God is wearing Black

[pyroflasher]

For those of you who don't know me, I am studying to become a playwright. I've written (to completion) 3 plays, most recently my first full length, 3 act play, titled God is wearing Black. I would like to this share this with you. It does contain a lot of strong language. Please enjoy and maybe tell me what you think


God is wearing Black
By: Eddie Chase


(Bare stage, with two small tables on either side of the stage, next to the proscenium arch. On each table sits a vase containing a black rose. These remain so for the remainder of the play, until further direction. All other furniture needed is rolled on and offstage.)
ACT 1: The Planting of the Seeds.

(Enter Mary from stage right. She mills about the stage reflectively. It can be understood from her gait and the expression on her face that she has recently endured great emotional trauma. She ends up at the stage right rose and cradles it in her hand. She then sniffs it, trying to let the beautiful scent heal her pain. Obviously it is ineffective. She goes to pull it out of the vase but quickly pulls her hand back. She's been pricked with a thorn. She responds with a sharp "Oh". She looks at her finger on which blood is now forming a droplet. She looks out into the audience.)

Mary: The Planting of the Seeds
(Scenery Change. A military funeral. A coffin sits center stage right An American flag sits on top. The Priest stands in front of it. 7 Soldiers stand in a row stage left, guns in hand. Thomas stands in front of them. A 9th soldier stands besides Thomas with a bugle.
Priest 2: We are gathered here today to mourn the death of a great man. Out of bravery, He protected his country. Out of love, he cared for his family in troubling times. And out of loyalty, he stood up for his friends. He is a man that the Lord filled with few bad qualities. Brothers and Sisters his name was...
(The following must be proceeded so that the first shot's drown out the name of the person in the coffin.)
Thomas:(As if he is shouting, but completely silent.) Attention!
(The 7 soldiers, who are in a line, take a step forward and ready their guns.)
Thomas:(Again as if shouting, but completely silent.) Ready!
(They point their guns out into the audience, at a 15 degree angle.)
Thomas:(silent still) Aim!
(The soldiers lower their heads as if aiming)
Thomas:(Once more silent) Fire!
(They fire their first round. The bang is loud and sudden. It occurs just as the priest is about state the name of the soldier. As they continue their salute, the priest rolls the casket behind the soldiers. He walks off stage left)
Thomas: Ready!
(They point their guns in the same manner as before.)
Thomas: Aim!
(They aim, as before)
Thomas: Fire!
(The Noise is again loud and sudden. They repeat the process a third time.)
Thomas: (After the third time) Present arms!
(They hold the guns out in front of them, vertically. The soldier with the bugle plays the traditional military song Taps. The soldiers separate to reveal the coffin behind them. Thomas and one other soldier wheel it front center. The two fold the flag in the usual triangular fashion. After this they give it to Mary, who has been watching, tears in her eyes, the whole time. She falls to her knees, sobbing, clutching the flag. Fade out.)
Scene 2
(Bare stage. Mary and Cana enter stage left, Mary staring lucidly. Cana has her arms wrapped around Mary, and is consoling her. They walk with no apparent destination, unable to really think. A few minutes later Luke and Matthew enter. They are identical twins, however you can tell the difference between the two. Matt wears football jersey with a suit underneath. The suit is very neat. Luke is slightly more sloppy, and not nearly so nicely dressed. He wears a button down shirt and a sweater vest. One other significant difference is that Matthew is much more filled out and muscular, while Luke is thin, almost to the point where he appears sickly. Luke is also very pale, where as Matthew has put much effort into keeping a tan. The each walk to a black rose, look at it, then they look to each other. Enter Eve, her mother, and other Religious Radicals. They hold various signs of hate, "God Hates Fags," "Thank God for Dead Soldiers," etc.)
Radicals: (adlib) Thank God for your loss! Your all going to hell! Fags and Dykes! You will be judged!
(The family stares, reactions mixed, all negative. Mary begins sobbing, Matthew gets angry, Luke rolls his eyes and approaches the group.)
Luke: Really!? My father deserved what he got? Wow. You people lack lives.
Eve: And the sinner keeps on sinning. Look at how proud he is!
Eve's Mother: Probably a fag, he is. Look at how he's dressed! Sweater vests and designer shoes. Probably going to go home and suck a dick, and revel in his filth!
Eve: He was probably taught that way by that boy-raping priest of his.
Luke: (unaffected by all the comments) Okay, well you guys have fun with all that yelling and stuff like that. Might I suggest tea and honey when your voices get sour. If you'll excuse me I have a mourning process to deal with. See I must be still in the denial phase because apparently I am outwardly unaffected. But soon enough, me AND my brother will hit the anger stage. I have wicked temper, but so does my brother and he's about twice as strong as me. And he's not afraid to hit women if they deserve it.
Eve's Mother: The only wrath we have to fear is God's!
(She continues to spout trashy preachings silently, with the rest of the congregation following her. They move on, possibly to harrass Mary and Cana. Eve, however, stays behind. Luke looks out into the audience, thinking deeply. Eve approaches form behind him, he does not see her. She thinks for a moment, and taps him on the shoulder. He jumps.)
Luke: AAH! (Notices who it is) What!? Did you come to harass me even more!? Do you people have no concept of pity and mercy? Are you gonna try to tell me that I'm doomed if I don't change my wicked ways?
Eve: No! ... Well ... Yes....
Luke: Well I don't wanna hear it. (goes to walk away)
Eve: Lucas... Listen.
Luke: How do you know my name?
Eve: We go to school together. I was in chemistry with you and your brother last year.
Luke: Okay....
Eve: Listen, I'm sorry we're harassing you. I have to so my mother could approve of me. But we mean what we say. This country is doomed, all we can do is repent, and hope that God might be merciful, and not fling his into hell. We only say what we say because we care.
Luke: I'm sorry to contradict your beliefs or whatever, but I was always taught that God was love. That hate was an imperfect human emotion and doesn't belong in God's perfect being.
Eve: And who told you that, those rapists priests of yours. You obviously don't know the bible as much as you should.
Luke: And do you?
Eve: Yes! ... Well I'm learning
Luke: So you know how you talk about god hating gays and such. Where the hell does it talk about THAT in the bible?
