Mama When Is Enough, Enough?

Mama, When is Enough,

Enough

? (Stories of Our Children) by

Padmore Agbemabiese

Padmore Agbemabiese 2

Mama, When is Enough, Enough? (Stories of Our Children)

by

Padmore Agbemabiese

UniCreations Inc. Publishing House P. O. Box 29036 Columbus, Ohio 43229

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If you knew that all your days life will always be like this with blood flowing daily and men dying in the forest, while others daily cry for mercy; if you knew even for one moment that this would go on forever, then life would be meaningless unless bloodshed and death were a meaning. — Ngugi Wa Thiong’o (Weep Not Child 1964)

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Mama, When Is Enough, Enough— THE STORY

Mama, When Is Enough, Enough— is the life story of street children across the world— their experiences and the circumstances surrounding their day-to-day lives. Coming from dysfunctional families, Samiratu and her friends had to battle and negotiate contextual factors— the poverty and power dynamics between immediate family and extended kin, constructions of gender and sexuality in the home, and life on the streets. Their story is that of our children and their struggles to escape life and the violence surrounding their lives. Samiratu and her friends each has one thing in common— they grew up on same Family Street, came home one day and found a mother on drugs, stepfather abusing the mother and a drunk father beating his pregnant wife— and so, out of desperation and fear for their safety, they take to the streets that are full of drug dealers, and pimps. Overwhelmed by what they see they slowly descended from innocent victims to survivors with charges of petty thefts and a life of kids in a street gang. Although the origins of street children is often associated with modernization and broken families it is also true that street children come from aberrant families that abandon, abuse, or neglect their children. Samiratu’s experiences and the life trajectory of significant individuals around her are structured by everyday abuse. The story of Samiratu and her friends draws parallels between an individual life’s course and the wider social and economic patterns that shape the lives and experiences of children in general.

Padmore Agbemabiese Tuesday, September 16, 2008

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Copyright © 2008 by Padmore Agbemabiese

Published by UniCreations Inc. P. O. Box 29036, Columbus, Ohio 43229 ISBN… … … … … … .

All right reserved. No part of this play may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, electrostatic, magnetic tape, mechanical, photocopying, performed or recorded or otherwise without permission in writing from the playwright or the publishers.

Cover photo design by UniCreations Inc.

ABOUT THE PLAYWRIGHT Padmore Agbemabiese is a prolific and versatile poet and dramatist, who have earned a place among the coterie of important African authors. His writings cut a path to the voices of people whose frustrations, pains, tears and desperation he expresses in his creative works. Padmore Agbemabiese persistently uses his creative works as a catalyst for social change much as they make your heart wheel with the stars, and your soul break loose on the wind. His dramatic oeuvre provides primarily a thematic geography that lends itself to raising the consciousness of those who compete aggressively “to win”their dreams in life— all which often seem bankrupt to them. His poems and plays provide a necessary roadmap out of misery to a “new sign of being”and perhaps a path back to our youth where “… .charged by the thrill of the village Sun/ the birds and trees, houses and the people/they build in us a tall wall of Hope/even long after the sun has set and darkness comes/to the surrounding fields and hills”(from ‘An Evening at Home’). Recently, one reader of Padmore Agbemabiese’s work (poetry) stated, “your poems are like a psalm for our time, offering the needed rest and refreshment from “motionless explorations”without denying the difficulties on the way: “the incredible violence and yielding/turmoil that has been our route.”

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DRAMATIST PERSONAE

1. Samiratu… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … a young girl of 12 years 2. Ricky… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … a young boy of 14 years 3. Ramon… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … ..a young boy of 14 years 4. Ngozi… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … a blind boy, 13 years old 5. Tamika… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … ..a young girl of 14 years 6. Tyrone… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … ..a young man of 25 years 7. Mother… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … ..Samiratu’s mother, 27 years old 8. Delonn… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … ..a young man of 29 years 9. Shaquanda … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … an elderly woman of 28 years 10. Shatoya… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … .a girl of 21 years 11. Altagracia… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … ..Ramon’s mother 12. Filiberto… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … Ramon’s father 13. Manchu… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … .a young boy of 13 years 14. Li Mei… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … Manchu’s mother 15. Liang… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … .father of Manchu 16. Ayishah… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … .an elderly business woman 17. Mahogany… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … ..a pregnant teenager 18. Commander… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … .boy soldier 19. Corporal… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … ..boy soldier 20. Sergeant… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … boy soldier 21. A Woman and a her two children 22. Akie:… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … .a young girl 23. A Sheriff

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S C E N E ONE ON THE FAMILY STREET (The lights in the auditorium are out and there is a dead silence. The stage too is dark. The stage for this play must be divided into two. One part of the stage is a junkyard, where the children live and keep their belongings. There are three dangling chairs and a miniature cupboard in which food is hidden. There is a torn or so picture of Koby Bryant on the wall. Close by is a basketball-net hanging on a wall. Ramon is holding a basketball and Ricky is sitting on one of the chairs. The other half of the stage is reserved for more acting of flashbacks. This section has an armchair, a table and few items depicting a simple living room. Samiratu, a young woman of 12 is seated in the audience, though not too far from the stage. She wears a simple but torn dress and looks pregnant. Seated in the audience and not too far from Samiratu is Manchu, an Asian boy. When the lights come onto the stage both Ramon and Ricky are arguing about NBA stars.) Ricky:

(Staring at the Koby Bryant picture on the wall. He turns round and looks at Ramon who is trying to shot the ball into the net but misses a dozen times. He turns again to Ramon). Who do you think you are? Michael Jordan or what?

Ramon:

No way! I want to be Lebron… of the Cavaliers. That’s my hero. (This time the ball lands in the net)

Ricky:

Woaw!! You never stop amusing me. What does a Mexican and Cavaliers have in common? (Laughs hysterically). Anyway, I am for Koby Bryant, all the way for the Lakers. Look at that picture on the wall. That is my man.

Ramon:

Boy, you loss your mind? You cut your coat too big, too big. Have you ever heard the saying, “Cut your coat according to your size?”(Contemplatively).

Ricky:

Not really, but what is wrong with me wishing to be Koby Bryant?

Ramon:

(Soberly, still with the ball and contemplating) Nothing. But, Lebron, Michael Jordan, Koby Bryant. How I wish these names could be tickets that could conjure some smiles for my cheek and allow my eyes to liven up whenever the sun rises… .(he throws the ball to Ricky)

Ricky:

You are right, my brother. (He throws the ball into the net). And whenever the sunlight creeps into the eastern hall, I will awake to a life mingled with the throngs of good feelings, be in the presence and thoughts of a father and a mother who have a home where I belong and could call my self-meant territory. (He goes to the cupboard for food and finds a finger of a banana)

Ramon: face).

Ricky. (He walks to him and taps him on the shoulder. They look into each other’s Are you also hungry? (Shares the finger of banana with Ricky). Do you have a mother and a father? (Pause). And do they live together?

Ricky:

Of course! I have a father and mother. But, I can’t call that, living together. Have you 7

Padmore Agbemabiese 8 seen the Lion King? I mean the Lion King in the jungle preying on the smaller animals?

Ramon:

Never.

Ricky:

That is it.

Ramon:

What do you mean by “That is it”?

Ricky:

(Pause) Supposing you are a soldier in the army and you are on the Battlefield and a Japanese soldier is at your heels chasing you what will you do? (Picks up a dirty shirt from a junk of things.)

Ramon:

(Pauses for a while and scratches his head) Surrender and get some good sleep. (Laughs loudly)

Ricky:

(Smells the shirt and throws it away). That is exactly the case. I need a good sleep.

Ramon:

Why do you need a good sleep?

Ricky:

Because, everything around me stinks like this dirty shirt. My father and mother are together but it is hell the house has no poetry no chemistry and neither do we the children sleep even when we do everything to please everybody … …

Ramon:

That is a mess in deed.

Ricky:

It surely is a mess. My father and mother always seem like they both butter their breads at the opposite sides. What about you? Do you have a father and mother?

Ramon:

(Shakes his head sorrowfully). My mother and father are like a cat and a dog. And our house is where spades and clubs are the boss.

Ricky:

What are you talking about? A house where spades and clubs are the boss? You are kidding me.

Ramon:

Wait till you hear this their mouths are worse than the Beverly Hills Cops.

Ricky:

What is that? Beverly Hills Cops…

Ramon:

From sunrise to sundown they run the “Baby, I'm Gonna Git You Sucka”show.

Ricky:

Seems you are all in a bad shape. Damn crazy house… .

Ramon:

You are right. (Pause) But what I do not understand is that, after they curse yell at each other and ends it up with a fight, they go to bed and manufacture two babies every year.

Ricky:

Manufacture two babies a year? Do you mean that or you are just saying it?

Ramon:

I’m not kidding. Two babies a year! (Upset). Sometimes, I wish I were not born to my parents. Do you understand me? But, do they know you exist in that house at all? 8

Ricky:

Padmore Agbemabiese 9 Who are you talking about? Does anybody think we exist? In this world, it is only when kids start shooting one another, in the neighborhood then people get to know they exist.

Ramon:

You are right. The other day I overheard a neighbor having a conversation with our old time school teacher… ..

Ricky:

What did the neighbor say… … ?

Ramon:

She asked the teacher, Mr. Robinson, I heard you are teaching at the Chicano South Side High School?”The teacher replied, “Yes Mum.”The old lady immediately jumped up and grabbed her soul. “Do you feel safe? Don’t they bring guns to the school? Are they not violent? How many gang groups are in the school? It must be tough working with kids like that.”The questions were pouring out like rain… in a single breath. (All this while demonstrating as he talks).

Ricky:

Some old women can be inquisitive. And what did the teacher say… … ..

Ramon:

As usual, cool and collected… .he tried to lecture the lady on who the kids are… as a matter of fact, he spoke my mind to that old woman but she did not want to listen to the teacher. She said we were dangerous and that he should… ..

Ricky:

I hate it when people see us as suffering from Multiple Dodgy Deficit Disorder, M. D. D. D. for short… …

Ramon:

(Laughs) On top of that, they label us “Dangerous Minds.”

Ricky:

Do they know what we go through as kids?

Ramon:

People don’t know that, not all of us are gangsters or drug-dealers. But that, we are people, human beings; we did not ask to be born but the people who born us are the people who often disown us and bring us the problems. It makes me want to explode… … .holler…

Samiratu:

(Samiratu, who all this while is seated in the audience, stands up in the auditorium and yells out. She is spotted by the spotlight. She is very angry and upset). I hear you my brother. I wish I can explode and say it all too. People don’t know how we young ones feel. (Angrily) I wish I never had the mother who mothered me and the living-but-dead father who claims I am his daughter.

Manchu:

Girl, what’s wrong with you? You are disturbing the peace of ladies and gentlemen here.

Samiratu:

What? Sit down on that dirty butt of yours. I say… .stick your behind in that seat and be quiet. Do you know what I am talking about?

Manchu:

Why should I know what you are talking about? Who are you? Dare talk to a man like that… ..if you call your parents knuckle heads… .don’t think of me like that. Take yourself out of here… … .

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Samiratu:

Padmore Agbemabiese 10 For real… … … boy… let me talk some sense into you. (She walks to him and is about to face him). I guess you don’t know where I’m coming from and you’ll never know where I’m going… ..because you think and behave like all men in this room. (Walks further away from Manchu.)

Manchu:

Ooh, you are even pregnant. A school girl pregnant at this age. What are going to do? (laugh hysterically)

Samiratu:

Are you laughing or crying? Yes, I am pregnant. Let’s keep this real. (Turns to someone in the audience). Why are you looking at me like I am a stranger in your neighborhood? And you… (To another in the audience)… ..don’t stare at me like that. (Walking away) I know what you are all thinking. (All this time talking to the audience. She begins to walk towards the stage). Who among you will believe it is my parents who did this to me?

Manchu:

(Laughingly). My pregnant virgin, don’t call the forest that shelters you a jungle. Your parents are a forest around you. (He sits quietly. Samiratu stops, looks at Munchu with scorn and moves on). Do not blame them.

Samiratu:

How can I call my parents a forest when they can’t grow to be a stem in my weak fence… .a support in my defense… ..a light onto my path? (Shouts loudly). Do you understand, boy?

Manchu:

No, I don’t understand. You must be the master of your fate and the captain of your soul always, everyday.

Ramon:

Ricky. (He stops short and listens at the noise in the auditorium). Who are those disturbing the peace in this room?

Ricky:

(Slowly) I… . don’t… . know. I think they are a bunch of guys from the ‘hood.’

Samiratu:

(To Ramon and Ricky). Quiet over there. (To the audience). And quiet everybody. You laugh because I know you don’t understand and don’t care about your children. (At the steps of the stage).

Manchu:

(Shouts on top of his voice). You still don’t get it… .

Samiratu:

(Stops on the steps and looks at Manchu). Get what? (Eyes him sternly).

Manchu:

If you want to get into a house and all the doors are locked, you have to go round the house till you find a window.

Samiratu:

You are right. But do you know that he who enters a house through the window is a thief? That exactly is how I was deflowered and destroyed before my star could shine.

Manchu:

Never mind since you still don’t get it.

Samiratu:

No I don’t. Do you know why I am pregnant at 12? Do you care to know? (She starts climbing the steps to the stage again). Listen to me… (She forgets her scarf in her seat and goes back to pick it). 10

Padmore Agbemabiese 11

Ramon:

That girl is something. Ricky, have you ever visited this website?

Ricky:

Which website?

Ramon:

BITTER MARRIAGE DOT COM?

Ricky:

Are you crazy? What is bitter-marriage dot com? What kind of website is that?

Ramon:

They give good advice for every situation like the one over there… … (points at Samiratu)

Ricky:

You’ve lost your mind?

