Blind

A Stage Play by Wisdoms Collector

A half hour play.

Scene 1 - LOVE 101

(At a café. SUSAN, with a handbag, enters stage left and crosses to the counter stage right.)

SUSAN: Mornin' Jack!

WAITER: Hello, Susan.

SUSAN: An espresso, please.

WAITER: Double shot?

SUSAN: Yup, the usual.

WAITER: Sure!

SUSAN: Thanks. Tell me: How's your wife nowadays?

(They begin to chat, but soon SUSAN receives a call from someone and so turns around and talks. The light upon them dims. SAM, carrying his bag, with blind SMITH, wearing black eyeglasses and carrying a cane, enter stage left.)

SMITH: Are we there yet? I'm tired.

SAM: Yes, want an expresso?

SMITH: Sounds good.

SAM: (to waiter) An espresso, please.

WAITER: Alright, sir.

(They cross to a table stage front. SAM seats SMITH down.)

SMITH: So tell me now"why are we precisely at this cafeteria?

SAM: I'll tell you. It's my new source of inspiration.

SMITH: Inspiration?

SAM: Yes, inspiration.

SMITH: Sure?

SAM: Let me explain, Smith. You used to be a theater director, right? And I am an accountant who loves writing poetry "well, still a beginner, but still-- and I just discovered that my inspiration flourishes when I come to these traditional places.

SMITH: As you like, Sam; as long as you're comfortable.

WAITER: (calls) One espresso!

(waiter turns his back to make SAM's espresso.)

SAM: Some fast service!

SMITH: We should come here often, don't you think?

SAM: Yeah, why not. Just a minute.

(SAM gets up still holding his bag and walks to the counter. At this time SUSAN is still in a call and not paying attention. SAM takes SUSAN's espresso. She sees SAM and walks over to him.)

SUSAN: Please, that's my coffee.

(A love song. He turns to her in slow motion and then unconsciously drops his bag.)

SUSAN: Careful!

(SUSAN picks up the bag.)

SAM: Sorry. Umm" your coffee!

(Hands SUSAN her coffee.)

SUSAN: Thanks. And here's your bag.

(She smiles and then sits at a table at the back.)

SAM: (to himself) My God! Will I ever see this angel again?

(spotlight only on SAM)

O, angel from these hefty skies

With heaven sparkling in your eyes:

What brought you to this lonely earth?

Was it to start my soul's rebirth?

What sin did you commit to fall

And walk upon this earth so small?

I leave my questions unresolved

Along with mysteries to be solved.

(Spotlight is dimmed. Normal lighting. SAM's coffee is put on the counter, but he doesn't notice.)

WAITER: Your espresso, sir.--Sir? Sir?!

SAM: Oh, sorry! Thanks.

(SAM returns to his seat and gives SMITH his coffee.)

SMITH: Inspired yet, Sam?

SAM: (musing, sighs) Yes--I think.

SMITH: What's with the sigh? What happened?

SAM: An angel, Smith; I just saw a bright angel.

SMITH: Define “bright angel,” please.

SAM: The most beautiful creature on this earth, Smith.

SMITH: Ho-ho-ho! Someone's inspired!

SAM: Shh! (whispers) Keep it down! It's a secret between us, alright? I know that you think I'm joking? But it doesn't matter. It really doesn't matter. (Sighs) I'm going to write something.

SMITH: Like what?

SAM: A short love poem. (begins writing)

SMITH: (stands up and hits the ground with his cane) I don't feel like staying here anymore, Sam.

SAM: (stops writing) Why? What happened?

SMITH: I remembered that I hate espresso. Drop me off, will you?

SAM: (puts his stuff back in the bag.) Sure, as you like. (SAM looks at SUSAN, who's reading a book, one more time; then, to himself) Good bye, bright angel.

(They walk to the counter. Blackout)

Scene 2 - Selfish?

(Finance office. SAM sits behind a desk with a laptop and other stuff on it stage center. SMITH enters stage left.)

SMITH: Sam's not joking, is he? How can he fall in love so fast anyway? He doesn't deserve it. The lucky idiot. I wish I could see her too. But why does this idle accountant, who only cares about numbers and facts, fall in love with such a woman-- and not me? Work, dog, work. What's wrong with me? I have more life than he will ever get in ten years. He's a failure. If I wasn't blind, I would have enjoyed her beauty, this bright angel. You know what? To hell with my blindness. I have my plans. I'll act like a cowardly sheep, and think like a fox with the heart of a devil. My wishes won't change anything; I must act now.

(Exits stage right. Blackout.)

Scene 3 - The Plan

(At the park; a bench center stage. SAM and SMITH enter stage right. GUY enters stage left, and SMITH deliberately forces SAM to bump into GUY.)