Eve: Leviticus 22:14 "A man shall not sleep with a man as he does a woman, for it is an abomination."
Luke: (still not completely convinced) Right....
Eve: Look Lucas... It's not just about the whole gay thing. Look at the shape the country is in. Do you think America is really even a good place?
Luke: Well I'm sure there are some good things...
Eve: Let me ask you something, how did the military treat your family after your father died? Did they help pay for the funeral? Did they offer to help pay for grievance counselors... as helpless as they are against the wrath of god. Did they help you?
Luke: Well they did do a 21 Gun Salute.
Eve: A 21 Gun Salute? A demonstration of this countries sinful pride! They say "Oh your father was a soldier. Yeah he protected us! But now your on your own!" and then they just go on masturbating to their own image because they are so proud of themselves and how much they are sinning. And they revel in the fact that they're bringing you with them.
Luke: (He thinks for a second) Listen. My father was just buried. I have a lot on my mind. Just leave me and my family alone.
(She looks at him. She thinks of something more to say, but can't think of anything. She backs away, slowly at first, but then turns and joins her group. Enter Major Gideon, A tall, brutish looking, military man, in full uniform. His speech is very eloquent and polite despite his gruff appearance. He sees Matthew standing by the black rose.)
Gideon: Ah, Matthew... How you holding up?
(Matthew looks up. We see that his face is wet from tears.)
Matthew: Hello there Major Gideon. I'm hanging in there I guess. You know, as much as can be expected.
Gideon: That's good... You do realize that you don't have to call me major right? Your dad I were like brothers, which means you're like family to me. Call me Todd. Besides your not obliged to call me Major. Your not in the military. Yet.
Matthew: Yet. (nervous laughter) I can't wait.
Gideon: I've been meaning to speak to you about that. Your starting basic training in a few months.
Matthew: Yeah...
Gideon: And...
Matthew: And what?
Gideon: Have you told your mother yet?
Matthew: ...
Gideon: Don't tell me you haven't told her yet.
Matthew: I was planning to.
Gideon: Planning to ain't enough. If we're out in battle, and while your planning something you go ahead and get yourself blown up, what good is all that planning that you did.
(Matthew reacts sharply, as if the major had just stabbed him. He is obviously hurt by the comment)
Gideon: I'm sorry... I guess I'm still in Drill Sargent mode. Listen, after your father went missing, and you came to me wanting to join the military to take his place, I pulled a lot of strings to get your application pushed along so that you could join as soon as possible. I did this on one condition, and that was that you were the one to tell your mother. If you don't tell her soon, I'll have it pulled. Believe me, I can.
Matthew: Do you know what it's like to have to tell your mother that you have to join the same thing that just buried your father?
Gideon: No. I was the first in my family for a couple generations.
Matthew: Exactly.
Gideon: You've at least told Luke?
Matthew: He'd probably take it worse then Mom did. He's so caring. He's always had a respect for human life. The idea of killing someone has always been a part of his nightmares.
Gideon: I guess it's for the best. I mean, your already physically prepared. He probably couldn't even hold a gun.
Matthew: I guess. That's the difference that 5 years of football make. He wasted it in front of those books.
Gideon: Not necessarily wasted. One day he could be one of the writers that helps change american history. He'll be a male version of Lorraine Hansbury.
Matthew: She is one of his heroes. (He chuckles.)
Gideon: And you'll be the tactician that ends our involvement in Iraq.
Matthew: Yeah, maybe. Hey that comment about Lorraine reminded me of something.
Gideon: Don't worry Matthew, your secrets safe with me.
(Meanwhile, the radicals are slowly surrounding Cana and Mary)
Eve's Mother: Whore! You will soon share your husbands fate! God's wrathful fist will rain down upon you!
Mary: LEAVE ME ALONE!
(Matthew, Gideon, and Luke all gather around to defend their mother. Cana consoles her)
Cana: Just stop it! It's okay Mother, just ignore them. (She has an odd manner of speaking. She is deaf.)
Gideon: Come on now guys. Can't you leave this woman alone? I think you've done enough harassment for today.
Eve's Mother: And here comes yet another sinning soldier. Your faggety ass is going straight to hell. (She spits at him) Go protect your fag loving country! See if you can protect it from the Lord and his great judgement.
Gideon: Yes, because we're so fag loving that we don't let them get married or, until recently, join the military. Please come back to me when your criticism's make sense.
(He takes Mary and pulls her away from them. )
Gideon: Are you okay?
Mary: uh... Yeah...
Gideon: Would you like me to you to my car? I can drive you guys home if you'd like.
Mary: No that's okay, we have our own.
Gideon: Okay. Well, you have my number, call me if you need anything. I'm going back Tuesday which gives me a couple days free.
Mary: Okay... Thank You...
Gideon: Oh and Matt
Matthew: Yeah?
Gideon: Don't forget what we talked about.
(Matthew nods. They exit right. By now the Radicals have left, leaving Gideon on stage alone. A gravestone rolls out stage left.)
Gideon: Well buddy... We've certainly made a mess of things. (He exits, bringing the grave stone with him.)
(Blackout)
Scene 3
(The Family dining room. Table upstage center lined by 4 chairs. Mary, Cana, Matthew and Luke sit eating dinner. They eat quietly for a beat. Finally Luke breaks the silence)
Luke: So are we gonna just sit here and mull in our depression or are we gonna talk?
Mary: Luke...
Luke: No, I'm serious. I read that it helps families recover from their loss if they engage in their regular daily activities. I mean, I miss Dad just as much as you guys do, and I don't know about you, but staying quiet is only making me feel worse.
Mary: LUKE!
(Cana appears confused. She signs to Mary)
Cana: (signing) What's going on?
Mary: (signing) Luke says that it will help our mourning process if we "talk" and engage in other "normal" activities.
Cana: (speaking, with a lisp, but signing as well.) Mourning? Luke, if anyone needs help with a morning process, it's mom. If you ask me, your handling this pretty well. You don't need those books.
Luke: Cana... You're deaf not blind. You can obviously see that I am a male. You should know that we males keep our emotions on the inside, and don't display them for the world to see.
Matthew: Speak for yourself.