Ramon:

They say, if a woman is always nagging, shouting like that one over there (points to Samiratu)… it means she is asking for something beyond what takes place at the dinner table… .

Ricky:

Is that really true?

Ramon:

Yes. The other day I learned that, it is the calm and silent woman that drowns a man. That means, quiet women are dangerous, very dangerous. Watch them… ..

Samiratu:

(From a distance). And that one there… it’s a clear lie… ..we need to talk about that, right now…

Ramon:

Damn. Why is she so angry and yelling like that?

Samiratu:

You are not supposed to know … … ..and you can’t know either… .because you are a man… and men don’t know anything about girls’feelings… period

Ricky:

Hmm. That girl has a sharp tongue. I’m out of here before she comes near…

Ramon:

(Aside.) Can somebody beat the hell out of her for me?

Ricky:

Not me. That tongue is worse than the viper snake. (Samiratu closes on them. Ricky gets closer to her). Ramon, it is Samiratu, our friend. Come and see… (Ramon rushes to him). Samiratu, why… . you are pregnant. I thought you were in school?

Ramon:

Samiratu!.......Why are you pregnant? You were an excellent girl in the class. Teenage appetite? Is it the quarterback in the football team that made you pregnant or who?

Samiratu:

You ask too many questions. Are blaming me too? Are you joining the crowd in blaming the youth for every crime in the society?

Ramon and Ricky: (Shyly). No… ..No… … .No… .No… . Samiratu:

Why is it that, when even our parents mess up with their lives, we children are the ones thrown into foster homes and heaven knows what we go through down there. Take the 11

Padmore Agbemabiese 12 case of many of our children, their fathers are in jail and their mothers are on drugs. Can somebody hear me? (To the audience) Can anyone hear me when I cry?

Ricky:

Please, let’s stop lamenting and accusing the audience, for something they are not aware about. They are honorable people, people who love their children. They didn’t do anything to us.

Samiratu:

Stop that. Allow me to lament and brood. Let me shout on top of the minaret that society is unfair… Yes unfair. How can we boys and girls of this age fend for ourselves? Be on the streets? Children below the age of fifteen.

Ramon:

Please… .. Please… … … … … Please.

Samiratu:

(To the audience). Look at them. They are looking at us. No, they are staring at us with scorn, indignation, hatred and bitterness because, I am a pregnant schoolgirl. Their eyes are piercing through me, asking questions I cannot answer. But did any of them try to find out why and who is responsible for my pregnancy? (Pause). Shut your eyes. Shut your damn grimy eyes.

Ramon:

Samiratu, they didn’t make us like this. They didn’t force us out of our homes.

Manchu:

(Still among the audience). Lady, you forced yourself from home because you were pregnant. Understand that no one is in control of your happiness but you; therefore, you have the power to change anything about yourself or in your life.

Samiratu:

Do you know who made me pregnant? Men like you… … … …

Ricky:

Why are we accusing everybody? The people in this room did nothing to us.

Samiratu:

Yes they did. If not, they should keep quiet and not join the chorus that “the youth of today is not up to any good. That, the Youth is this, the youth is that”.

Ramon:

(Talking to his friends). Everybody, peace… … Peace… … (TAKES THEM UP STAGE). Please know that these are our respected guests. They came here to see a play but not to be attacked. (WALKS DOWN CENTER STAGE TO THE AUDIENCE). Our distinguished ladies and gentlemen. I plead with you to bear with us. My friends here were once the beloved children of their parents. They loved them; they saw to their needs. They wanted them to grow up as responsible adults but something happened…

Ricky:

Something happened. Samiratu, tell them what happened. Tell them your story.

Samiratu:

(Steps forward… ..in a calm and gentle voice). My friends, one afternoon, I left school and came home to have a talk with my mother. My Mom was by herself, as usual, smoking and drinking heavily. Oh my mom… … she is one of the best singers I have ever known. She sung in the church choir and was a cheer-leader in her college. But… . something happened… .(Light comes onto the second half of the stage. The mother of Samiratu is seated in an armchair. There are empty beer bottles around her. It seems she has been drinking all day. Her appearance shows she is on drugs. She is drinking beer and smoking at the same time. Her room is filthy with beer cans scattered around. She stands up but can hardly stand on her feet). 12

Mother:

Padmore Agbemabiese 13 (She looks shabby, unkempt; in fact, she seems to be in a miserable state. She has a cigarette in one hand a bottle of beer in the other. She strikes the tune, “One Moment in Time.”She hums the tune for awhile and then with the lyrics. Whiles she is singing Samiratu leave her friends and walks through the back door into the house. She stops and looks at her mother).

Each day I live I want to be A day to give The best of me I'm only one But not alone My finest day Is yet unknown I broke my heart Fought every gain To taste the sweet I face the pain I rise and fall Yet through it all This much remains Samiratu:

(Samiratu standing at the entrance of the door behind the mother. She sees the mess in the room). Mother. Are you okay?

Mother:

Sure… ..sure… ..sure. (Turns to Samiratu and talks drowsily) Why are you home so early… … ..what’s up…

Samiratu:

Mom. When are you going to stop this? Look at your surroundings. (She tries to tidy the room while talking to her mother. The mother pours another glass of wine for herself). Mom, not again. Don’t take the drink, and the cigarette, it’s not good for your kidney. The doctor warned you of it. (The mother takes a bottle of beer and Samiratu take the drink and cigarette from her. She holds the mother gently). Mom, come here… … … do you remember… .

Mother:

Remember what?

Samiratu:

Don’t you remember when I told you, your boyfriend had been touching me and forcing himself into my room?

Mother:

Stop that nonsense. I don’t want to hear that crap again.

Samiratu:

It’s true Mama, he has been crawling into my bed

Mother:

Stop that I say. (Clogs her ears). Stop that nonsense. You are lying on my boyfriend.

Samiratu:

Mom, I’m not lying.

Mother:

Yes, you are. 13

Samiratu:

Padmore Agbemabiese 14 (Gets upset and angry). Sometimes I wish I were not born by you. Why can’t you listen to me as other mothers do with their daughters? You think I am lying. I am pregnant.

Mother:

(Jumps up) PREGNANT...and by whom?

Samiratu:

Your boyfriend.

Mother:

(Screaming at Samiratu). You are a slut.

Samiratu:

If I am a slut, then you are a slut too, because you gave me birth, and I did not ask to be born to become a slut.

Mother:

(She picks up an object to hit Samiratu). You have never been a good girl since you were born. You are like your good-for-nothing father. Both of you are born liars and criminals of a sort. That is why your father is in jail for this donkey years. (There is some noise in the adjourning). Who is there? Who is it?

Tyrone:

(Responding from outside) It’s me.

Mother:

(Tyrone enters with beer and cigarette in hand, and pants sagging on him). Tyrone, it’s good you are here. (Tyrone kisses the mother, hugs and consoles her). Tyrone, have you been touching my girl?

Tyrone:

You are kidding me.

Mother:

You see what I mean?

Tyrone:

She told you that? Girl, what’s your problem? I mean it. What’s your problem?

Samiratu:

You are the problem.

Tyrone:

What?

Mother:

Girl, if you want to take my man with liars, I will deal with you.

Tyrone:

Do you know what it costs me to keep this house running… .rent… .food and all that?

Samiratu:

You don’t have a dime to even spend. My mother is on welfare and you live on her food stamps too.

Tyrone:

Girl, if you don’t take yourself out of this house, you will have it right now.

Samiratu:

Have what? Do you know I am pregnant

Tyrone:

Who cares if you are pregnant. Who will be stupid to impregnate you?

Samiratu:

I am pregnant by you? Look at me; at 12 and pregnant by you.

Tyrone:

What do you mean? Me? Me, made you pregnant? You are out of your mind (pulls the gun on her. Samiratu screams and moves to a distance). Girl, what’s wrong with you? Don’t play with me like that. You hear me? If you dare say that about me to anyone, 14

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you are dead, you hear me? You hear me! (He puts the gun to Samiratu’s head and threatens to shoot her). Samiratu:

You pull the straps on me? Mama. Mama.

Tyrone:

Check yourself, girl. You hear me! I say, do you hear me? (Samiratu’s mother comes to the rescue. Samiratu rushes out in fear and tears, and her mother pulls Tyrone away. Tyrone goes after Samiratu. The mother is alone and lonely).

Mother:

Samiratu see what you’ve done? Tyrone. Please, come back to me. (Alone, she bursts into humming the love song “Miracle”by Whitney Houston. She hums the rest till lights fade out on her and the lights comes onto Ramon and Ricky on the other end of the stage): How could I throw away a miracle? How could I face another day? It's all of my doing I made a choice And, today, I pay My heart is full of pain… ..

Ramon:

Ricky, we are not alone… .not alone

Ricky:

Sure we are not alone… … … … … … … ..

Ramon:

Why can’t anyone hear us when we cry? (Samiratu enters breathlessly).

Ricky:

(Embracing Samiratu). Samiratu, we are deeply sorry for your experiences.

Samiratu:

That is my story, the story of how I got pregnant and had to leave the house… ..and I am not alone… … … ..there are hundreds of young girls in my situation… … … ..

Ramon and Ricky:

What can we do?

Ricky:

I can’t understand this. Parents need to remember, there will come a time when they will wear six pairs of glasses which they will never find; there will come a time when their hairs will begin to fall and their memory will desert them. And that is the times they will need us. Don’t they know there is a reason why God made it possible for them to have children?

Samiratu:

Some want they don’t get; some get they don’t want. What a world of odds.

Ramon:

And how long are they going to drive us onto the streets? To be born to poor parents is hard. But, to be born to parents who are absent in your life is to live in the very bottom of hardships. Are we going to live like this forever?

Ricky:

No. We should find a way to make it. There is a hero inside us; we must look up to it. If we look deep inside us we will find tools to heal our own wounds, wipe away our tears, and gather strength for our survival. We can take care of ourselves. (He bursts into the song “There’s a Hero.” They all join in chorus and hug Samiratu).

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Padmore Agbemabiese 16

There's a hero, If you look inside your heart, You don't have to be afraid of what you are, There's an answer, If you reach into your soul, And the sorrow that you know will melt away. [chorus] And then a hero comes along, With the strength to carry on, And you cast your fears aside and you know you can survive, So when you feel like hope is gone, Look inside you and be strong, And you'll finally see the truth that a hero lies in you. Ramon:

But what can we do, (Staring at the Koby Bryant picture on the wall). Koby, are we going to live forever on the street?

Samiratu:

No. If we do, we will surely die from the cold.

Ricky:

Anyway, do you have some food? (Samiratu goes near the cupboard and fumbles through the items for food but see none)

Ramon:

Are you serious? Food from where.

Samiratu:

There is nothing.

Ricky:

You mean there is no food?

Samiratu:

Yes.

Ramon:

There is no food. Do you think we live in the days of the Israelites?

Ricky:

Why do you say that?

Ramon:

They were lucky… … when they were in the wilderness God dropped pizza free of charge from heaven for them to eat… ..Remember, we are not Israelites and have nowhere to go for food… … … … ..We have no mothers or fathers or aunts or uncles to give us food.

Ricky:

I know. Our lives are in our own hands. The decision to move or standstill is entirely ours. But, why should it be so?

Samiratu:

Well, it takes a lot of money to be a Daddy.

Ramon:

Ooh, is that the reason why many men have been running away from fatherhood?

Ricky:

That is why many have undergone that cosmetic surgery.

Samiratu:

What surgery?

Ricky:

I mean, Cosmetic Surgery. 16

Padmore Agbemabiese 17

Samiratu:

What is that?

Ramon:

Are you a stranger in Harlem? It is more reliable, some people’s a long awaited messiah.

Ricky:

(Laughing hysterically). They call it hormonal male birth control method

Samiratu:

Hormonal male birth control method… .what is that?

Ricky:

It is the latest on the market. (He goes to fetch water in a pot to drink).

Samiratu:

What? That is why all the joys of fatherhood are lost to them.

Ramon:

It is sad that some fathers chose this path and deny themselves the joys of fatherhood.

Ricky:

And that is why we are like this today. I think we better end this and quench our sorrow with a cup of water. (Hands a glass of water to Ricky).

Ramon:

It is unfortunate that we are no orphans yet we have no parents. (Places the glass back at its place)

Samiratu:

(To the audience) You all out there, mothers, fathers, aunts and uncles, aren’t we your children… ..we did not ask to be born… .you did… .you decided… ..don’t you know we can make it only if you are there? Do any of you know the air around us smells like the entrails of a disembodied animal? We believe we can fly, but the garbage we carry sprawls over acres. Can you see it? Please, help us to fly (She bursts into the song). Mama, I believe I can fly… . I believe I can touch the sky I think about it every night and day Spread my wings and fly away I believe I can soar I see me running through that open door I believe I can fly I believe I can fly I believe I can fly

Ricky:

(Solemnly). I believe I can fly but, my natural spring of joy has been choked up since I was in grade six and my hope in life has been buried by the debris of poverty and the paltry sins in my family for years. Who can help me? (he burst into tears).

Ramon:

Guys, this is not the time to brood! Let us go find something to eat first, after that we can think of where to lay our heads. (They turn to leave but before they reach the exit, Ricky draws their attention).

Ricky:

Hey, hey, hey, where are you going?

Ramon:

To find food.

Ricky:

But, none of you ever asked me nor heard my story. (They look at each other in the face). Is that how we should be? Remember, a big nose cannot blow itself. 17

Padmore Agbemabiese 18

Samiratu:

Okay. Guys, I’m tired of accusations. Let’s sit down and hear him. (All act in unison and agree with Samiratu).

