that I hardly ever took my shirt off. Consequentially, I had nearly no tan. But the day was so hot, I had shed the shirt and thus acquired a full sunburn. I saw her coming down the street. She was a beauty, her hair blowing in the slight breeze, her face full of life. And I looked like a melted piece of bright red licorice.

Gloria

The first day we met was a blistery cold winter day. I was just coming down with a cold and I looked terrible. My hair had been tousled by the wind and my face was red from the cold. He was shoveling the driveway, all bundled up with nothing showing but his frozen face. But even then I could tell what a hunk of a man he was.

Sam

I had noticed her for several weeks, and finally I summoned up just enough courage to ask her for a date.

Gloria

He was a total stranger, but he just casually asked me for a date.

Sam

I could see she hesitated, but finally she murmured out a yes.

  

Gloria

I could not contain myself when he asked for some strange reason. Something inside just made me shout out yes.

Sam

I was so surprised. I never did get along with people very well. I was always contradicting them and arguing, until I met my wife.

Gloria

I guess it was just my destiny to go out with him on that first day. I could never disagree with anyone. Everybody claimed that I just could not say no, until I married Sam.

Sam

With my wife, I finally found somebody with whom I could agree. When we were married, we agreed to argue.

Gloria

And we have not had an argument about agreeing ever since we were married.

Sam (to Gloria)

Well, the night is late.

Gloria (to Sam)

Or the morning is early.

Sam

Good night, dear.

(They stand and embrace.)

Gloria

Or good morning.

(They exit opposite sides of stage.)