Cana: Oh, wait... a second. You are a male? I'm shocked (Looks to Mary) Did you know this?
(Mary rolls her eyes.)
Luke: Look all I'm saying is, can we not sit here in silence?
(They sit in silence for a few minutes)
Matthew: No we don't. In fact, I have an announcement
(They all look at him surprised.)
Luke: What is it?
Matthew: You might not like...
Mary: Matthew, you can tell us anything.
Matthew: I enlisted into the military.
(They react)
Cana: Okay, I must have read your lips wrong. Did you just say that you signed for the very that just got our father killed.
Matthew: In fewer words, yes.
Mary: How can you already have enlisted? Were you planning this before your father died, or do you just like seeing me like this?
Matthew: I enlisted the day after we found out he was missing.
Mary: So when are you leaving?
Matthew: I talked to Gideon yesterday. I start basic training in August, after we graduate.
Mary: 3 months! 3 months! And what about Stamford? You worked so hard to get into that school! You don't just give up a football scholarship!
Matthew: They wont miss me. I'm sick of football anyways.
Luke: Well, is it at least one of the safer devisions, like the Air Force or the Navy, where its not as likely that you'll have to KILL people? Or get killed?
Matthew: The Army, same as dad. Besides, nowadays the fighting is so bad that they're bringing in everybody to fight. It doesn't make a difference
Luke: Because that's exactly what we wanna hear!
Matthew: I never said that I had good news. This is why I hesitated to tell you. But no matter what you say, I'm sticking with my decision.
Mary: But why though? Your father is dead and buried! If you go now it's not like you can go look for him. What are you trying to prove by doing this.
Matthew: I want to avenge him.
Luke: Oh so it's vengence now? You really think you could find that one Iraqi rebel that fired the bullet and kill him! My bro, the brave!
Matthew: That's not what I mean. Not vengeance to the person. We shouldn't even be in Iraq. All the time that has been spent there was pointless. All those soldiers died in vain, Dad died in vain. But now the president says we're gonna start pulling out, that our occupation will soon be up. I wanna help with that. I wanna help get us out of there so no more soldiers lives will be wasted. I don't want his death to be in vain.
(Mary looks at him, thoughtfully. Then she goes back to her food, stabbing it with her fork. She brings it up to her mouth then stops.)
Mary: Okay.
Matthew: Okay?
Mary: Your already enlisted, it's set in stone. There's nothing more I can do. You dead set on going there that's your choice. But I'm telling you one thing. Don't you dare get yourself killed out there. Don't you dare make me go through what I just went through for a second time. Till then all I can do is pray.
(Luke begins to laugh.)
Mary: Your laughing. Your brother is going into the military, might get himself killed, and your laughing.
Luke: I'm sorry, I was just reminded of those people yesterday.
Mary: Oh please, I don't want to think about that while I'm eating, No way.
Luke: Seriously though. They have an odd way of thinking. But makes sense in a way I guess.
Matthew: Please tell me your joking.
Luke: Now I'm saying I'm gonna go sign up, but maybe God does hate humanity.
Matthew: Luke, we're Catholic. Do you really think we're damned just because they think every priest is a rapist?
Luke: I dunno maybe not every priest, but Father Clancy, he does have those limp wrists. (He imitates a stereotypical homosexual) "Uh hello, Children, today we're here to talk about tolerance, ya see brothers and sistuhs, nothinga changes your worth to the Lawd but the lengths of yo faith."
(Mary laughs besides herself, Matthew chuckles slightly)
Mary: That is not even funny.
Luke: You know it is.
(Cana is confused as she was not paying attention when he said the joke. She signs to her mother)
Cana: (signing) What's so funny?
Mary: You do not wanna know.
Luke: In all seriousness though, I talked to that girl with their group
Matthew: Oh yeah, wasn't that that Eve chick from our chemistry class last year?
Luke: You remember her?
Matthew: Yeah! You don't remember her? She would always argue with the teacher saying (imitating Eve) "There is no such thing as electromagnetic force, or any of those other things. The only force in the universe is gawd, and you is going to hell for teaching this blasphemy!"
(Luke laughs)
Luke: Oh yeah, I remember her! Anyways, she explained to me that it's not just about them hating fags and catholics. She told me hwo for her its about hating america because they lie and do nothing. She did make a good point, that they're so proud of themselves when they barely help the families of their soldiers.
Mary: Yeah, one good point doesn't make a whole religion right. Don't listen to those guys, they brain wash people. They use little suggestions like that into getting people to be so hateful.
Luke: I don't know... I guess so.
(By now they are done eating)
Cana: Sooo, I'm not doing the dishes.
Matthew: Me neither.
Luke: Aww man.
Mary: Relax... I'll do them tonight. I need the time to think...
Luke: Okay! Thanks ma.
(They each take their plates put them on their chairs and carry them out. Cana returns and rolls the table offstage. Blackout)
Scene 4
(Lights up. Several bunks are lined up on stage. Enter Matthew, Thomas, and Soldiers, tired and in pain. They begin to take their bunks. Matt sits on a bunk. Thomas approaches.)
Thomas: Woah there, big boy!
Matthew: What?
Thomas: I wanted that bunk.
Matthew: Well too bad.
Thomas: Well give it to me.
(Matthew indicates the empty bunk next to his.)
Matthew: Why don't you take that bunk?
Thomas: Nah...
Matthew: Why?
Thomas: Because I'm already at this bunk.
Matthew: Well so am I.
Thomas: Well, I can move you.
Matthew: Your gonna put that much effort into it? After all those push ups?
Thomas: Yes, I am.
Matthew: (Stands up, cracks his knuckles) You really wanna do this?
Thomas: Why yes I do.
Matthew: Okay then come at me.
(Thomas, stands there for a second. Then out of nowhere he swings at Matt. Matt dodges. They get into a tussle. The other soldiers watch, some laughing, some in horror, some egging them on. Enter Gideon. The soldiers notice and immediately come to attention. Matt and Thomas, however, don't notice. Gideon approaches. He clears his throat. They notice and come to attention with the rest of the squad.)
Gideon: What is going on here!
Matthew: Sir, The private to my right was harassing me.