Ricky:

Good. As the dog said, 'If I fall down for you and you fall down for me too. That is friendship.’

Ramon:

Okay Ricky, what is your story? Why are you on the street?

Ricky:

My Grandma once told me that, the only best gift a man can give his children is to give them a good mother. I believe a good mother is a person who seeing that there are only four pieces of pie for five people, would promptly announce that she never did care for pie. That was the kind of mother I had until my father decided to take on a different woman for a wife. (Lights fade out on Samiratu and her friends and come onto the other half of the stage. Shaquanda, a woman in her mid 20s is seen ironing the husband’s clothes. From her looks, it is clear she has been busy working in the house. Delonn, her husband, also in his late 20s enters the house dressed in a suit and tie holding an executive bag. He calls out to his wife, complaining about everything).

Delonn:

Shaquanda. (Loudly this time). Shaquanda? Where are you?

Shaquanda:

Yes darling. I am down here in the corner. (Goes to hug him but he brushes her aside)

Delonn:

What a hell is wrong with you? Are you now waking from sleep?

Shaquanda:

Husband, what are you thinking, you know I work two jobs… I was just ironing.

Delonn:

Two jobs and so what? I am sick and tired of these excuses. Don’t I work too?

Shaquanda:

Yes, you work too. But you are the CEO of your own company. But, why this attitude of yours today? Have you taken something? Why this attitude?

Delonn:

(Angrily) Something like what? Dare talk to me of attitude. And stop that ironing. (Pacing round the room and stops near a table). I have something to tell you. Come over here. (She leaves the ironing and comes to the table). I want you to sign these papers… .

Shaquanda:

What papers?

Delonn:

They are divorce papers.

Shaquanda:

Divorce papers? What is going on? Are you out of your mind?

Delonn:

Yes I am out of my mind. I need some independence.

Shaquanda:

Independence from what?

Delonn:

From you. I have put up with your nonsense for far too long and it is time you go.

Shaquanda:

It is time for who to go?

Delonn:

You. 18

Padmore Agbemabiese 19

Shaquanda:

Man, what’s your problem?

Delonn:

The problem is you.

Shaquanda:

(Pause, looks at Delonn for a while, takes a deep breath). You want divorce. Is that all?

Delonn:

What more do you need?

Shaquanda:

Man, don’t start something ugly with me this morning.

Delonn:

I’m not starting anything ugly. This is a simple matter.

Shaquanda:

What is simple in this? You call divorce simple?

Delonn:

I am a CEO, serving on the Governor’s Advisory Board, and if you care to know, I want a personal secretary, a young, beautiful, outgoing lady to accompany me on my business trips, someone who is able to speak at state dinners. Can you speak English? I mean English, not your kind of English from the ‘hood’.

Shaquanda:

English from the ‘hood’? Delonn, you are kidding me.

Delonn:

What do you mean? I am not kidding. I am serious. By the way did you graduate from high school?

Shaquanda:

Don’t you know what happened that I couldn’t graduate?

Delonn:

What do you mean by “Don’t you know what happened.”I know you didn’t graduate, period. Is that what you mean? Every state of life, whether in business or marriage relationships, is a competitive market in today’s world. If you aren’t a good wife don’t forget there is a competitor wanting to crash the gate and enter.

Shaquanda:

And if you aren’t a good husband… … … … ..

Delonn:

There are few good men out there, so if you get one, better take very good care of him else…

Shaquanda:

Love is a two-way street. As fire proves gold to be the best jewel so do marital challenges prove a marriage worth dying for. On another note, be reminded, there are few good women out there too, who if their husbands do not show care and affection for the love they share they too can un-marry their husbands at will.

Delonn:

(Laughs). Woman…

Shaquanda:

So I’m no more a DARLING, but that WOMAN!

Delonn:

I don’t know what you are talking about. Every economic productivity is influenced by good marketing strategy… .you do not even have a GED hence cannot be markets anywhere. 19

Padmore Agbemabiese 20

Shaquanda:

I know I have only GED, and I am planning to go back to college soon as the baby is two years old.

Delonn:

(Angry and speaking emphatically). Will you sign the papers and stop talking? If you don’t, you will have yourself to blame… .I did not stop you from learning hard in order to pass the exams in high school. (Paces around the table and pauses). I have made some concessions and my lawyers will take care of that with you later. Or if you like, you can remain in this house and become a house cleaner to my new Yale graduate wife.

Shaquanda:

(Gently but tearfully). A house-cleaner to your Yale graduate wife? Me a house-help? You know what; you’ve lost your mind.

Delonn:

What did you say?

Shaquanda:

Let me ask you this. Can you write down for me all the qualities your lady has and I don’t have, the things you want in a woman and I don’t give you. Is it the reach of her arms, the span of her hips, the twist of her lips, the fire in her eyes… … help me to understand it, is it because of the flash of her teeth, the swing of her waist… . or let me ask this… . is it the ride you enjoy in-between her breasts or the pleasure you get when you are between her thighs. Tell me.

Delonn:

You are damn crazy woman.

Shaquanda:

You are the damn crazy man, the one who has lost your mind. By the way, since you are looking for the best woman, to fit your stature, do me this favor, let me know if you ever find that best woman. If there is any at all.

Delonn:

Remember what you said.

Shaquanda:

Never will I forget it. You are the most idiotic human being I have ever known. You are just like your father, that is why he is still by himself since your Mama left him thirty years ago. Isn’t that right?

Delonn:

How dare you talk about my Dad? (He makes a move to slap her).

Shaquanda:

(Makes the curse sign to him). Hey, hey. Don’t dream of coming close. Guess what, you are done. Like father like son. Delonn, I do not need anything from you or this house.

Delonn:

You think you are tough.

Shaquanda:

Of course, I am. I am a black woman strong beyond definition standing tall by my words humming a song to defy my place and claim my space till time looks on me with tears and renew itself 20

Padmore Agbemabiese 21

I am a strong black woman poised to vanquish night and usher in the day veer the wind southward that moist clouds rise for me to feel joy that kindles the blue meridian skies I am a strong black woman (she chuckles, spins herself and looks into his face). Do you hear that? Delonn:

(Pulls out a gun on her). You think you have a tough skin. Wait and see.

Shaquanda:

See what?

Delonn:

This. (Shows her the gun). Take the papers and sign it, right now.

Shaquanda:

Is that your manly power? Are you still on that thing?

Delonn:

What do you mean?

Shaquanda:

You know what I mean. Like father like son.

Delonn:

Just sign the papers and get out of here.

Shaquanda:

How long we’ve been together?

Delonn:

Will you keep quiet and sign the paper? Are you asking the question to help you calculate a claim… ?

Shaquanda:

(She comes round him to sit) Claim, I don’t need to claim anything. I will be just fine. After many years of struggling and being together, you want your way. I will give it to you, and don’t ever call, asking to beg me to return like you did three years ago. By the way, remember the gold bars and the twenty thousand dollars that was said to be missing in the bank where you once worked as a security guard.

Delonn:

What? What about that? I know nothing about the missing gold bars and the money.

Shaquanda:

When the police come, to dig up your basement, and human remains start to show up tell them you know nothing about them. (She laughs to scorn him). Whew, where are the papers, let me sign the paper… .

Delonn:

Damn you. Devil of a woman. You want to make trouble for me? You are to leave the house tonight. Now, now. No more concessions.

Shaquanda:

I don’t need concessions. I say, where are the papers? Let me sign them for you now. (She sits down to sign the papers).

Delonn:

Here they are. (He hands over the papers. He stoops over her as she reads over the papers. He moves a little father away from her as she reads the papers). I’ll have 21

Padmore Agbemabiese 22 custody of the children since you’ll not have the means to give them adequate education and diligent support.

Shaquanda:

What do you mean?

Delonn:

(Angrily). I say I am taking custody of the children. You don’t have to worry; I will take care of them. Okay.

Shaquanda:

They are my children.

Delonn:

I am their father.

Shaquanda:

Where were you when they were born? In jail.

Delonn:

That is the last time you said that.

Shaquanda:

Do you think being in jail every time makes you a father? Don’t treat me like dirt. I am not. I am going to the school to pick them up. And dare you come near them; we will meet in the court of law. (She tears the divorce papers, folds it nicely and throws it at Delonn.) Here are the divorce papers, make the best of them. (She stands up, looks into his face, removes her apron, and wipes dust off herself. She enters the bedroom; Delonn picks up the papers and looks carefully at it. Later, Shaquanda comes out with a small bag).

Delonn:

(Becomes angry with the torn papers in his hands). Woman, what a hell has got into you? What is this you’ve done to the divorce papers? You are the devil in my life… .(He paces up and down angrily, fuming here-and-there).

Shaquanda:

Down in the country we say, it’s not the path to hell, but hell itself that is paved with good ideas and plans like yours.

Delonn:

Whatever. You think you can be somebody without me. Get out before I get angry.

Shaquanda:

Are you God? Who told you I cannot be whom I want to be? If you believe you can, you can. If you believe you won't, you most assuredly won't. Let me tell you, belief is the ignition-switch that gets you off the launching pad into space, beyond the sky, pass the sun, the moon and the stars.

Delonn:

That is the first time you have said something sensible in your life. Get out of my sight.

Shaquanda:

Sure I will and may God bless you and the Devil forever be with you. May you live long to enjoy your fortune with your Yale woman. (She leaves the room and exit the house. Delonn bursts into a hysterical laughter).

Delonn:

(Mimicking Shaquanda) God bless you, and the Devil forever be with you. What’s that? Who cares about the devil? The lord is always my shepherd hence I will want nothing. (Laughs loudly). Shatoya, where are you? I did it. I am free. Come over here my sweet love. She is gone, we are free. (Shatoya enters and both stretch out their arms and embrace. Delonn brings her a bottle of wine. After a while, Delonn decides to leave). Sweet Shatoya let me go to upstairs and pick up a file. By the way, this is for you. 22

Padmore Agbemabiese 23 (Gives her a beautiful dress). Remember we have dinner at the Hilton tonight. (He walks to the exit and turns round). Least I forget, order some pizza for my boy, I mean my son. (Delonn leaves. Shatoya is looking herself in the mirror while Ricky enters the room.).

Shatoya:

This is beautiful. (Turns and swirls around admiring the dress. She sees Ricky’s reflection in the mirror on the wall. Jumps up). Hoops… look at how you scared me. Are you Ricky? How was school?

Ricky:

Good… … Who are you and where is my Mom?

Shatoya:

(Stares at him). Get your butt here. And don’t dare ask me those dumb questions anymore. (Holds his ears and drags him to the pet container). Throw away that pet container. I want the place clean. No more pets in this house. (Drags him by the ear to the dishwasher) You are responsible for dishwashing and laundry in this house. (Gives him a broom) You have to clean the yard, water the plants, the flowers and scrub the bathroom every day… ..

Ricky:

(Looks into her face). Do you know holding my ears hurt? Who are you … and by the way, do you know who I am in this house… ..this is my father’s house. Stranger, you had better leave before my Dad and Mom come back. (Shatoya slaps him in the face. Ricky starts to cry). Why did you slap me?

Shatoya:

Know how to speak to a lady.

Ricky:

Who is a lady?

Shatoya:

SHUT UP! Your dirty Mom is out of your Dad’s life. I am your Dad’s wife. From today, I am in charge of this house. (Ricky continue to cry loudly. Delonn enters the house). Husband, you must deal with this good-for-nothing boy. You must do something about this. I can’t take it any longer. This boy slapped me in the face with insults and curses. He questioned my presence in this house every now and then. I will have to leave right now. (Ricky leaves the rooms).

Delonn:

Damn. Where is he? Where is he? Ricky! Ricky, come here. I say, come right here. (Ricky enters sluggishly. The father holds him by the ear). You are a stupid foolish boy. How dare you raise a finger at my elegant wife?

Ricky:

She is lying on me.

Delonn:

What do you mean that she is lying? How dare you talk to a lady that way? Does she look like your dirty ugly mother? (Angrily shaking Ricky). If you cannot stay put in this house, you can pack and leave to wherever your useless mother resides. You can leave right now. (To Shatoya). Sweetheart lets get inside and get ourselves ready.

Ricky:

You mean my mother is no more in this house. What has come of you? (Ricky screams loudly. The father and Shatoya leave for another room. Soon as they exit, Ricky takes his shirt, book-bag and leaves the house amid tears). (Lights fade out on them. Lights come on Ramon and Samiratu). 23

Padmore Agbemabiese 24

Samiratu:

My brothers what is that scream about? There comes Ricky. (Ricky approaches with tears in his eyes. They all rush to him).

Ramon:

Ricky, we are sorry for the pain caused by that woman.

Ricky:

(Biter and in tears). Did you see what my father did? (He places his bag among the junks close by). My father divorced my mother without cause. He simply said he needed her no more. Because he has a new wife, young and sweet. (Turning to the audience). Is that the right thing for my father to do? You think that my mother did something, which warranted the action of my father… . No… .. it was only my father’s lust. He wanted a younger girl. (They stare at him). Do you believe it?

Ramon:

Of course, we believe you, Ricky.

Ricky:

(Lamenting). Because my mother was no more in my father’s house, life was never the same again for me. The woman my father married was a devil.

Ramon:

A devil?

Ricky:

Worse than that. If not for her face always looking serious and her character devilish, one would have called her a flat beauty. But…

Ramon:

I guess her mind is like a pink mesh-bag filled with the toes of the devil.

Ricky:

Yes, she is the devil incarnate, a monster. She made hell for me. She refused to give me food. She refused to recognize that I am part of the family. She made me a slave. I had to stop schooling to work to satisfy her.

Samiratu:

Ricky, don’t feel hopeless. (Parting him gently). There are no hopeless situations in life, if anything at all; it is people who have grown hopeless about their situations. You will make it through life… .