GUY: (shouts) Hey! What'th wrong with you?! Are you blind or thomething?!

SAM: Sorry, I --

GUY: (grabs SAM's shirt) You better be thorry!

SAM: Just calm down! Calm down!

SMITH: Leave him; he didn't mean it.

GUY: I will leave you thith time, but nektht time " (leaves him)- I won't! Thtupid blind people.

(SAM walks to the bench and seats SMITH.)

SAM: I feel strange, Smith.

SMITH: You should feel strange, Sam. It was your fault anyway.

SAM: My fault?! I don't know what happened, but I didn't mean to hit him.

SMITH: Sam, whatever your problem really is, deal with it rationally. Leave your emotions aside for a while.

SAM: My problem? I have problem?

SMITH: Who hasn't.

SAM: How do you know I have a problem?

SMITH: I knew it right after you bumped into that person. What's wrong Sam? Are you still thinking of her?

SAM: Who?

SMITH: Your bright angel. Who else?

SAM: I guess you're right.

SMITH: Be careful, Sam. I have to confess, you're an very sensitive guy and that's dangerous. You're aiming for the impossible.

SAM: You're right. I need something from life other than those big dreams I aim for. I've always been a perfectionist. Maybe I need to enjoy life's simple pleasures for a change.

SMITH: There you go-!

SAM: But I can't do that.

SMITH: Why not? Why not have a break?

SAM: I'm still a young man; I have a lot to do. My job and my love life mean a lot to me.

SMITH: (angrily) You know what? That's not my fault, Sam.

SAM: What do you mean? Why are you angry at me now?

SMITH: Because I've been advising you for as long as I remember, and all you do is nod your head but achieve nothing! Besides, it's you who is making a big deal out of it. Think, man, just think about it well, but--not too deeply.

SAM: Stop advising me, Smith. I'm not making a big deal out of it anyway.

SMITH: You are! Stop denying it.

SAM: I'm not in love, alright.

SMITH: You are!

SAM: Stop contradicting me!

SMITH: I'm not. You stop shouting! You're the one who doesn't know what he's doing!

SAM: You know what I really know, Smith? I know that this conversation is totally pointless. For me your words don't make any sense whatsoever; so--

SMITH: So what?

SAM: --So I don't think we should be friends anymore, therefore I'm leaving you!

SMITH: Leaving?!

SAM: Right now.

SMITH: You've got to be kidding me!

SAM: Just listen to me as I go away. (stands up)

SMITH: You can't do that unless--

SAM: Unless what?

SMITH: Unless I leave you first. (stands up too)

SAM: Ha! You make me laugh, Smith.

SMITH: Just watch me. (exits stage right with his walking stick)

SAM: Yeah, very impressive. I'm amazed that you didn't bump into anyone. (walks stage left) I have eyes, I don't even need a stupid cane to help me find my-- (the guy SAM bumped into returns with a much BIGGER GUY beside him. SAM bumps into him again.) Oops! Sorry, I--

GUY: --Thith ith the perthon who hit me! (BIGGER GUY cracks his knuckles and approaches SAM)

SAM: Um. Smith? Smith!! (runs and exits stage right. They follow him.)

(Blackout.)

Scene 4 - The Dream

(SAM's bedroom. SAM sits alone on the edge of his bed wearing his pajamas.)

SAM: Whoa!...That was close. Thank goodness I escaped that guy and--Argh!--my back still hurts. I wonder where Smith is now. Smith?! What am I talking about? Him and his overly polished words. And all I would say is: “Yeah, you're right Smith! I wish I was as smart as you are, Smith!” I was such an idiot then. (sighs) There is no use in remembering him anymore. I don't know why, but it seems to me that I was affected by that woman's words. (Yawns) Well, I'll give that a second thought tomorrow. Boy, do I feel sleepy.

(SAM takes off his slippers, sets his alarm clock, switches off his lampshade, and puts himself in bed. He begins to snore. The dream begins. A spotlight is directed at SAM who gets up and walks to stage front. A choir starts along with some city noise. The DREAM PEOPLE enter and place boxes before SAM and he trips over them. Suddenly, SUSAN enters stage left holding out her hands and repeating his name while being dragged backwards. SAM follows her voice but the DREAM PEOPLE stop him. Suddenly SMITH, who is not blind now, appears. He pushes the DREAM PEOPLE away grabs SAM by the shirt and throws him back to his bed. SUSAN disappears. SAM returns to his sleeping position. The spotlight is switched off. SAM shouts. Blackout.)

Scene 5 - Sam's Home

(The dining room. With his school bag beside him, SAM's BROTHER sits at the table eating breakfast and listening to RADIO HOST 1. Light only on HOST [As if it is a stand up comedy].)