Gideon: Your right private is harassing you, you say. That sounds like a personal problem.
(Thomas starts laughing)
Gideon: And just what is so funny.
Thomas: You... said his private... yeah...
Gideon: Sounds like your laughing at me soldier.
Thomas: No, I was laughing with you.
Gideon: Don't back talk me, smartass. That's it, both of you (points downstage) 200 hundred pushups. The rest of you, Lights out in 5 minutes, so hurry up with your own personal problems and get to sleep! We get started at 0600 hours tomorow!
(He exits swifly. The soldiers take their bunks and push them out, following him. Matthew and Thomas are left alone on stage with their bunks, doing their pushups. They count. After about 15 they look off stage.)
Thomas: He's gone.
Matthew: Thanks very much...
Thomas: I'm sorry I wanted that bunk.
Matthew: Yeah I'm sure.
(Thomas stands up apparently unaffected by the pushups. He extends his hand to Matthew, who's still on the floor, about to passout.)
Thomas: I'm Thomas.
(Matt glares up at him. He raises his arm about an inch then drops it)
Matthew: Matthew...
Thomas: Nice to meet you. (He stands there waiting for Matthew to stand up. Matt is by now almost passed out. Finally Thomas bends down, grabs Matthew by the arm pits and yanks him up. Matthew resists, only wanting to sleep. Thomas struggles to drag Matthew over to the bed.)
Thomas: Come on Big Boy.
(He finally brings him over. Matt finally stands on his own feet. He stands there, looking around. He then gestures to the bunk they were fighting over.)
Matthew: Well?
Thomas: Eh... I don't want it anymore... (He sits on the other bunk.)
(Matthew tenses up, angry,... then he takes a deep breath. He falls on the bed and passes out. Blackout.)
Scene 5
(Church bells are heard. Enter Luke and Eve.)
Luke: Wow, powerful sermon. I can't believe the government is that corrupt. That just pisses me off. And dad was there puppet their entire time.
Eve: It's shocking, isn't it.
Luke: We really are all going to hell.
Eve: We can only beg for salvation.
Luke: Wow...
Eve: You realize it's been 3 months since you joined our flock.
Luke: Really?
Eve: Yeah. Hey, do you remember the first time we talked after your fathers funeral. It was in school and you were cleaning out your locker.
Luke: Oh yeah!
Eve: I swear I thought you were gonna stuff me in that garbage bag.
Luke: Oh really.
(Lighting change. Back to the day they were discussing. A single locker stands downstage left. Luke stands at it with a large garbage bag, throwing everything in it away. It is open and loaded with paper and garbage. Enter Eve, stage right, a full garbage bag slung upon her back. She sees Luke and approaches)
Eve: Ahem.... Hi
Luke: Huh? Oh hi...
Eve: What are you doing?
Luke: What does it look like?
Eve: Oh... Cleaning out your locker?
Luke: Uh, yeah.
Eve: Oh... Can you believe were graduating already? It seems like just yesterday we came in as freshman... To think we're meeting this late in our journeys.
Luke: You really call what happened the other day "meeting." It's more like your broke down the door into a very difficult time in my life.
Eve: Well god gives you difficult times for a reason.
Luke: Why? Because he's punishing me? Because I'm going straight to hell? God hates the world and all it's people.... yadda yadda yadda
Eve: Not necesarily.
Luke: What?
Eve: Try, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
(Pause)
Luke: Well ain't that the truth.
Eve: You see. We're not all full of hate, bigotry and lies.
Luke: Yeah sure, maybe not you.
Eve: Why don't you come to one of our services?
Luke: Oh really? I'd love to. Let me guess what the sermon will be... "Mah brothahs and sistahs! We'd like to thank the lawd fo killing all those sinful brave soldiuhs! They were probably all FAGS and DYKES! And they deserved to die!
(Eve laughs)
Eve: That actually sounds like one of the reverends preaches.
Luke: You see! I told you.
Eve: Come on, we have a lot to offer. A possibility to get into heaven for instance
Luke: Ugh... well... Maybe. I am a bit curious to find out what goes down in churches besides the Catholics. Their all a bit snooty to me.
Eve: Because their a bunch of proud sinners.
Luke: So you say.
Eve: Here. (She rights something on a piece of paper.) This is a list of all this weeks service times. I help with the altar so I'll be at all of them.
Luke: (looking at the paper) And what days are these on?
Eve: Are you serious?
Luke: Nope... I'll see you Sunday. Maybe.
(She exits stage right. He swings the garbage bag on to his back with one hand and pushes the locker with the other. He exits. Blackout)
Scene 6:
(Dark stage. Gun shots and explosions are heard. It is a battle. strobes flash occasionally, revealing Matthew, Thomas, and Various Soldiers. Gideon ad libs orders. Finally spotlight comes up revealing Matthew and Thomas hiding behind a rock. They occasionally fire over the rock with their guns.)
Thomas: Shit! Shit Shit Shit Shit! Ugh, Where the fuck did these guys come from?
Matthew: I don't know! But we gotta think of something or were fucked
Thomas: No fucking shit!
Matthew: Oh god! What the fuck are we gonna do!?
(He looks over the rock. He takes the gun and fires. Then he looks back in shock where he fired.)
Matthew: Dude...
Thomas: What?
Matthew: I just killed someone...
(All noises stop. Spot light comes up downstage left, revealing Luke and a table with assorted chemistry equipment. He appears holds a beaker filled with liquid over a flame.)
Luke: Hey Matt can you turn the fire down for me?
(Matt stands up. He looks around, noticing that the soldiers are gone. He slowly approaches the table.)
Luke: HURRY UP! It's going to burst!
(Matthew quickly snaps into this new reality. He rushes over, and adjusts the flame.)
Luke: Thank you.
Matthew: Yeah sorry... My head's in another place right now...
Luke: Yeah I hear ya. You worried about dad?
Matthew: Yeah...
Luke: Me too. I mean I'm hoping that he won't get heard. And I'm praying that god won't punish him for having to kill.
Matthew: Man I dunno how you keep your faith so strong, bro.
Luke: It's a gift.
Matthew: Right....
Luke: Hey can you believe that guy last period.
Matthew: Who?