Ramon:

Did you talk to your father

Ricky:

Whenever I report things to my father, it only adds in making him furious and to be bitter with me.

Samiratu:

And what did your father do?

Ricky:

He only beats me to please his woman. They had my life twisted and I had to choose either to stay or go to where my fate is undefined. (He bursts into tears)

Ramon:

No tears, please.

Samiratu:

I guess having a beauty, perfect as dusk, whenever the sun goes down is a spell that turns your father insane.

Ricky:

You are right my sister. (In tears).

24

Samiratu:

Padmore Agbemabiese 25 Brothers, there are some tears that are hard to keep in check. Yes, you guys are hungry now. I know where to get some food. Let me go for it now. (She runs out).

Ricky:

Do you think what my father did was the best?

Ramon:

No, but… …

Ricky:

What do you mean with, BUT… … … You are not in my shoes. You don’t feel the way I do. Is the woman right to force me out of my own home only to turn round to call me a misfit?

Ramon:

No, Ricky, but… … .eh … …

Ricky:

You don’t appreciate the problem.

Ramon:

Don’t speak as if I have no problem.

Ricky:

Why say that?

Ramon:

Because I need to say so. You always think you are the only one with problems.

Ricky:

I think you get me wrong. One camel does not make fun of the other camel's hump.

Ramon:

I’m sorry about that. My father and mother are still together… … . They are still married, bind by the marriage vows of the Holy Ghost Church. I wish they were separated. (Starts to cry, silently) bind

Ricky:

(Picks a piece of cloth from the junks around for Ramon to wipe his face). Don’t weep. When spider webs unite, they tie up a lion. Our elders say, unless you call out, no one will open the door. We must speak out this time about what is happening to us?

Ramon:

Since grade three, I have never seen my mother smile, let alone laugh in the presence of my father.

Ricky:

And you the children?

Ramon:

We, the children are no better. (Altagracia and the children are seen in a pantomime, joyfully playing in the house) We jump, sing and danced only when our father is nowhere near the house. Let us hear the sound of the engine of his car. (Sound from his car) The house suddenly becomes like a cemetery. The house becomes quiet. One could hear even a needle drop.

Ricky:

The master was at home.

Ramon:

Exactly. You should have seen him parading with pride around the room. (All this time, everything Ramon says is performed in a pantomime by his parents on the other side of the stage) Sometimes, I am forced to believe that there is something seriously wrong with him.)

Filiberto:

Altagracia. Altagracia. (Altagracia emerges bowing low to the husband)

Ramon:

My mother will come rushing and kneel in front of him. 25

Padmore Agbemabiese 26

Filiberto:

(Roaring angrily). Are you deaf? How many times should I call you before you run here?

Altagracia:

I am sorry Signore.

Filiberto:

Why is it that my food is not ready yet?

Altagracia:

I will be ready with it in a minute. You said you were coming home at 6:00 pm, so I thought I could finish at 5:00 pm but now you are here at 4:00 pm … … … . I … will be ready soon…

Filiberto:

Will you shut up and rush to the kitchen

Ramon:

My mother will reply humbly with a bow. (Altagracia, the mother is seen in pantomime)

Altagracia:

(Bowing graciously. She turns to exit and then remembers). Please, Signore Filiberto… … . I need some money for some groceries… …

Filiberto:

What do you do with the money I give you? I say, what do you do with the money I give you? You sit here pretend to be a Mexican-American while I work on four jobs a day. Have you forgotten where we come from? I am from the proud Guarijio tribe. Don’t you know I have many mouths to feed back home in Mexico and save something in Mexico against a rainy day? … (He picks up a whip and chases her around). Stop before I get angry, stop I say… . (He chases her and the children out of the room into the kitchen).

Ramon:

The next reaction of my father is slaps and slaps on the face of my mother… (One could hear the mother being slapped off-stage).. He would slap and kick her around. Once my mother suffered miscarriage after such beating. After beating her, we are the next targets.

Ricky:

That certainly isn’t a home. It is hell.

Ramon:

Hell you will say. And therefore, I left home. I did not want to see any nasty incident. I could not stand the tears of my mother and the tyranny of my father.

Ricky:

I am really sorry for all men who have made their children fear them instead of respecting them. Men who act on complaints of their wives to beat their children have unknowingly, been turned into a monster.

Ramon:

A monster! My friend, where is Samiratu? She is still not back. Man must live… ...

Ricky:

Yes, man must live, I think we should put the past behind us and look into the future with courage and determination. What do you say to that?

Ramon:

Amen to that. That is the spirit.

Ricky:

Ladies and gentlemen, I am sorry I have to warn you to keep quiet while we go about our duty. I want you to keep your mouths shut for none of you would have cared to… …

26

Ramon:

Padmore Agbemabiese 27 Don’t say that, Ricky! They are elderly people. They are respectful. They are men and women of dignity and integrity.

Ricky:

These. (Breaks down laughing) My God, my ribs are breaking. You will kill me! Look at them (Laugh).

Ramon:

Please don’t mind him. He is like that. He is gone crazy. He thinks that the whole society is against him. Ricky, if you don’t stop teasing them I will leave you and go.

Ricky:

I only want them to answer these simple questions. Who amongst them loves their children? Please do you love your children? Have you sent them to school? How many of you protect your children from marital harassment? How many of you have not forced your daughters of school age to enter into some type of trade? How many of you help with your children’s homework? How many of you haven’t requested your children to tell lies on your behalf? If you are to answer these questions with all sincerity and they are in the interest of the child, then I will accept to call you distinguished ladies and gentlemen.

Ramon:

Ricky, you are embarrassing them. You can see how some of them have to lower their heads in embarrassment. I hope they will do their best for their children not to grow the way we are. Ricky, since Samiratu is not yet in what do we do in order to eat?

Ricky:

The usual thing, but please keep quiet for that is the way we live.

Ramon:

Yes, that is the only way we know. Who will start? (an elderly woman, Ayishah approaches, costly dressed looking into her expensive bag). There comes a woman, so start? Fall to the ground. (Ricky falls down, rolls and groans in pain: Ramon shouts for help) O, God, help me, my brother is dying. He is dying, please help… … .help… … ..me, what can I do?

Ayishah:

What is happening? Can’t you call 911

Ramon:

911 for what? We have neither an identity card nor an insurance card. How can I take him to the hospital? Oh God help us!

Ayishah:

Is he suffering from convulsion, a seizure or fit? (She fumbles through her bag). I forgot my cell phone at home too.

Ramon:

No… … No… … .he… .God help. (Ricky groans loudly).

Ayishah:

Allah Akbar… .Can you take him to the hospital.

Ramon:

Hmmm… … … no money to take even a taxi.

Ayishah:

(Fumbles through her bag). Get this money and quickly send him to the hospital. (Ricky groans loudly).

Ramon:

(Collects the money) Thank you… … … … .. but the hospital fees… … .we are not from this town… … … … … .. we came in search of a brother whom we have not seen yet… … … … .. We even don’t know how to go back home.

Ayishah:

Oh God, you children are in bad business… … .. (Ricky groans loudly). 27

Padmore Agbemabiese 28

Ramon:

He is dying. God… … … … … .. Help me.

Ayishah:

(Gives more money) Get this… … … use this to pay for the initial cost at the hospital… … … … . then use the rest for food. What do you say is the name of your village?

Ramon:

Oh he is dying. (Ricky groans loudly).

Ayishah:

Allah Akbar… … Can I help you get a taxi?

Ramon:

No… … ..No… .. you should not worry about that… … . I can see to that. Let me get myself together first. Thank you for your help. May Allah the Great One bless you.

Ayishah:

I wish him speedy recovery. … … … … (writes out her cell phone number). Here is my cell number… … .. should you need something… … .give me a call. May Allah the merciful be with you. (As she hands Ramon a sheet of paper, he grabs her hand, Ricky jumps up and they take from her, her handbag. She struggles for it but in vain. She is threatened by Ramon who pulls out something like a knife)

Ramon:

Woman, if you do not leave here, your body will be lost for life. (She holds her clothe tight and rushes out. Ricky and Ramon laugh loudly).

Ramon:

You played the role excellently.

Ricky:

I thought she would never go away. She is a business woman, eh?

Ramon:

I should think so. And what about this Allah the Merciful and Allah Akbar kind of business?

Ricky:

We must be careful of some of these Allah Akbar people. They will put us into trouble. How much did she give you? And from the bag?

Ramon:

Good money I hope. (He counts). One hundred and fifty dollars!

Ricky:

It isn’t bad, is it? We can eat out of it for two days at least.

Ramon:

What percentage is mine? I think, it should be fifty-fifty.

Ricky:

You right. I did the acting, falling on the ground and crying like a baby and all you can say is fifty-fifty. What kind of crap is that?

Ramon:

Chill, chill. If that’s the case, let us get some more. That will make us sure of eating tomorrow too. There is a man coming… … … … get down.

Ricky:

If you want to share the money fifty-fifty, then, you will do it this time… … … … … .Start. (Ramon goes down, rolling and groaning). God, my brother. (Sobbing) Why do you have to leave me right in the middle of our journey… … .. O, God help me… … … help me please… … … What can I do? (Man enters and he is a plain-clothe policeman)

Sheriff:

What is happening to him? 28

Padmore Agbemabiese 29

Ricky:

He is dying. He suddenly felt ill.

Sheriff:

What is wrong with him?

Ricky:

He is dying. Help me send him to the hospital… … … … help me, please.

Sheriff:

Let me take him to the hospital. Or do you me to call a taxi for you.

Ricky:

No… … … No… … … his sickness is not a hospital sickness. I have to take him home to be treated with herbs.

Sheriff:

With herbs? What do you mean? Alright, that is fine. I will send him home. (Ramon groans)

Ricky:

He is dying. You give me the money and… … … …

Sheriff:

Call a taxi and I will pay for the taxi. (Ramon groans loud). Boy, you will soon be all right soon.

Ricky:

Our house is far away. We aren’t from here.

Sheriff:

Never mind that, I have the time to drive you all the way home… … … or do you want me to give you the… … … .

Ricky:

Yes, the money, so that I could buy some food and other things for him.

Sheriff:

You want money instead of me taking him home? Okay. I will give you the money. (Searches through his wallet)

Ricky:

The hospital fees… … … … ..and the taxi fare. How can I, a poor soul pay all that? (The man pulls out a police badge)

Sheriff:

You are under arrest. (Holds Ricky)

Ricky:

Ramon trouble… ..we are in trouble! It’s the Deputy Sheriff himself. What have I done sir? … … … … … Officer, look at that guy… ..he has a gun. (The officer turns and Ramon sprays pepper in the officer’s eyes. he releases Ricky)

Sheriff:

My eyes… … … … .its pepper spray… … … .help… … … help me… my eyes… …

Ricky:

Let’s run away from here before we get into trouble. (they run out)

Sheriff:

(Chasing the boys) Thieves… … ..catch them for me. … … … … … ..Catch them… … … thieves… … .. (Lights fade out and the stage is back in darkness).

INTERMISSION

29

Padmore Agbemabiese 30

SCENE TWO ON A STREET NEAR THE MARKET (NGOZI THE BLIND MAN, WEARING DARK SPECTACLES, WALKS WITH A WHITE CANE THROUGH THE AISLE TALKING. HE GETS ONTO THE STAGE AND STANDS DOWN LEFT THE STAGE WITH A CUP IN HAND ASKING FOR ALMS. FEW PENNIES/DIMES COULD BE HEARD GIGGLING IN THE CUP AS HE SHAKES IT TO PASSERSBY. ) Ngozi:

(Walking down the aisle by the help of a white cane. He carries a cup for alms). Please, … … … … ..do you care to give just a dime for Ngozi, the blind man… … … … God will bless you. … … … … … … ..If you give the helpless Ngozi, the blind man, you have given it to God. … … … … … .And God will bless you. … … … … ..He will bless you… ..and if you are a man he will make you live longer than your wife… … … … . If you are a woman, … … … … … … God will make you inherit the kingdom of your husband … … … … ..his savings… … … ..his life insurance… … ..but if you are unfortunate, you will inherit his funeral expenses, in fact, even the credit card bills… .halleluiah… … God is able..(He comes onto the stage and makes himself comfortable in a corner of the stage.) Wish I could retrieve my soul from woe’s hands, purge my soul, and loosen the bands of poverty and this blindness, to set my world free and save my life from all iniquity… … … Wish God could come from heaven and tell me if I dare believe in Jesus’ name. … .. . (Soon, a man and the wife, and some people pass by and give him money)… … … … Thank you and God bless you. (the )… … .Lord teach my hands to fight, and my simple and upright heart prepare… ..I wish the Lord will guide my words aright, control my every thought, arm me with the mind, and calm the tempering wind… … a wind full of woes that are in brazen amour proudly stalking my soul and overlooking my shoulders every second… … oh Lord come down… .(Ricky and Ramon enter the stage as he continue to pray aloud).

Ricky:

(Enter Ricky and Ramon. They see Ngozi). Ramon, life is hard for everybody. (They steal a glance into his cup and walk past him). Look at that blind boy…

Ramon:

Is he praying or what? Does he think there is a God who hears him?

Ricky:

Sometimes, I wonder why certain misfortunes should befall children… ..for example, why should he be blind at that age… why… ..what crime did he commit against nature that nature should make him blind… … nature too is cruel… … .(they steal another glance at him again).

Ramon:

Ricky… don’t say those things… … do you know God is spirit… he is the silent listener to every conversation, the uninvited guest at every meal… .and…

Ngozi:

What do you mean? If he is the silent listener to our cries and he is loving, why am I wretched, helpless, and distressed?… born naked, sick… … and poor… … .and now blind and know not where to get my daily bread?… And you say I should pray and thank that God?