HOST 1: You know, it really gets in to me. I mean, I know I finished that education thingy, but I still think teachers are crazy people. I mean look at what they've done to us. If you analyze any teacher in a logical way, you'll find out that your analysis will come down to one thing: contradiction. It's also strange how old they seem. I mean, its obvious. When you encounter a person who looks very old and sounds like an army general, and you find out they are twenty years younger than you expected; its a teacher. Another thing is, they may not be able to recall their names anymore. The two main reasons for that is either denial or Alzheimer disease. “Pay attention, kids, write down what's written on the board. It took me two and a half hours to finish it before class even started so, please, pay attention to me and write it down. I'll explain. Don't worry.” And he turns around and begins erasing the board. As he erases the board, you would hear him blowing air out of his nose quickly like an accelerating race car. When he finishes that, he is too tired to say a single word to explain what he just erasing off the thing. “Pay attention.” He finally says with a tired voice. And that's when he falls asleep on the desk. (sits on his desk) Crazy teachers. Anyway, stay tuned for our next program where Mike will be discussing your love life with you. The number to call is double two, double two, double two, double two. Stay tu--

(Before the RADIO HOST finishes that, SAM's SISTER enters stage right and switches the radio off.)

BROTHER: I was listening to that!

SISTER: Are you alright?

BROTHER: Of course. Why ask?

SISTER: Somebody made a huge shout yesterday night. Do you think it was Sam?

BROTHER: Maybe. When he returned and before he slept, I heard him mumbling. Maybe he is facing a problem at work. I know him; usually when he's angry because of his work, he begins to mumble. I'll ask him anyway.

SISTER: I guess it's love.

BROTHER: I don't think so. I asked Sam and I insisted for an answer. He shook his head, as in no. It takes more than love to destroy a great mind like Sam's. Although he is a very sensitive person I don't think it's love.

SISTER: What about his blind friend?

BROTHER: I know nothing about Smith.

SISTER: But you must help him.

BROTHER: I will. Don't worry. I'm going to find Smith and talk to him soon; maybe he knows something.

SISTER: Oh, I'm really worried.

BROTHER: I said don't worry. I can deal with it. Go back and take a rest. I'll talk to Sam.

SISTER: There he comes! (To SAM) Hey, Sam! Come here!

(SISTER spreads her arms but mumbling SAM stops before her and stops mumbling. Then SAM continues mumbling, avoids her and sits down beside his brother. SAM's SISTER covers her face and runs off stage right.)

SAM: (says finally) Who was that?

BROTHER: What do you mean? That was your sister. You just ignored your own sister.

SAM: (looking around then at the ground) Oh, really? Did I? I'm sorry.

BROTHER: Do you still remember me at least?

SAM: Yes, I do. You're my brother--I think.

BROTHER: What's wrong, Sam?

SAM: Nothing. I shouted last night.

BROTHER: Why?

SAM: A nightmare, but it's nothing.

BROTHER: It can't be nothing. You've changed completely. Is something bothering you? Why aren't you smiling anymore? Speak to me, Sam. Say something!

SAM: I don't know.

BROTHER: I know you are older than me but I have to say it. You are not a little boy anymore to say “I don't know.”

SAM: Stop advising me. You're beginning to sound like that friend of mine whom I hate to mention.

BROTHER: You mean Smith?!

SAM: Yes, him.

BROTHER: What's wrong with Smith? You're not friends anymore?

SAM: Yes. Why?! Because he is a blind idiot.

BROTHER: And?

SAM: And because I'm an idiot, alright? I am also an idiot.

BROTHER: No-one's an idiot, Sam. I know that's not you; that's not the way you speak; that's not the way you walk. You're not yourself anymore. Your mind seems to be somewhere else. Tell me what's wrong with you, or I'll hate you forever. Don't make me do that. Please, Sam, why don't you appreciate that we all suffer when you have a problem you are in just as you are suffering?

SAM: Look! I don't care about you. I only "I'm just lost man, so leave me alone. I don't want you to suffer what I am suffering. I can deal with my own problems.

BROTHER: (Silence, goes over to SAM and hugs him) I'm going to school now. But just remember that we love you, Sam, we will always be there for you.

SAM: Thanks, brother.

(SAM's BROTHER exits stage right. SAM walks over and turns on the radio.)

HOST 2: Hello, everyone, this is Mike Paul. Having difficulties in your love life? Just call double two, double two, double two, double two and we can discuss it together! And as I always say to you guys: Love is a precious gift from God, so give it to whom you truly love. Stay tu--

(SAM switches the radio off, stops to think then exits stage right. Blackout.)