Luke: Mr. Hannesburg.
Matthew: The new history teacher?
Luke: Yeah... He gave us the most idiotic and biased summary of World War 2. He's like "The Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, and 2400 died, and that's what started World War 2."
Matthew: Really?
Luke: and then he's like "And then do you know what we did? We got them back, by using the A-bomb on Hiroshima and nagasaki. We taught them justice that day." All proud of himself like he executed the orders. He neglected to mention that thousands more died when we bombed Japan, then when they bombed us. Such an ignoramus.
Matthew: Hey big words... don't follow. Football player, remember
Luke: Psh, Yeah right.
Matthew: Hey past me that acetic anhydride
Luke: The what?
Matthew: That clear smelly stuff.
Luke: Oh.
(He passes his brother a beaker.)
Luke: So let me ask you something.
Matthew: Yeah?
Luke: Why do you have such a hard time with keeping faith.
Matthew: I don't know. I just think more scientifically then others. There really is no hard proof of god, and though I was always raised to believe in god, sometimes I just find it hard.
Luke: I guess... faith is the only thing that keeps me sane.
Matthew: Why is that?
Luke: I mean, I have to keep myself thinking that dad's gonna come from this war. That we'll get into good schools next year. That Cana will one day we'll be able to get by on her own. If I don't have that, then I'll go crazy. I'm a natural born pessimist. Without faith, I'll have sleepless nights filled with thoughts of every possible way that dad could be taken down. Every possible mistake that we can make between now and the rest of our lives. I can't let my self think like that. So I pray. Praying always makes me feel... reassured.
Matthew: You are not a pessimist.
Luke: You don't really know me as well as you think, do you?
Matthew: Dude, I'm your twin, I know you better then you know yourself.
Luke: Do you really?
Matthew: Yes I do little mr.
Luke: Little? I'm older then you by 8 minutes
Matthew: And I also work out, unlike you making me bigger.
Luke: (shot down) True...
Matthew: Anyways, your not a pessimist. Your actually a pathological optimist. Your so obsessed with keep your mind free of psychological issues that it becomes a psychological issue. Now am I saying that your crazy? No. But your so into positive thinking that, if you ask me, it's bad for your health. All that praying you do, it's unhealthy.
Luke: Praying? Unhealthy? Now that's almost blasphemous.
Matthew: All I'm saying is don't rely on god on everything. If you can, take issues into your own hands.
Luke: ... Do you think God will punish Dad for having to kill?
Matthew: Jesus, Luke, do you ever give up?
Luke: Nope. And don't take the Lords name in vain.
Matthew: Whatever. Anyways, I think I might join up one day.
Luke: What about Stamford, and medical school.
Matthew: I'm not saying right away. Besides, I mean join up as a medic after I get my doctorate.
Luke: Save lives, not end them.
Matthew: Exactly.
Luke: Matt, if you do join, will you promise me something?
Matthew: What is that?
Luke: No matter what the situation is... don't kill anybody.
(Matt goes to answer, but is interrupted by the return of the noises of battle. A loud explosion is heard as their spotlight goes out suddenly. The noises of battle continue for a good while, in complete darkness.)
Scene 7
(Finally the noises fade out. Lights up. The bunks have returned. Matt kneels besides his bunk, in tears. He attempts to pray)
Matthew: God? uh... Fuck how do you do this. Dear God? Are you there? ... How does this work. Am I supposed to feel like some sort of supernatural presence. Are you even fucking there!? ... I uh... I killed someone today. Not just some one, several people. And I'm being regarded as a hero... I've done the one thing that my brother asked me not to... How can I face him...
(Enter Thomas stage left.)
Thomas: Yo Matt come on dude. Your our fucking hero! We're all celebrating in the mess tent. You saved our asses.
Matthew: Yeah I'll be right there.
Thomas: Dude are you okay? What are you crying?
Matthew: I was uh... praying...
Thomas: Praying huh? How'd that work out for ya? Feel any divine inspiration.
Matthew: Hehe no.
Thomas: Big surprise.
Matthew: What?
Thomas: Don't tell me you really believe in all that religious bullshit?
Matthew: And you don't?
Thomas: No way man. I have yet to see any proof that there is some great being watching over us, making all these obscure rules, judging what's gonna happen to us after we die. Do you know what happens after death?
Matthew: Well I guess we go...
Thomas: No we don't go anywhere besides the ground. Worm feed! So my philosophy is if I'mgonna become that insignificant when we die, then I'm gonna do my best to try and become significant before than. So I take it your Christian?
Matthew: Yeah, Catholic... supposedly.
Thomas: Supposedly?
Matthew: Oh trust me. I hear you about doubting god. To tell you the truth I've always had my doubts. If God is up there, he hasn't shown me much to prove it. You know my brother, he's always the one who's been overdosed in faith. He prayed everyday to bring our father back home safely. But instead he came home in casket. It had to be buried closed, because the guys that captured him... wooh they tortured him. You could hardly recognize him.
Thomas: You have a brother?
Matthew: Yeah a twin...
Thomas: Oh really.
Matthew: Yeah.
Thomas: So as sure as you are that there is no god, what the hell are you doing here, praying, when you should be celebrating the victory that you achieved for us?
Matthew: (He looks at Thomas. He tries to say something but it gets choked.) I killed someone today, Thomas. Not one but several... men. And I know what your gonna say, that it doesn't matter. It's war, It's what you had to do. There's no one to judge me either. I mean, they're out there celebrating me like I'm some kind of fucking hero. But I'm no hero. The one thing I promised my brother when we talked about me going into the military was... that I wouldn't kill anybody. I would save lives instead. (He sits on the bunk.)
Thomas: How can you...
Matthew: At the time I was planning to go to school to be a doctor and come out here as a medic. But man. It may have only been two years ago, but it was really fucking eons ago. The one thing and I broke his promise. How can I look him in the eyes again?
Thomas: (He sits with him.)Look man, You did what you could. If you promised your brother that back when you were gonna go in as a medic, then you had no way of predicting what would happen. You can't beat yourself up over this man. Your a fucking soldier. What are you gonna do the next time we fight? Huh? If you keep thinking like this your gonna get yourself killed. And I ain't gonna jump in front of the bullet if that's the case.