Ricky:

(they turn to Ngozi). Yes, pray to him… … … … … … … .

30

Padmore Agbemabiese 31

Ngozi:

(Pretends to kneel to pray). Alright, let me pray. Whoever you may be, oh God, and wherever you may be, I am down here… … ..since childhood I’ve been thirsty for rest… … … … sometimes, it seems I’m bound in misery… … … … … … .and there is no friend I can find… … … … but I know I will have friends, friends like these guys here… … … … … .and my hope, my all, is in them.

Ramon:

Who? Me? You’ve got that right… … if I’m your help, we are both going into the drain… ..royally… .I mean royally.

Ngozi:

Brother, I may be blind in my eyes but my heart is not blind… … my soul may be faint full of sores… … bruises, and of wounds, but this soul… is not astray in the wilderness. I know you are genuine.

Ramon:

Genuine? How and where is it… … ..Man, what do you want from us?

Ngozi:

If I can find peace in your kindness… … … … … it will restore my sight,… .it will take… … ..the veil away, turn my darkness into light… … … .my midnight into day… ..just help the poor man Ngozi with a dime today.

Ramon:

If I were to have a dime today, I would have been at Applebee’s Grill biting on some spicy barbequed ribs dressed with that brown Jamaican A1 sauce.

Ricky:

You are right. How come a Mexican knows much about barbeque sauce like that? (They all laugh) Ooh, that reminds me of something. I need to fix the button on my shirt. (Ricky goes to a corner and picks a needle to sew his torn shit).

Ngozi:

But who told you, you can’t have barbequed ribs?........all it takes is a little genius.

Ramon:

Genius. Do you think or see someone like me going to Applebee’s Grill? Poor, as you know I am, and would be poorer still, being on the street half of my life, (pause, aside).

Ricky:

Man, do you know Chinese Number One near High Street?

Ramon:

Yes, All-You-Can-Eat Chinese Restaurant.

Ngozi:

That is a good place. And you, why sow the shirt when you can buy a new one.

Ricky:

I thought you said you are blind. How come you see things only eyes could see?

Ramon:

This boy seems fake to me.

Ricky:

Maybe he sees with his ears too? Boy, me think you have a stinking mouth? And no one asked you of your opinion? (Upset) Do you hear me?

Ngozi:

Thank you for advising me.

Ramon:

Maybe, you don’t see our nakedness and shame, children growing without a father and a mother. And you doesn’t see the void and the vileness the world gives them? You have no love for us, I think. 31

Ngozi:

Padmore Agbemabiese 32 You know something, your heart is not judged by how much you love but by how many who love you in return. I know one day, we all will come out of woods.

Ramon:

When are we coming out of the woods? Look at my brother (points to Ricky)… he is always in tears… do you think any good thing can come out of him someday?

Ngozi:

Who are you asking? You just warned me to keep my stinking mouth shut.

Ricky:

Yes, keep it shut.

Ngozi;

Don’t you know we are all on the path of hurricanes? Please, my situation is worse than yours… .

Ramon:

Worse that ours? Look… blind boy… .if you do not know… ..our soul is all an aching void.

Ricky:

(Feeling sullen and in tears) Sometimes… I feel like a fatherless son, a motherless child, and when these feelings come over me, I feel I’m flying in this world without wings.

Ngozi:

I never knew someone also bathes in hidden pools of sorrow than me until I came down this street today. Here I am blind, with no father, no mother, begging for food on the street.

Ricky:

That’s pitiful. But, blind guy, has there been any moment in your life when you are able to gather some hidden laughter?

Ngozi:

(Laughs gently). Flies never visit an egg that has no crack. I have longings and deep yearnings but they are punctuated by pain as a comma and tears as colons. In the end of it all my yearnings collapse into daydreams and nightmares. What about you?

Ricky:

Mine is worse than yours. The affairs of my life are like a chameleon feaces into which I have stepped. When I turn this way, the rain beats me, when I turn the other way, the sun burns me. (Ngozi laughs gently).

Ramon:

Blind guy, do you go to church.

Ngozi:

In the past, yes. I am tired of being told to have faith like Daniel in the lion’s den.

Ricky:

Who told you? The minister or the churchgoers?

Ngozi:

All of them.

Ramon:

Same thing, they once told me too to be like Shadrach, Meshach… … and… and…

Ngozi:

Abednego.

Ricky:

Yes, Abednego. How come you know this?

Ngozi:

I come from a long line of pastors and ministers… .preaching about faith every second. But they have more things to hide than I do. 32

Padmore Agbemabiese 33

Ramon:

You’ve got that right. I am tired of all their talk about faith, faith, faith, when all we need is how to survive, have a place like home, live with a father, and a mother, and more, to find something worth dying for in this world.

Ngozi:

This is why I said, you are my friends. You speak my mind.

Ricky:

You as my friend? God forbid. How can we be friends when your story is worse than mine? And note you are blind. Who is going to carry who disaster strikes? (Aside). How I wish I could find what I am looking for someday… in this world of woes… of pain… of neglect… (pause).

Ngozi;

Just find somebody to love, trust and talk to and when possible put your worries into his or her pocket.

Ramon:

Trust and love, that sounds good. But, blind one, how come your parents don’t love you, care for you and provide you a shoulder on which rest soul? Instead they threw you onto the streets… .as if they have no need for you?

Ngozi:

My parents. (laughs). I wish somebody could tell somebody to treat their children as they do their pictures, and place them in their best light. Can somebody do that?

Ramon:

Sometimes, I feel this sadness inside me, the sorrow of neglect, in moments like this, I feel to cry, sing loud and scream long to my God… why am I flying in this world without wings… (Bursts into a song— “Flying Without Wings”by Westlife. He hums it first then the words… … ..) Everybody's looking for that something One thing would makes it all complete You find it in the strangest places Places you never knew it could be Some find it in the face of their children Some find it in their lovers’eyes Who can deny the joy it brings When you found that special thing You're flying without wings Some find it sharing every morning Some in their solitary lives You find it in the works of others

Ricky:

(Ricky joins Ramon in singing the last verse. He stops at a point, flings his arms open and screams)… … .I am flying in this wide world without wings… … .to whom should I cry… to whom should I cling? (Loudly). Lord hear me… ..are you there oh Lord? Or you too have shut your ears to our tears. (cries aloud).

Ramon:

My brother… do not say that… ..thou shall not mention the name of the Lord in vain.

Ricky:

I am not calling his name in vain… ..if the Lord is my shepherd, then I should not want anything… … but look at us… .we want too many things… we can’t get 33

Ramon:

Padmore Agbemabiese 34 Be easy on yourself… long as God is in control, we can soften our lives with a decision.

Ricky:

With what?

Ramon:

Positive thinking. Take the decision to make the wrong right and free ourselves from the garbage we carry… ..

Ngozi:

No, no, no. You can use Castor Oil. It will soften the pups and let it flow easily.

Ramon:

What did you say? Castor Oil?

Ngozi:

Yes, Castor Oil.

Ricky:

What is Castor Oil?

Ngozi:

Are you a baby-boomer? Castor Oil is a good stimulant for the tummy that has a hard ear and will not let the garbage in your tummy out.

Ricky:

Are you crazy? How can Castor Oil soften our life situations?

Ngozi;

Ooh, my bad. I never knew you were talking about your fractured souls.

Ramon:

That guy is just down crazy. Methinks, he needs some surgery for his restless thoughts. What we need is hope. Too often we defeat our hopes with despair… .let us keep up with hope.

Ngozi:

And will that soften every hurt I carry from my parents and the world around me?

Ramon:

Sure. Hope will mend every broken fence… … Even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death… ..we will not fear any misfortune… … … … …

Ngozi:

No, no, no. The preacher says, little minds are tamed and subdued by misfortune; but great minds rise above them. Let’s have hope like great men and think big… .

Ricky:

But for how long can we continue to hope? How long should God be asleep in our little boats? Should the boat sink before he knows we too matter in this world, his vineyard? (screams loud with arms stretched out) How long oh Lord… is enough, enough… ..

Ramon:

Ricky, I say stop that. Don’t you remember Sodom and Gomorrah? The firestorm, the hailstorm and the rest? I don’t want to turn into a Pillar of Salt.

Ricky:

Pillar of Salt? Who wants to be that?

Ramon:

(He seems to see a figure approaching. It is Manchu slowly approaching) Look over there. Who is that? Is that not the Asian guy from the west-coast?

Ricky:

Yes. He used to sing rap songs in our neighborhood. (Calls out to Manchu.) Charlie, come here… ..

Ramon:

What are you doing here… … … … …

Manchu:

What do you mean?..........Just minding my own business by strolling around. 34

Padmore Agbemabiese 35

Ricky:

Don’t bring that west-coast and east-coast rivalry here. This is Chicago and we are all cool… …

Manchu:

I am cool too… … ..

Ngozi:

Don’t forget… … I am not cool here… … but I know we have hope to be more than conquerors. Don’t you think so? (He strikes the song “Conquerors”by Kirk Franklin) Tomorrow is a brand new day All my sins have been washed away My hands look new My life is free My heart is pure I've been redeemed (Oh yeah) See I've seen his face, touched his hand Finally, now I understand Why he saved a wretch, a wretch like me And by his blood I've been redeemed (Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah) We ran the race kept the fight, (We kept the fight) shed our blood, (We shed our blood) For what was right (For what was right) We carried our cross (We carried our cross) Through stormy weather (Through storm and rain) Because of Christ (Because of Christ) Now we can say (Now we can say) That we (We are conquerors) See I know I know (Conquerors) We (We are conquerors) I know I know (Conquerors) (at the end of the song he stretches his cup for money). Put something here, for God’s sake… If you give to the helpless Ngozi, the blind man, you have given it to God… .it is when it is cool here that you can say, you too are cool… … … .

Ricky:

I never knew you can sing like this.

Ngozi:

If you can’t run you must learn to hide. (He put across his cup for money).

Ramon:

(To Ngozi). What do you want… … Take this and go away… Manchu, can you sing us one of your songs… … or your latest. (Ngozi moves to his corner).

Manchu:

For real? (He gets himself into action and begins a rap song) Six kids and a mother… ..no man is there They need a father in the house… .things are too hard to bear Hoping… .dreaming… … praying… … … and wishing That daddy would come home And stop his “dissing” 35

Padmore Agbemabiese 36

Child abuse… .you’ve got a lot of things on your mind Your child grows up… .and to him “Love is blind” Selling dope… .in the streets… ..at a very young age He had a job… but they only paid minimum wage His mind is lost… and his brain is deceased He’s caught up in a troubled world Never to be released… .from the dominating pressures Of everyday life Having needle marks in his arms… ..to deal with his strife They say “Grass is greener on the other side” A little baby is starved… ..then it died… .why… … why… … why Ricky:

You are something… ..you are bad. A musician like you ought not to be here. You should be making some six figures without a high school degree.

Manchu:

I don’t doubt that. Soon

Ricky:

How soon is soon? (they lock fists in salutation).

Ramon:

Tell me something. Did you leave home by yourself?

Manchu:

I don’t know.

Ricky:

What does that mean?

Manchu:

It is a long story. (Pauses and a deep reflection. He fidgets through his pocket). You see after several years of humiliation by my father, I decided to confront him to tell him my piece of mind. It was not easy you know, but one day as if I was possessed, after he had beaten my mother (shows a picture of his mother and children to Ramon and Ricky) and all the children including myself, I had the courage to speak out. I told him that it looked like he entertains himself when we are in pain. I told him that he is a monster.

Ricky:

That is rather a horrible thing to say about one’s father.

Ramon

Yes, it is, but that is the mildest word he could use looking at the given circumstances.

Ricky:

What happened?.........

Manchu::

He raved, shouted and cursed me. He chased me around… … .. I was faster than him, you know. In his rage, he tumbled and fell. He hit his head on a table— blood oozed out so much that I became, even scared.

Ricky:

That will add more fuel to his already burning anger.

Manchu:

Yes, he roared at me and said, “you are no more my son. Get out of this house and never step in here again.”

Ramon:

That is too harsh a statement to give a child from your own blood.

Ricky:

Do you think he meant his words?

36

Manchu:

Padmore Agbemabiese 37 He meant it. I know my father. Even if he had not said it, I could not possibly have slept in that house that day and the next. So, I packed my little things and left. My mother begged me not to leave but… … …

Ricky:

You should have listened to your mother’s call.

Manchu:

That home is broken so I needed my peace of mind. I am not sure I have the peace needed anyway, but I think, at least I don’t see any nasty scenes of molestation of those I love. On the street, I pay for anything. I do wrong with my own body. When I steal and I am caught they beat me and if I succeed… ..that’s fine. Certainly this is not the best, though.

Ramon:

Is it true that you were in the army… … … was it the Young Green Brigade?

Manchu:

Where did you hear that?

Ricky:

Walls have ears

Manchu:

I was a child soldier… … … … … … you see… … .the war broke out at the very time I left home… … … … … and all boys on the streets were drafted by the rebels… … ..I joined them not because I wanted to be in an army… to kill… … … ..I joined the rebels with the hope that… .when the liberation war was over… … … ..we would clean up the city… the family… .. with all vices… .bring home absentee fathers… .many of whom are in jail… … … heal mothers on drugs… cure people who are child abusers… but something happened.

Ramon:

What happened?

Manchu:

Nothing changed after the war… … … .we were the same people… ..if not worse. (At the other end of the stage are three boy soldiers. One of the boy soldiers is the commander. He engages the boys in a military drill. Later, he gives orders as to how to attack people. All these in pantomime. Soon, a young girl of 12 years passes by on her way to the market. She carries a basket on her head. The Commander sees her).