Scene 6 - The Confession

(At the park. Spotlight on SAM who walks slowly and then sits on the bench center stage near SMITH who is not visible now. SAM grabs a note and pen from his pocket.)

SAM: (writes) It's been two weeks now since I saw my bright angel. I lost my job as an accountant. Mother told me that if I don't get a job soon, my brother and sister won't be able to continue their education. May you rest in peace, father. My father was a great man for raising an idiot like me. He died two years after my graduation from college and left me this big responsibility. To keep my promise, I have to get rid of my problem as soon as possible. Every night at seven, I talk to this host on the radio; but no results. Even he is getting sick and tired of me. But longing for light, I try and try.

(puts down the paper and pen, tears up the paper furiously and exits stage left. SAM's BROTHER comes out from behind the bench.)

SMITH: You can come out now.

BROTHER: Just a minute.

(BROTHER picks up teared paper and reads off some pieces)

BROTHER: He wrote about father, and about losing his job as an accountant. Here's another one: “Bright angle”?! Who's that?

SMITH: That's what Sam calls her.

BROTHER: You mean he's in love with someone?

SMITH: It can't be any more obvious now, right? Even though he only saw her once.

BROTHER: But why didn't you tell me that when we first started talking? Look, you have to help me Smith. You're my only hope now. Sam was sitting with you all this while, but he didn't know that you're there. He keeps mumbling these days. At home he doesn't recognize me; sometimes he even thinks that we're all strangers. Outside, he's like partially blind and keeps bumping into people.

SMITH: Is it really that bad? You know, I'll confess something to you; a stupid thing I did. It was me who caused all this trouble for Sam.

BROTHER: What? But how?

SMITH: When I knew Sam was in love, for some reason the devil seduced me to envy him. And my plan to destroy his love succeeded. However, I feel lonely now; almost lost. I don't know what to do now. I regret what I had done.

BROTHER: It's alright since you are willing to help me. Tell me: where did Sam see this woman.

SMITH: At a traditional cafeteria in the suburbs named “Coffee-me”

BROTHER: I know where it is. We'll take a taxi and go there as soon as possible, alright? Maybe the waiter there knows her. We'll find out somehow. I've got a plan in mind. Come, let's go.

(They exit stage right. Blackout)

Scene 7 " The Solution

(The dining room. SAM sits at the table listening to RADIO HOST 1 and RADIO HOST 2.)

HOST 1: There's a lot to say about love.

HOST 2: Yes, a very interesting subject.

HOST 1: You got that right, man.

HOST 2: Yeah.

HOST 1: Love, love, love!

(They laugh exaggeratedly then trail off into a sigh, Sam makes a call)

HOST 2: (Silence) Love is blind.

HOST 1: Exactly! Whatever that means.

HOST 2: What is love for you?

HOST 1: A drug. Love is like taking a drug at the wrong time. The long hours of waiting for nothing, the anxiety, the doubtfulness. If you're in love, you're on drugs; and not in a good way either.

(Their voices become like background)

HOST 2: We have a call from Mr. Sam, as usual. Good evening, Sam!

SAM: Hey. I want to tell you guys my problem.

HOST 1: At last! It took you more than five weeks to get to this point. Tell us what you've got.

SAM: I dream that I'm blind, and that is causing me many problems. I've lost my job and the trust of my family and friends. What should I do?

HOST 2: I'm sorry, Sam, but what does this have to do with your love life?

SAM: Umm...I don't know.

HOST 2: Mr. Sam, are you in love with someone?

SAM: I can't say that.

HOST 2: Then why did you say you're gonna tell us your problem?

SAM: I don't know!

HOST 2: No offense Mr. Sam, but we can't continue our conversation unless you have a real problem in your love life. Call us later, Mr. Sam. Another call from Susan. Hello Susan.

SUSAN: Hi, Mike. I just want to say to Sam that he's a bright angel and has a heart of gold. I also want to ask you guys a question: There's this person who loves me, but I had no idea until his friend told me. He only saw me once at a cafeteria, which I am in right now, when he accidently took my espresso. His friend is blind and --

HOST 2: Hello? Sorry Susan; it seems the line got disconnected. These love stories are getting weirder with time. Anyway, all you lovers out there, stay tu--

(SAM turns the radio off and runs stage right.)

Scene 8-Happy! Happy!

(Park. Happy song. SAM, with flowers, enters stage right bouncing happily, smiling and shaking hands with the men and giving out the flowers to the women. SMITH enters stage left and grabs SAM's shoulder. SAM looks at his friend with shame and hangs down his head. SMITH hands him a ring. SAM is surprised but takes it and runs stage right. Blackout.)