Matthew: Wow you're really a good friend.
Thomas: Yeah right (He begins to get up. Matt grabs him by the arm and stops him)
Matthew: No, really... You are.
(They come closer to each other. Before either knows what's going on they kiss. Nothing fancy or explicit, simply their lips coming together. It lasts for about 4 seconds then they come apart quickly surprised.)
Matthew: Whoa, whoa, whoa!
Thomas: Oh shit, I'm sorry!
Matthew: No it was me.
(They look at each other. Then realization simultaneously comes into their eyes)
Both: Your gay....
Thomas: Oh shit! And here I thought I was all alone in a hetero fest. Oh my god it was driving me crazy!
Matthew: No shit! Some times you just can't help but look.
Thomas: I mean we may be gay, but we're still men.
Matthew: Phew. Finally some who knows that I can talk to about it!
Thomas: Someone else knows?
Matthew: Yeah, Gideon.
Thomas: (He swallows hard) Gideon, as in our superior officer Gideon.
Matthew: Yeah.
Thomas: Oh shit man, when did he find out? Did he tell his superiors about it yet? How long has he known?
Matthew: Oh about 3 years. He was friends with my dad. They fought together. He pulled the strings to get me in here so quickly.
Thomas: So your tight with the commanding officer?
Matthew: Well, not officially. Here we have to keep it a secret or else people will suspect me of getting special treatment.
Thomas: You couldn't have asked him to go easier on that first day?
Matthew: Are you kidding me? And blow my cover in the first week? Hell no.
Thomas: I guess. Wait a second, I thought you were on the football team?
Matthew: Yeah, why?
Thomas: Well I thought that was usually for straighties?
(Matt gives him a mischevous smile)
Thomas: Oh you dog! Let me guess, probably hardly anyone knew back home?
Matthew: Nope. No one except good old Todd!
Thomas: Todd? His name is Todd?
Matthew: Yup.
Thomas: So not even your parents knew?
Matthew: Nope, their conservatives. My dad would have a hissy fit!
Thomas: And not accept you for who you are?
Matthew: No. He'd be pissed that I'd use my straight demeanor to fool him all these years. And sneak on the football team. For that he'd call me a perv. Luke would have probably been all weird about it, probably because then he'd start suspecting he was gay and it would ruin all the plans he has for his future. My mother is a space so she probably couldn't understand the concept anyways. You know, it'd be vulgar in her virgin catholic ears. And Cana can't even hear so what's it worth. It's being gay is just one small part of me, and just because it is a part of me doesn't mean I have to announce it to the world.
Thomas: Yeah.
Matthew: So what about you? Do you parents know?
Thomas: Oh my parents.... Yeah, they know...
Matthew: And?
Thomas: And what? What do you want me to tell you? And? That's the most generic statement one could think of to ask something. And? Do you want me to tell you my life story. Fine. My dad was a preacher, can you believe it? A mother fucking preacher. So suffice it to say that I had no plans to come out to my parents. I realized it back in 9th grade. And there was one guy that really caught my eye. I fell in love, Blah Blah Blah. I come from a small town in Pennsylvania, a very conservative town. I never really fit in. But it's not like they were nasty to me, the preachers son. That one fact is the reason I'm still alive today. So this boy, man, was he hot. Nice even muscle tone, jet black spiky hair, piercing eyes. And lucky me it turns out he was gay too. So we starting dating, in secret of course. When we were alone we would kiss... and other stuff. And when we were out in public, we would act like we were buds, the way the rest of those idiot rednecks would laugh. We even harassed ladies to make it all the more convincing. And the best part about that was, even when we were out in public, we were still our selves. I mean we loved to goof around, pull pranks, piss people off. Hit on people of the opposite sex just for kicks. I mean even the feminine fags do it for entertainment purposes. And it went on like that... for 2 years. Then one night, towards the end of our senior year, he snuck into my room. And we, ya know, did our thing. I completely forgot my parents were in the next room. They woke up and walked in on us. My dad didn't react immediately. He just pointed to the stairs and said "Get out." My mom was already sobbing, just realizing that she might not have grandkids that day. When Kevin pulled his clothes on and left, my dad looked at me and said "May god forgive you." I thought that would be the end of it. But the next Sunday during mass, he called Kevin up, not me, and told the Congregation "This boy has sinned, let us forgive him." He got into a whole story about why god hates gays, the whole Sodom and Gomorah thing. And Kevin just stood up there sobbing, his single father with the most hateful look on his face. Some of the more decent folks walked out. It was like my father had given him the 39 Lashes with his snake like words. But that wasn't it. After that he disappeared for 2 weeks. Finally they found his body in a river on the edge of town. Some fucking asshole rednecks had strung him up in chains... tied to their trucks. And they drove off. With him getting dragged behind. And they didn't stop their. They covered him in feathers which stuck to his thick blood. Their still a few left by the time they found the body. At least justice was served. My father, along with a few of the guys who did it were Arrested. My father, with defamation of character, and conspiracy to commit murder, and the rest of the guys, manslaughter. And that's when I decided their was no god. How could someone who people say has so much love, hate his own creation. How could he let one of his "servants" do something so evil. No, their is no god. I have no evidence to say otherwise.
Matthew: Thomas...
Thomas: Yes?
Matthew: I'm sorry.
(Blackout)
Scene 8
(A single bench downstage right, on which Mary and Cana sit. They are at the airport.)
Mary: (looking offstage left) Ugh, Where is that plane? It should have landed 15 minutes ago.
Cana: (Signing) He's late. He said he was going to be, right?
Mary: Yeah, your right. He did say he was going to be late. It's just... It's been a whole year. Can you imagine how changed he must. Oh I can't wait to see him in his uniform. Can you imagine how decorated it must be. He singlehandedly saved his entire unit from that attack. Oh! My son the hero! And he must be much bigger now that he's gone through military training.
Cana: (Speaking) I don't think you can get much bigger than that cave man!
Mary: Oh, be nice Cana.
Cana: (Signing) I'm just kidding. (Speaking) I hope his mind is okay. Luke's lost his.
Mary: I don't want to think about that.
Cana: (Speaking) Are we gonna tell him?