Commander: Attention. Stand at ease. Attention. Mark time… Halt One-Two… … ..I say halt. You swine. Did you hear me.… ..You girl, halt. (The girl is scared and tries to run but, is caught by the other two boy soldiers). Where do you come from… .what is your name… .your father’s name… … is he in the ruling party… … speak before my anger swells up… … Akie:

Which of the questions should I answer first?

Commander:

All of them… … ..(the girl is quiet)… .are you not talking (the girl continues to stare at him)… Girl, you will join the army of rebels to rid our country of corrupt individuals.

Akie:

I am not carved for the army. Moreover, I was sent by my father to… … .

Commander: Unpatriotic, disloyal, unfaithful, untrustworthy, unreliable, untrusting, undedicated, and uncaring. Sergeant… Sergeant:

Yes Sir. (he responds and salutes). 37

Padmore Agbemabiese 38 Commander: Drill her. Put sense into her. Teach her the rules of the army. We are the Patriots of the Land.

Akie:

May I ask you, by the way what are all these for? Don’t you like the civil life of the town?

Commander: Shut up. Sergeant, give her the lessons. (The Sergeant drills the girl for a while). Get her some army uniform. And you Corporal, take her inside. I will come and inspect her in chambers. Corporal:

Yes Sir. (Escorts the girl into the bush. The girl resists but is hurdled out).

Commander: Sergeant, come over here. (Talking to him in low tones). Are you aware tomorrow we are to get ready to attack the city? The truck will arrive early at dawn and we must be ready… .Corporal. (He responds from the inside). What are you doing out there… … .Is she ready… … … Corporal:

No… Sir.

Sergeant:

Hurry up sir.

Commander: What’s taking you so long? Hurry up, do you hear that? (The Corporal comes out and the commander enters the room where the girl is placed. The two boy soldiers put their ears to the door and eyes one another. They repeat this for a while). Akie:

(Shouting) Why are you forcing yourself onto me?

Commander: (Inside with Akie). Shut up, shut up… … as a soldier you must be always ready for combat. Akie:

Don’t stuff my mouth… … … … … leave me… … please… .leave me… ..leave me… .I will tell my father… … … .I am suffocating, I will tell my father… …

Commander: Quiet. Quiet. You better not tell anyone, except God… … (Akie is heard crying inside the room). Do you understand (authoritatively). Akie:

(Crying) Leave me… ..you are killing me… … ..Stop. Stop, else I bite you all over. I will tell my father.

Commander: (After awhile, the Commander comes out). Damn… … that girl is hard… ..she is not as easy as the rest… ..Corporal… try to soften her… be tough on her and never give her a chance. Get her some military uniforms… ..she is a virgin but… … . Corporal:

What did you say… .?

Sergeant:

You mean… ..

Commander: Don’t stand there staring at me like that… .. Sergeant:

But… ..Sir..… .were you not diagnosed with AIDS the other day? You have ruined the innocent girl’s life… … 38

Padmore Agbemabiese 39

Commander: What do you mean? Do you know the first law of the army? Sergeant:

Yes sir.

Commander: And that is? Sergeant:

To obey the command of your superior officers without question.

Commander: You’ve got that right. Attention all of you. Salute. Let me warn you all. look… everybody is ruining everybody… ..the government is ruining the economy… the people are… … and that is why we are here today. Corporal:

But are we not fighting to change that?

Sergeant:

Commander, help me understand this. How will future generations judge us?

Commander: (There is some news coming from the radio). Stop that nonsense… ..and you Corporal, bring the radio here… . (the Corporal goes for the radio). RADIO ANNOUNCEMENT: And now to end the Home News, here are the headlines again. This morning, the rebel leader was captured in a military clash with government forces. All the four top leaders of the Movement for Social Justice have been captured. Eight others were killed. All remaining rebel soldiers still in the forest are, therefore, to surrender themselves and handover all arms to the nearest police station today. Each rebel soldier is given up to 4:00 pm today to do so or face the full rigors of the law… .I repeat… .. Each rebel soldier is given up to 4:00 pm today, to do so, or face the full rigors of the law Commander: Damn… ..what in the name of God is that… … Arrested, how can all the four giants of the movement be arrest! And eight killed? I've wasted my life again like I used to… (to the Sergeant). Whatever happens, should the government forces show up, please, do not let them capture me alive, let a bullet hole run quickly through my heart echoing my will of “No Retreat, No Surrender. What is the time now… … Corporal:

It is 3:30 pm Sir.

Sergeant:

What should we do?

Commander: What do you mean? Everybody for himself and God for us all. Sergeant:

Jesus save me. What kind of a crap is that?

Corporal:

Are you serious with what you said? (They all stare hard into the face of the Commander)

Commander: And what in a hell are you looking for in my face? (Sergeant and Corporal shake their heads) Corporal:

No Sir. (looking sullen). And the girl, Sir?

39

Padmore Agbemabiese 40 Commander: What about her… ..the war is over… who cares… … let her out… let her go home and get a husband…

Sergeant:

Commander, she has the AIDS… you have given her AIDS…

Commander: Who told you that? Remember, I am your Commander; I have the right to court-marshal you… right now. Wait and see what I will do to you when all this is over and the masses win… (Angry and stern). You are blessed this war is not going the direction we want. (Gives orders angrily) … DON’T YOU SEE IT IS ALMOST 4:00 PM? GET OUT… … LET’S GET OUT OF HERE BEFORE GOVERNMENT FORCES MAKE US MISERABLE. Corporal:

Where do you want us to go? I have no home… .my house has been destroyed in the war.

Commander: Do I have to answer that? I've decided to waste my life in a new way, and forget whatever the past had been. Can’t you go to Nicaragua or to South Africa. They need freedom fighters. Corporal:

You talk as if it is so easy flying from here without the government army on our trail.

Commander: Did your Grandma ever tell you that, we grow by our thoughts and not by our age? In life, we lift ourselves by our thoughts. Therefore, if you want to enlarge your life, you must first enlarge your thoughts of it and of yourself. (Shouting) Do you understand? Corporal:

I have never heard that one, but I only heard that, our happiness or our unhappiness does not depend on how far we run away from events in our lives but the way we meet the events. That was what my Grandpa told me. (The Commander looks sternly at him. They look at each other for a while). You are a coward… …

Commander: What does that mean? May I remind you, you are junior officers. You hear that? Sergeant and Corporal:

Yes Sir.

Corporal:

I have learned a lot, including that of today. I have heard my Grandma say that, our experiences in life are like the books we read daily. Those that help us most are those which make us think the most. I remember too, one evening, she held my hand and said, great lessons are those that come from wild experiences of our grandparents, they are a ship of thought, deep freighted with truth and beauty. Commander, you have taught me life lessons today. (The Commander briefs heavily and angrily and begins to move away from him).

Sergeant:

Sir, what about the promises…

Commander: What promises? Corporal:

Promises made to us when we were recruited? I have no father nor mother… ..or any place to go… … .maybe. (Breaks down and sits on the floor depressed). Maybe, I better remain in the forest. (They hear a loud BOOM noise. It seems Government forces are closing in on them). That is a gun shot, they have found us out. (There is sporadic bombing sounds in the distance). 40

Padmore Agbemabiese 41 Commander: Did you hear that… (clogging his ears)… .Run for your safety. (More shots are heard. Immediately, Akie emerges with her clothes wound round her and the military dress in her hands. She looks sullen. She stops short at center stage and looks sternly at the commander. They face each other, look into each other’s eyes with hate and anger and fists clinched. She throws the military dress at the Commander.)

Corporal:

(Corporal goes to Akie, held her warmly and consoles her). Akie, I am sorry for what has happened. Do not waste your life over what happened. Recollect yourself and move on. Those who risk going far into the deep night are those who can boast of how far they can travel even when the night is too dark. (There is the big BOOM sound again from the guns and bombs).

Sergeant:

That is true my Sister, let there be no doubt, you can’t erase what you know but you can’t also erase who you are. You are from a noble parentage, you have a bright future.

Akie:

There is something seething through my veins. It is anger, it is rage. Who am I after being deflowered this way? I fear tomorrow, it holds for me too many things none of which I know nothing about. And you, (turns to the Commander) you have placed hatred for you and all men inside me, it erupts like a flood with wrath and you will be its first victim. Just don’t cross my path. I hate you. I hate you. (Turns to leave).

Sergeant:

(He sees her off). My sister, I know you are hurt but I am glad I met you. You see, people think of you, urban girls, as girls who get pregnant easily. Urban girls who don’t care for anything, girls who are just losers and are lost. But then they do not know what you go through. There’s one thing you have to watch, don’t let people think you are like what they think you are. It all depends on how you present yourself. If you present yourself like what people think of you, well then they’re not going to know who you are. Think about it. You are a survivor, a noble lady of whom society has taken advantage of at this crucial time.

Corporal:

It is true what Sergeant said. It doesn't matter how you wake up every morning. What matters most is to wake up and live. You cannot make progress without making decisions to wake up to your tasks. (There is a big BOOM sound again from the guns and bombs).

Commander: Get out of here, now! (Startled, they all run out, helter-skelter. The entire place is engulfed in smoke and darkness. The lights go off, later they comes on again, this time on Manchu and his friends on the other side of the stage). Manchu:

That is my story… a bitter story… ..if not the worst story of my life.

Ramon:

(Long pause. After gathering his breath he asked). What happened to Akie?

Manchu:

Like many young girls of her age who lost their lives and virginity in the war, she too was diagnosed with AIDS and died two years later.

Ramon:

Poor innocent girl… …

41

Manchu:

Padmore Agbemabiese 42 I never saw her after the war though. I only read of her in the newspapers that she died. She is also a victim of a sort… ..(Aside with sorrow) why are innocents ones born to suffer?

Ricky:

Let me ask, was it her destiny to suffer that way?

Manchu:

We are all victims of a sort, victims of circumstances; we come into this world not knowing what our lot is in this vast and wide world.

Ricky:

It reminds me of a song my uncle used to sing: I am a child soldier though that is not my name I know not why I’m in the war but, I am a child soldier my gun is taller than me, the barrel bigger than my fist though it is too heavy, and so loud and though I hate it since I got it I’m asked to carry it on my shoulder learn to shoot men to death instead of birds for food why do I have to shoot the people please answer me, tell me, why you made me a child soldier

Manchu:

I want to sleep in my Mum’s arms sleep in peaceful nights and not die to rest in peace

Ricky:

But Manchu, what do you hope to do when you leave here?

Manchu:

You know, all great achievers of the past have been visionary figures; they were men and women who projected into the future. They thought of what could be, rather than what already had been, and then they moved themselves into action, to bring their dreams into fruition. Soon, I too will boldly take my destiny into my own hands and move on, like fatherless son or like a motherless child.

Ricky:

You have purged my mind from everything I have heard all these years. Mothers, or no mothers, fathers or no fathers… But don’t we need our family… the road is long, the journey tiring, don’t we need a hand?

Ramon:

(Sees someone approaching. Mahogany, a pregnant teenager, who all this while was sitting in the audience starts to walk towards them) Guys, stop… .there comes someone…

Ricky:

Who?

Ramon:

I think it is a woman… no… its a girl… … (Mahogany enters… leaves the blind man some money). Can you make out that girl?

Ramon:

No!

Ricky:

(Walks towards her) Oh… .it’s Mahogany… … .. (Calls her out loudly). Mahogany ! Mahogany! 42

Padmore Agbemabiese 43

Manchu:

Who is she? (They run to her)

Ricky:

Damn! What is this? Pregnant again?

Ramon:

When will enough be enough in all this?

Mahogany:

Ricky how are you?

Ricky:

I guess alright. But, Mahogany, what happened?

Mahogany:

Nothing.

Ramon:

Why are you pregnant? (Pauses) Will you abort it?

Ricky:

Why do you say that?

Mahogany:

Why should I abort when I am pro life? I can handle it.

Ramon:

Well, if you consider teenage pregnancy and its challenges… .the economic disadvantages… .how can you continue school with the baby crying needing your attention all the time?

Mahogany:

I think I can manage.

Ramon:

In this difficult economic times support from social service is not enough. What will you do to survive? Are you aware that the Senate is about to take away Title Twenty?

Ricky:

Take away Title Twenty?

Ramon:

Yes, Title Twenty and Medical Care. Do you want to grow a child in such unpleasantness?

Mahogany:

I think I will opt for job training, go to school and get my G.E.D.

Ricky:

Ramon… … .Mahogany was one of the brilliant girls in our class. In fact, she was the best pupil in science and math. Mahogany, I thought you were going to study and become the first lady doctor, engineer or lawyer in this country.

Mahogany:

Yes, that was my dream

Ramon:

Damn. This is outrageous, unacceptable, incredulous, undesirable, distasteful, detrimental, in fact, objectionable.

Manchu:

You sound so disappointed. Why?

Ricky:

I can’t believe it. Making this young soul to suffer this way… .I can’t believe this. (Pause). But, who is the father of the child in your belly?

Mahogany:

Hmm… .the child has no father.

Manchu:

Eh? What did you say? 43

Padmore Agbemabiese 44

Ricky:

Are you deaf? She said, the child has NO FATHER! PERIOD.

Ramon:

How can that be?

Ricky:

Are you asking me? Ask her.

Mahogany:

Because they are more than one. My mother forced me to start trading when I was ten years. She said I would soon become a woman ready to be married out and therefore I need to start knowing how to make money.

Ramon:

What does that imply?

Mahogany:

By that my husband-to-be will respect me.

Ricky:

Did your father approve of it?