Mary: No. We'll let Luke feel the shame he's brought on him. He has to tell him himself.
Cana: (Speaking) What's happening to our family?
Mary: I don't know, Cana... I don't know... Oh look! Here he comes!
(Enter Matthew from stage left.)
Mary: Matthew!
Matthew: Ma!
(They embrace)
Cana: (Speaking) Matt! (Joins the hug)
Matthew: Hey Cana!
Mary: Oh how good it is to see you! Wow, you have gotten bigger!
Matthew: Yup. They wooped me into shape.
Mary: And how are you feeling? Mentally I mean?
Matthew: I'm hanging in there. Trying to keep the shadows out. If it's alright with you I'd rather not think about it.
Mary: Oh that's fine.
Matthew: Wheres Luke! I can't wait to see him!
(Mary and Cana look at each other)
Mary: Oh, He... had something very important to do... I guess.
Matthew: Something more important then welcoming his twin brother home from the war? Wow! I'll have to kick his butt when I see him.
Mary: Yeah... (nervous laugh)
(Enter Religious Radicals, Radical Preacher, Eve, Luke, and Eve's Mother. Luke sees Matthew but is hidden from him. They carry various signs again. The radical preacher holds a megaphone.
Radical Preacher: ...THESE PROUD SINNERS, KILLING, TO PROTECT A COUNTRY OF FAGS AND DYKES! I tell ya folks these folks sure were lucky for avoiding God's wrathful hand. They won't be so lucky next time! God willing they'll come back dead, torn and mangled! Sent straight down to the jaws of Satan! God will take them by the nape of the necks and throw them INTO THE HOLE!
(The crowd of Radicals erupt into cheers! Matthew looks.)
Matthew: Aren't those the assholes at dad's funeral?
Mary: Yes. The best we can do is ignore them.
Matthew: I can't believe they're allowed to get away with that.
Religious Radicals: SINNERS! SINNERS! SINNERS! SINNERS! SINNERS (One by one they stop shouting and exit) SINNERS! SINNERS! SINNERS! SINNERS!
(By now it's only the Preacher, Eve, Eve's mother, and Luke)
Preacher, Eve, Eve's Mother, Luke: SINNERS! SINNERS! SINNERS! SINNERS!
Eve, Eve's Mother, Luke: SINNERS! SINNERS! SINNERS!
Eve, Luke: SINNERS SINNERS!
(Mary, Cana, and Matthew begin to exit.)
Luke: SINNERS!
(Matthew stops.)
Matthew: Ma...
Mary: What is it?

Matthew: I think it's just my mind playing tricks on me, but... I could have sworn I just heard Luke's voice in that crowd. (He looks, the crowd is no longer their. Pulls his gaze to her.)
Mary: Matthew... It's okay. Let's just go home
(They Exit. Transition. The bench is brought off stage, and 2 beds are brought on. Matthew stands making his bed. Luke walks swiftly in from stage left. He see's Matthew and stops. He stands, unsure what to do. Matt turns and sees him. His face lights up.)
Matthew: LUKE!

Luke: Uh... Hi.
Matthew: Well come on, give your brother a hug.
(Matthew embraces Luke. Luke resists at first, then gives in.)
Luke: Hey Matt. It's good to see you. Real good.
Matthew: No shit!
Luke: When did you get back?
Matthew: This morning. Mom picked me up at the airport.
Luke: Oh... you... you were the soldier that came home today.
Matthew: Yeah... What you didn't talk to Mom about it?
Luke: Me and mom... were not exactly on speaking terms... right now...
Matthew: Oh really? Why is that?
Luke: Oh you know... we're all dealing with Dad's death and your... (He clears his throat) deployment... all differently. We've had a lot of arguments. I'm moving out in a few weeks.
Matthew: Oh really... listen Luke I'm sorry for doing this to you guys.
Luke: No don't be sorry. It's not your fault.
Matthew: How's Cana doing?
Luke: Oh Cana's sarcastic as ever. For someone who's deaf she really has a sharp tongue.
Matthew: Yeah that's for sure.
Luke: (with an almost fake enthusiasm) Well how the hell are you doing? You making any buddies over their? Band of brothers and all that? You haven't found someone to replace me have ya?
Matthew: Oh yeah, me and this one guy were like this (He crosses his fingers.) We're closer then ever! I think you've gotten yourself replaced bro.
(Luke stares at him, horrified. )
Matthew: I'm kidding! Sheesh, bro. Nothing's changed I see? You still can't take a joke goofball.
Luke: Yeah... Yeah I guess not. Well... Something's have changed. Probably more than either of us realize...
Matthew: What does that mean?
Luke: Nothing, nothing... I don't know.
(Long pause)
Matthew: Luke, there's something I need to tell you. A confession, I guess.
Luke: Okay...

Matthew: Do you remember that conversation we had? During chemistry class? In our Junior year?
Luke: Well Matt, which one? We had a lot of conversations in chemistry class.
Matthew: The one about me joining the military as a medic, after I got my doctorate?
Luke: Yeah.
Matthew: I'm sorry...

Luke: What?
Matthew: I'm sorry Luke.... I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'M SORRY! I killed someone. The one thing you asked me not to do and I did.
Luke: (under his breath) The sinner confesses.
Matthew: What?
Luke: Nothing. Look Matthew... I forgive you... but it's not...
Matthew: There's something else I want to tell you... Something I should have told you years ago. About me. Something twins don't keep from each other.
Luke: What is it?
Matthew: I'm... I'm gay...
Luke: ... Your a fag?
Matthew: Fag, queer, cocksucker whatever you wanna call it! I like men alright.
(Luke begins laughing. Not the usual joking lighthearted laugh that is shared between the two brothers, but a hard cynical laugh thats full of judgement and hatred)
Matthew: What is it?
Luke: Big fucking surprise!
Matthew: What?
Luke: This trip has just riddled you with sin hasn't it?
Matthew: I repeat... What?
Luke: Matthew, your confused. Understandable. For someone who's spent the the last year rolling in their own filth?
Matthew: A third time...
Luke: What what what? Don't say it again you faggot! Let's just say I've had my eyes open this year. To all the sin in this country that you and Dad kill to protect! Sinning for the sake of sinning.