Mahogany:

No. My father was against my taking up to trading but my mother insisted. She told me that my father did not love me. He did not want me to be exposed to the outside work. And I believed her. My father too wasn’t at home all day. So, I started going out with men. But the market wasn’t good. I also met friends who told me that if I wanted to make money I need to do extra business.

Ricky:

Extra business?

Manchu:

What in a hell does that mean? Extra Business… is it a 3 rd Shift position?

Mahogany:

Extra business is not a third shift job. (Laughs hysterically). It means I should allow men to talk to me.

Ramon:

What? Men to talk to you?

Ricky:

Did you know what it means… … … .and what did you do?

Mahogany:

I was confused when they said that… … I told my mother all what I heard but she only smiled and said “You will soon understand”. From then, I saw that my mother was very particular about what I wore and how I do my makeup.

Ramon:

You are kidding me… .

Mahogany:

My mother made me dress in certain ways… .allowed me to be out late… . Like magic men started talking to soften the concrete walls of my Christian beliefs.

Ricky:

How did she do that?

Mahogany:

At times… . She would send me on some type of errands… she even told me where to go… ..whenever I try to refuse… .she would make phone calls and the guys will come for me in the house… right before her eyes… ...And......and… … . (Sobs)

Manchu:

And you followed them?

Mahogany:

Yes… … I had to… … and from then my teacher started complaining of my downward trend academically. I became less and less interested in schooling. 44

Padmore Agbemabiese 45

Ngozi:

You and I swim in the same sea… .

Ricky:

(Angrily). Keep quiet. Who is talking to you?

Ngozi:

I am talking to myself…

Ricky:

I thought you were asleep.

Ngozi:

Asleep. There can be no sleep when the hummer of hunger breaks into your sleep.

Ramon:

You have loud mouth.

Ngozi:

I wish I could be you and you could be me for just one moment, have my eyesight and see the beauty of nature.

Ramon:

Who in this world would like to be like you? To be blind?

Ngozi:

I know no one will like to be like me, blind. But, if we could find a way to get inside each other's mind and know each other’s life experiences, if you could see me through your eyes instead of with your ego, I believe you'd be surprised to see that you'd been blind too especially to who I am and the virtues inside me.

Manchu:

Do you believe in what you are saying?

Ngozi;

Sure. If any of you over there could walk a mile in my shoes, just a mile in my shoes… … … before you abuse, criticize and accuse me… or your children...you will know what goes on in the lives of us all.

Manchu:

You have summed it all, man. If the world could walk a mile with us in our shoes… .. instead of spending their lives throwing stones at us… . They will know how much we hurt… ..Girl, I pity you, I shed tears for you.

Ricky:

But… .tell me this… ..when you started following the men… what happened?

Mahogany:

When I started following the men, I met business men… … .government officials… .and in fact, anything that looks like a man… ..men everywhere were seeing me… .elderly men, men who were my father’s age were on my beck-and-call. They said they needed something young and fresh to inject some organic cortisone into their degenerative joints.

Ramon:

In short, your mother was running you as a business and you were the commodity on sale?

Mahogany:

Yes, a limited liability company. And you know what, men are animals, they easily follow anything that wears a skirt and a blouse… .even though I am pregnant, men still want to follow me.

Ngozi:

(Loudly). What did you say? Men still following you? With that thing in front of you?

Mahogany:

Man, do not disturb my soul. I was in business… … 45

Padmore Agbemabiese 46

Ricky:

Did the business bring in any money after all?

Mahogany:

What? Lots of money. (Surprised they all jump up).

Ramon:

What did you do with all the money?

Mahogany:

I sent all the money to my mother.

Ngozi:

Was she happy?

Mahogany:

Yes. She was happy with me.

Manchu:

Didn’t your mother ever complain about you going out with elderly men?

Mahogany:

She never complained… ..in fact, she even encouraged me and taught me new tricks of the game with elderly men… … ..she will ask me to rub my nipples like this, like that, twist and swirl round in front of them and carry the longest smile with my eyes rolling round when walking on the street… and any time I am about to bypass men, I should blow kisses their way, like this… … .she even told me to stand slenderly tall with smiles on my cheeks at every gathering. (She demonstrates all this)… … and ooh… men were streaming after me like ants on a sugar-and-honey-mixed trail.

Ricky:

What? Your mother is a plain criminal.

Mahogany:

She even tried to introduce me to family planning medications.

Ramon:

Can’t we subpoena her mother and label her as a sex-offender?

Manchu:

In this land of freedom, her attorneys will argue and quote for us the Fourteenth and Fifteenth amendments.

Ricky:

So, that is what got you pregnant… … … … .what a shame.

Mahogany:

My pride and dignity as a lady left me… … . I don’t know how I am going to manage this.

Manchu:

What has your mother done?

Ramon:

And what did your father say?

Mahogany:

He was angry. … ..Very angry… ..he was distressed with my Mom… …

Ricky:

I bet he would.

Manchu:

And what did he say?

Mahogany:

Little, because, my Mom threatened my father that, she will seek divorce and take away all his lifetime savings if he dares raise a voice in the house or tries a divorce.

Ricky:

This is clearly the audacity of shame and not audacity of hope anymore.

46

Mahogany:

Padmore Agbemabiese 47 You know, my father had some dirty old time history, which my mother knew and if the police hear of it, he will be in jail forever. … … … So my Mom used that to threaten him.

Ngozi:

You see, if you live in a stone-house don’t throw stones.

Ramon:

That is not how it is said.

Ngozi:

Who told you that? Since when has the Mexican studied English proverbs to correct me a British school boy? I heard it from my Grandma, a British schoolteacher.

Ricky:

Can you two learn to shut your stinking mouths?

Ngozi:

Tell us then, how is it said.

Ricky:

My Grandma used to say that, if you live in a glass house, you don’t throw stones

Ngozi:

Whatever it is, it has something to do with a glass house and the throwing of stones. (They laugh it out).

Ramon:

Do you get it.

Ngozi:

I get it, pillow of my strength… … .

Ricky:

There you go again. It is pillar of my strength and not pillow of my strength.

Ramon:

(To Mahogany) Mahogany, what I want to know is, was your mother happy when you became pregnant?

Mahogany:

My mother was not happy. She said, I was foolish in getting myself pregnant… … … .She said, in today’s society where the law guarantees women’s choice… … ..and the first amendment bestows on women a large room of freedom… … … .a woman cannot afford to get pregnant… … .

Manchu:

What?........How could she say that?

Ricky:

That woman has no spine. Is she suffering from megalomania?

Manchu:

Does she not know that, anyone who throws a palmful of ash receives it back in his or her own face?

Ngozi:

This girl looks so beautiful.

Ramon:

How do you know she is beautiful?

Ngozi:

It's not that I'm blind in the eye; it's just that I see problems with a different eye.

Ricky:

Ramon, lets leave that chaff and take on the grains ahead of us.

Ramon:

Yes. Mahogany, do not let your heart be troubled for too long. Your mother will soon reap what she has sown in you.

47

Mahogany:

Padmore Agbemabiese 48 I doubt if my mother will reap what she sowed in me. Because, when my pregnancy became public, my mother teamed up with everyone in the neighborhood to make hell for me. My father became so embarrassed that he did not even want to see my face.

Ramon:

Who does your mother expect you to be after all these abuses? Does she know this can result in the making of criminal minds?

Ngozi:

Our elders say, he who pours water in his compound will always step on a wet ground.

Ricky:

That is the only sensible thing you have said the whole day.

Mahogany:

(Breaks down). They are making life bitter for me. Look at me… … look at how wretched I am… … .me. She led me into this yet, she hates to see me like this. (Sobs).

Ramon:

Don’t weep. (To audience) Ladies, is this the right thing to do? To encourage your own daughter to her doom? Parents, please help us grow into responsible adulthood. (Turns to Mahogany). Mahogany, we are sorry you have come to this. Have courage, the fish that does not swallow other fishes does not grow fat. We will support you soon as light appear at the end of our tunnel.

Manchu:

Truly, things will eventually improve despite the present difficulties. We are only street boys… … … … … Our lives are all struggles; we run, hide and fight for survival. (He takes Mahogany aside). I know you have an auntie in Cleveland. Go home to her and talk to her or your church members.

Ricky:

Manchu, you are right. All is not lost yet… … … … … After delivering the baby, Mahogany, you can still make it. And remember, we will be there for you. (Gives her some money). Here is just two hundred dollars. We made it yester night. Take it and live on it till we meet.

Ngozi:

And remember, nothing in life is so hard that you can't make it easier by the way you take it.

Ricky:

You are right. Mahogany, I do not know anyone who has ever got to the top without hard work. Hard work, fortitude, perseverance and determination are the only recipes for success.

Ngozi:

And behind them all, is enthusiasm

Manchu:

Yes. Nothing great has ever been achieved without enthusiasm because it gives every frightening and difficult challenge a new meaning. Without enthusiasm you are doomed to a life of mediocrity but with it you can accomplish everything.

Mahogany:

Thank you all. I wish someone could tell my Mom and Dad, that enough is enough in my life? I wish Jehovah can hear me… .and talk to my Mom and Dad for me. Maybe, I should end it all and my story will just be one of such tales twice told but never written nor heard.

Ricky:

Don’t say that. Always look up to the positive side of things, and never drop your head an inch, for your own tears can engulf you and choke you if you dare not venture 48

Padmore Agbemabiese 49

through. Have you heard that, the end is in the beginning only that it lies a little away from here? Keep the faith. Ngozi:

And let me tell you this, when you hold resentment toward somebody, you are bound to that person by an emotional link that is stronger than steel. Forgiveness is the only way to dissolve that link and get free. Forgive and leave the rest to God

Mahogany:

(She breaks down) Oh Lord, to thee I raise my tears… .hear me… .hear me now… .or else,… .my tears will drown me… .take my hand else I will go down into the abyss… .(She breaks into a solemn song, “Take my Hands, Precious Lord”). Take my hand Precious Lord lead me on let me stand I’m tired I’m weak I’m worn through the storm through the night lead me on to the light take my hand precious lord lead me home When the darkness appears and the night draws near and the day is past and gone at the river I stand guide my feet hold my hand take my hand precious lord lead me home

When my way grows drear precious lord linger near when my light is almost gone hear my cry hear my call hold my hand lest I fall take my hand precious lord lead me home (She hums the last part through and in tears hugs all her friends and leave the stage. There is a dead silence as Ricky, Manchu and Ramon try to find themselves. Ngozi could be heard snoring) Manchu:

She is a sad girl… … … … .I shed tears for her. … … .

Ramon:

I need some tears too. We all need to shed tears for ourselves too. Look at that blind boy there, he needs some tears too. Aren’t you guys hungry? (He looks at Ngozi) We need food… … .Can we steal something from him?

Ngozi:

(Jumps up). What did you say? Were you calling me?

Ramon:

No one is calling you. Go to your sleep… …

Ricky:

(Whispers but audibly Ramon). Yes go… .he is blind… … … … (Ramon goes to the blind boy, checks whether the blind boy can see by waving the hand in front of him. He eyes the cash in the cup. Soon as he attempts to grab the money in 49

Padmore Agbemabiese 50

the cup, the blind boy opens his eyes and grabs his hand. They struggle and the blind boy puts him on the ground). Ramon:

Ricky… … the guy is not blind.

Manchu:

You mean he is not legally blind?

Ramon:

(Struggling on the ground with the blind boy). Are you blind… … Can’t you see he is killing me softly?

Ngozi:

Give me my money…

Manchu:

This is too much… ..I’m out of here. Save yourselves, guys. (Grabs the cup of Ngozi, the blind boy. The blind boy releases Ramon and runs after Manchu. They run out).

Ricky:

(Goes to help Ramon to his feet). We must find a way out of this.

Ramon:

We surely should, I am through with this life. It is enough… ..

Ricky:

(Samiratu appears on stage). Hey… … here comes Samiratu…

Ramon:

Samiratu… … .how are you? Where have you been… … .and the baby?

Samiratu:

Oh… .the baby… ...

Ramon:

What do you mean by that?

Samiratu:

I mean I delivered a baby boy.

Ricky:

(Happily). And where is he?

Ramon:

Did your mother take up the baby so that you could go back to school?

Samiratu:

No. When I got home, my mother had passed away. She died of an overdose of something… something....The house was such a mess when they found her… ..it was full of roaches, cockroaches, big fat giant flies and raccoons all dancing here-and-there… in the house… … such a mess that the City Council had to tear the entire house down.

Ricky:

Are you serious?

Samiratu:

Uhuum! It’s true.

Ramon:

And the baby?

Samiratu:

I gave him up for adoption.

Ramon:

Oooh Gush… … ..there we go again… … … there we go again…

Ricky:

Yes, and the circle goes on. That child is going to grow without parental love.

Ramon:

What kind of life are we leading? Where are our fathers and mothers?

Samiratu:

What are you talking about? 50

Padmore Agbemabiese 51

Ricky:

I mean, when is enough, enough? We must go back home and tell it loud. Enough is enough.

Samiratu:

Which home? Remember, we have houses but none of them is a home.

Ramon:

We must find a home for ourselves! I can’t go on running like this. We must tell our fathers and mothers that home is the place we belong… … … … … .

Samiratu:

What is wrong with giving your child up for adoption?

Ricky:

Samiratu, it is not the answer. Foster homes are not the answer either. Do you think there is something that can take over the place of a mother’s love for her baby? There is absolutely, nothing.

Ramon:

We need a home with a father and mother, period.

Ricky:

The mere presence of a father and mother in the home can bring out the best in a child in a way that the child might never have fully realized on his or her own. So we need our parents.

Samiratu:

Then, somebody needs to take the bull by the horn.

Ricky:

Yes, we should go onto the street, tell everybody that we did not ask to be born into this world. … … .Our parents did. And, therefore, it is obligatory on them to cater for us. We must tell them, enough is enough… … … … ..

Ramon:

Yes, we must go and tell the world… … .that enough is enough. … … But, But… …

Samiratu:

What is the BUT?

Ricky:

Let’s tell our youths too that the responsibility is not on parents alone. (Others respond. He moves a little forward). Youths must also be obedient and respectful to their parents. Life is a two-way street. It is after we the youth have done our part, that we can demand respect and responsibility from those who brought us into this world.

Ramon:

You are right… let’s tell the youth that too. …

Ricky:

I remember what my Grandma once said. She said, “While they were growing up, there were times when they had little to no money that they had to live on a few crumbs of white bread, and a few pounds of dried butter beans for a week at a time. Though food was scarce, their mothers’love and devotion were abundant. Each night, she would sit them on her lap and spoke words that would change their lives. She said. ‘My children, you are destined for greatness and you can do anything in life if you're willing to work hard enough to get it.' Where are our mothers and fathers now?

Samiratu:

Can I hear someone tell me, somehow that, 'Girl, you are destined for greatness and you can do anything in life if you're willing to work hard enough to get it.'

Ricky:

Mothers and fathers, this is our story… … … (Solemnly)… But, let me ask you something… .(Points to someone in the audience)… … … .Do you believe in us, your children?....Do you believe we can do anything… ..be anything… .dream anything… ..Do 51

Padmore Agbemabiese 52 you believe in us?...(To another person) And you over there...do you believe we can be what we want?......Then, where have you been all this time?.......(Points to another person) And you,… ..do you believe our dreams can become a reality?....You know something… I believe in me… do you believe in me? I believe I can be anything I want… I believe that… ..but how can I become somebody when Mama and Daddy are like a cat and a dog, always howling at each other?..... (To the Audience) Let me ask you again… … do you believe in your children? If the answer is YES, then, when is enough, enough… … ..for us to grow with a Mama and a Daddy… . Living in peace and love? It is time for you to give us… peace of mind, allow us grow in love… … .and please, protect us… … you can punish us if we offend… … .but can you make it out of love?

Ramon:

(Slowly Ramon starts to descend into the audience). And please, don’t give up on us… … We are your children… ..No matter where we come from, west-coast, or eastcoast, from the country or the city, from the urban or suburban… from Alaska to South America… .from Ghana to Guyana… from the graveyards of Johannesburg to the golden shores of Scotland… ..from the battered shores of Haiti to the shanty-towns of Jamaica… ..there is something in our story… ..the lost smiles in the landscape of scars… .an endless fragmentation of ourselves… in the dilemma of incarcerations… .but, we can make it… … from the recovered energy of your vision to change… we can make it… please, don’t give up on us… ..

Ricky:

(By this time Ricky has also descended into the audience, stands by one person and talks to him or her). And you, please, guide us but not to bully us… … we lie in the path of hurricanes and no matter how much we try on our own we will remain eternal orphans… Can you read our misery on every tombstone in the graveyard of your inaction? Where is my Mama?....(he points to someone in the audience)..… And where is my father… … .(he points to a man in the audience)… … .Do you believe in yourselves? Do you believe in us?

Samiratu:

(She becomes sullen; shedding tears. She yells out) We have sang for too long the lonely anthem of hope ever erected in honor of the spirit of endurance. Please. Please… . (She begins to hum the tune, “Never Could Have Made It without You”by Marvin Sapp.

Ricky:

My Sister, don’t cry… .. (Ramon comes close to her and holds her hands).

Samiratu:

(he bursts into the song: “Never Could Have Made It Without You”). Mama… … Mama… ..don’t you know I never would have made it, never could have made it, without you … … ..and you my father, I never would have made it… … ..never could have made it, without you… … .. (Ricky climbs up to join them. All the other characters enter onto the stage one by one, each responding to the lead verse of the song. When they all come on stage, they hold hands and sing the song out loud). Never would have made it, never could have made it, without you I would have lost it all, but now I see how you were there for me And I can say Never would have made it, Never could have made it, Without you 52

Padmore Agbemabiese 53

I would have lost it all, But I now how I see how you were there for me and I can say I'm stronger, I'm wiser, I'm better, much better, When I look back over all you brought me thru. I can see that you were the one that I held on to And I never Chorus: Never would have made it

THE END

53

Padmore Agbemabiese 54

CREDITS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 1. “One Moment In a Time”by Whitney Houston Each day I live I want to be A day to give The best of me I'm only one But not alone My finest day Is yet unknown I broke my heart Fought every gain To taste the sweet I face the pain I rise and fall Yet through it all This much remains I want one moment in time When I'm more than I thought I could be When all of my dreams are a heartbeat away And the answers are all up to me Give me one moment in time When I'm racing with destiny Then in that one moment of time I will feel I will feel eternity I've lived to be The very best I want it all No time for less I've laid the plans Now lay the chance Here in my hands Give me one moment in time When I'm more than I thought I could be When all of my dreams are a heartbeat away And the answers are all up to me Give me one moment in time When I'm racing with destiny Then in that one moment of time I will feel I will feel eternity You're a winner for a lifetime 54

Padmore Agbemabiese 55

If you seize that one moment in time Make it shine Give me one moment in time When I'm more than I thought I could be When all of my dreams are a heartbeat away And the answers are all up to me Give me one moment in time When I'm racing with destiny Then in that one moment of time I will be I will be I will be free I will be I will be free 2. “There's A Hero”by Mariah Carey There's a hero, If you look inside your heart, You don't have to be afraid of what you are, There's an answer, If you reach into your soul, And the sorrow that you know will melt away. [chorus] And then a hero comes along, With the strength to carry on, And you cast your fears aside and you know you can survive, So when you feel like hope is gone, Look inside you and be strong, And you'll finally see the truth that a hero lies in you. It's a long road, When you face the world alone, No one reaches out a hand for you to hold, You can find love, If you search within yourself, And the emptiness you felt will disappear. [chorus] Lord knows, Dreams are hard to follow, But don't let anyone tear them away, Hold on, There will be tomorrow, In time you'll find the way. [chorus] 55

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That a hero lies in.....you______ Ooohh that a hero lies in.....you______ 3. MIRACLE by Whitney Houston How could I throw away a miracle? How could I face another day? It's all of my doing I made a choice And, today, I pay My heart is full of pain How could you understand the way I feel? How could you relate to so much pain? Seems as though nothing Can comfort me So, today, I pray That someone should listen 4. “Take My hand Precious Lord” Words and music by Thomas a Dorsey. Jerry Morris & Bromo Records Take my hand Precious Lord lead me on let me stand I’m tired I’m weak I’m worn through the storm through the night lead me on to the light take my hand precious lord lead me home When my way grows drear precious lord linger near when my light is almost gone hear my cry hear my call hold my hand lest I fall take my hand precious lord lead me home Precious Lord take my hand lead me on let me stand I’m tired I’m weak I’m worn through the storm through the night lead me on to the light take my hand precious lord lead me home When the darkness appears and the night draws near and the day is past and gone at the river I stand guide my feet hold my hand take my hand precious lord lead me home 56

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Precious Lord take my hand lead me on let me stand I’m tired I’m weak I’m lone through the storm through the night lead me on to the light take my hand precious lord lead me home 5. “I Believe I Can Fly" by R KELLY I used to think that I could not go on And life was nothing but an awful song But now I know the meaning of true love I'm leaning on the everlasting arms If I can see it, then I can do it If I just believe it, there's nothing to it I believe I can fly I believe I can touch the sky I think about it every night and day Spread my wings and fly away I believe I can soar I see me running through that open door I believe I can fly I believe I can fly I believe I can fly See I was on the verge of breaking down Sometimes silence can seem so loud There are miracles in life I must achieve But first I know it starts inside of me, oh If I can see it, then I can do it If I just believe it, there's nothing to it [Repeat 1] Hey, cuz I believe in me, oh If I can see it, then I can be it If I just believe it, there's nothing to it [Repeat 1] Hey, if I just spread my wings I can fly I can fly I can fly, hey If I just spread my wings 57

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I can fly Fly-eye-eye 6. “Flying Without Wings”by Westlife Everybody's looking for that something One thing would makes it all complete You find it in the strangest places Places you never knew it could be Some find it in the face of their children Some find it in their lovers eyes Who can deny the joy it brings When you found that special thing You're flying without wings Some find it sharing every morning Some in their solitary lives You find it in the works of others A simple line can make you laugh or cry You find it in the deepest friendships The kind you cherish all your life And when you know how much that means You've found that special thing You're flying without wings So impossible as they may seem You've got to fight for every dream 'Cause who's to know which one you let go Would have made you complete Well for me it's waking up beside you To watch the sun rise on your face To know that I can say I love you At any given time or place It's little things that only I know Those are the things that make you mine And it's like flying without wings 'Cause you're my special thing I'm flying without wings And you're the place my life begins And you'll be where it ends I'm flying without wings And that's the joy you bring I'm flying without wings

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7. Conquerors by Kirk Franklin Tomorrow is a brand new day All my sins have been washed away My hands look new My life is free My heart is pure I've been redeemed (Oh yeah) See I've seen his face, touched his hand Finally, now I understand Why he saved a wretch, a wretch like me And by his blood I've been redeemed (Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah) We ran the race kept the fight, (We kept the fight) shed our blood, (We shed our blood) For what was right (For what was right) We carried our cross (We carried our cross) Through stormy weather (Through storm and rain) Because of Christ (Because of Christ) Now we can say (Now we can say) That we (We are conquerors) See I know I know (Conquerors) We (We are conquerors) I know I know (Conquerors) See I've seen his face, touched his hand Finally, now I understand Why he saved a wretch, saved a wretch like you and me You and me yeah and by his blood I've been redeemed Oh yeah We ran the race Kept the fight, (We kept the fight) We shed our blood, (We shed our blood) For what was right what was right (For what was right) We carried our cross (We carried our cross) Through stormy weather yeah (Through storm and rain) Because of Christ yeah (Because of Christ) Now we can say (Now we can say) That we (We are conquerors)

See I know I know (Conquerors) We (We are conquerors) We are conquerors yeah (Conquerors)

Oh, for no matter what we go through yeah (We are conquerors) 59

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See Lord I'm gonna, give my promise to you (We are conquerors) Oh We ran the race, (We ran the race yeah) We kept the fight, (Kept the fight yes we did) We shed our blood For what was right (For what was right) We yeah (We carried our cross) Through stormy weather yeah (Through storm and rain) Because of Christ (Because of Christ) 'Cause of Christ, 'Cause of Christ Now we can say (We, we) We are conquerors See I know that I know yeah (Conquerors) We are we are yeah (We are conquerors) Yeah (Conquerors) Yeah (repeat x7) We are conqerors (Conquerors) Conquerors (Conquerors) Conquerors (Conquerors) We can do it (Conquerors) We can make it (Conquerors) We can take it (Conquerors) Yeah, Yeah (Conquerors) Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah (Conquerors) We are conquerors No (Conquerors) We (We are conquerors) Oh yeah (Conquerors) Na (repeat x9) Na (repeat x6) Oh we We are (More than a conqueror) 9. “Never Would Have Made It”by Marvin Sapp Never would have made it, never could have made it, without you I would have lost it all, but now I see how you were there for me And I can say Never would have made it, Never could have made it, Without you I would have lost it all, But I now how I see how you were there for me and I can say I'm stronger, I'm wiser, I'm better, 60

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much better, When I look back over all you brought me thru. I can see that you were the one that I held on to And I never Chorus: Never would have made it Oh I never could have made it Chorus: Never could have made it without you Oh I would have lost it all, oh but now I see how you were there for me I never Chorus: - Never would have made it No, I never Chorus: - Never could have made it without you I would have lost my mind a long time ago, if it had not been for you. I am stronger Chorus: –I am stronger I am wiser Chorus: –I am wiser Now I am better Chorus: –I am better So much better Chorus: –I am better I made it thru my storm and my test because you were there to carry me thru my mess I am stronger Chorus: –I am stronger I am wiser Chorus: –I am wiser I am better Chorus: –I am better Anybody better Chorus: –I am better I can stand here and tell you, I made it. Anybody out there that you made it I am stronger Chorus: –I am stronger 61

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I am wiser Chorus: –I am wiser I am better Chorus: –I am better Much better Chorus: –I am better I made it, I made it, I made it, I made it, I made it, I made it, I made it, I made it And I never would have made it Chorus: Never would have made it Never could have made it Chorus: Never could have made it without you I would have lost my mind, I would have gave up, but you were right there, you were right there I never Chorus: Never would have made it Oh I never Chorus: - I never could have made it without you. Someone need to testify next to them and tell them I am stronger, I am wiser, I am better, much better. When I look back over what he brought me thru. I realize that I made it because I had you to hold on to, now I am stronger, now I am wiser, I am better, so much better. I made it. Is there anybody in this house other than me that can declare that you made it. Tell your neighbor, never would have made it. Never would have made it. Never could have made it. Never could have made it without you. Never would have made it. Never would have made it. Never could have made it. Never could have made it without you

9. Strong Black Woman I am a black woman strong beyond definition standing tall by my words humming a song to defy my place and claim my space till time looks on me with tears and renew itself I am a strong black woman poised to vanquish night and usher in the day veer the wind southward that moist clouds rise for me 62

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to feel joy that kindles blue meridian skies I am a black woman a strong black woman fulfilling my call as a strong black woman never to bow nor bend to heartaches and the pain that brings tears to eyes I am a strong black woman carrying the warm smiles of my youth Yes, I am a strong black woman gathering my songs into fiery Zulu spears to kill tears still dancing on our foreheads and when morning star rises tomorrow everything will be bright before us because yesterday ended last night

All poems by Padmore Agbemabiese

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