Matthew: Luke, you sound like one of those lunatics...
Luke: At dad's funeral? Well, yes, I have found my self associating with those people. Lunatics? No. In fact they may be the only people who see clearly in this God-forsaken shit whole of a world.
Matthew: Luke, this isn't you.
Luke: Oh really? And the fuck would you know that? Oh that's right, we're twins, supposed to know everything about each other? Well I'll tell you something, if that were true, I would have known about your faggoty ass shaking long ago!
Matthew: Faggoty ass... Luke would you listen to yourself?
Luke: Oh I hear myself. I hear myself loud and clear. You think you can just stand their DISOBEYING GOD! The bible says he hates fagots, the bible says he hates murderers, and here you stand before me guilty of both! Your fucking lucky for having escaped the clutches of God's mighty arms! He's gonna grab you by the knape of the neck and send you into the hole.
Matthew: You sound just like that preacher this morning.
Luke: Because I was their!
Matthew: So you were! I thought I heard you!
Luke: Calling your name?
Matthew: No, you were screaming something else. Sinners...
Luke: Like I said, screaming your name. Declaring you for what you really are. I tell you if you go back there, you doom yourself for eternity! But brother, I still love you! I love you despite your sins. You can you redeem yourself! Stay, repent. Join the flock as I have.
Matthew: You've lost your mind!
Luke: No I've found clarity! And what have you found? A guilt ridden conscience. Stay with me, or god will...
Matthew: THERE IS NO FUCKING GOD!
Luke: What?
Matthew: You heard me, asshole. You think your so high and mighty because all you know now is hate? Well, you listen to me little brother and don't give me any of that I'm older shit! I call you little not because of your age or your size, but because of your mind! Your a smart guy Luke, smarter than I could ever be, but boy is your mind small. Your so fucking delusional that you think you can just boss everyone around and call it righteous. You think that you and your carny friends will be the only ones to gain eternal life but your wrong. No one will! Because theres no such thing. There's no god and Jesus was nothing special, they're just bed time stories that mommies and pastors tell their children to make them behave. Because really it seems humans are so fucking stupid that they have to be scared into thinking what's right and wrong. You know, I don't even know why I ever asked for a leave. You obviously don't give two shits about me and for some reason you were the only one I cared about seeing. Fuck this, I'll stay at a motel and get on a plane tomorrow.
(He begins to exit)
Luke: You walk out that door and you submit your self to eternal damnation, not to mention I will never speak to you again.
Matthew: You think I care about that.
Luke: Well brother, what a pleasant visit this turned out to be. Your gay, a killer and now you deny your creator. You know what, I take that back...
Both: YOUR NO BROTHER OF MINE!
(They both look at each other, waiting for the other to apologize. It does not happen. Matt turns, his stuff, and off stage right. Blackout)
END OF ACT I

ACT II: The Growing of the Thorns
(Bare Stage. Enter Luke stage right. He wears an adult sized baptismal gown. He pace nervously, back and forth. He comes downstage to stop directly behind the table with the stage right rose. He leans forward on the table, looking out into the audience, completely unaware of the rose.)
Luke: The Growing of the Thorns.
(Enter Eve from stage left. She sees Luke and walks over. As they talk the move downstage center. Behind them Religious Radicals quietly set up rows of chairs, with a aisle down the center. A podium is set up sits at the end of the aisle.)
Eve: Hey, you nervous?
Luke: What's it look like?
Eve: Like your about to go on stage in your underwear.
Luke: Aren't I?
Eve: Relax... You'll have the gown on.
Luke: (Looks down at the gown) That's very comforting.
Eve: Ugh I need to fix your hair! Didn't your harlot of a mother even teach you to take care of your looks?
Luke: Harlot? (She doesn't hear.) She did, I just didn't listen. Anyways, why are you so worried about my hair. It's just gonna get wet and messed up anyways.
Eve: Oh, quit your complaining. Thou shall not want and all that.
Luke: Did you even use that in context.
Eve: Probably not. Does it really matter? Now is not the time to be making sure we use scriptures in context!
(They look back at the people setting up. Then they look to each other)
Eve: Okay maybe it is but whatever.
Luke: Eve?
Eve: Yes?
Luke: Am I doing the right thing?
Eve: Of course you are! Your are one of the few people to give up sinful ways and obey. Today is a great day!
Luke: I know I know... It's just, How do you know that what they, what we, believe... is right? How do we know that we're the only unforsaken people in the world.
Eve: Luke, how could you begin to doubt? After all we've done to open your eyes.
Luke: I'm not so sure it's doubt I'm feeling... It's just, how do we know the the rest of the world is sinful? How do we know there isn't someone halfway across the world who would join our flock and obey without a second thought, but they just haven't had the oppurtunity?
Eve: Luke... I'm sure if there really was some so willing to obey, the good lord would provide them the opportunity to join us, like he did for you. But, Luke, there is something you must understand before you join our flock. People, by their very nature, are selfish. Their hearts are dark, and they will not obey the lord on their own. They need us to put them on the right path, or else they're heading a path that leads straight into a bottomless pit.
Luke: I guess your right.
Eve: You bet I am.
(Eve's Mother separates from the rest of the group setting up.)
Eve's Mother: This is a blessed day indeed. Lucas, Mass is going to start soon, are you ready?
Luke: Yes, ma'am
Eve's Mother: Oh, I heard about your twin brother. Not just a fag enabling soldier but a faggot himself. It must be terrible to have to share your face with such filth.
Luke: Yes... terrible. I told him to never show his filthy self around me again.
Eve's Mother: Very good. Maybe god will do you a favor and kill him so you will be rid of such a mark on your name.
Luke: (Laughs nervously) Yeah, that will be a great day indeed...
Eve: Oh looks like it's time to start.
(Everyone takes a seat. The Radical Preacher stands at the podium.)
Radical Preacher: Brothers and Sisters, Today is a momentous day. God has granted us a new member of his elect. He has poven he has mercy, in addition to hate. His power is aweinspiring, even if it only shows up in miniscule human events like today. Today, this young man here has given up the ways of his sinful family, to adopt us as a family, and for that we are truly humble. But unfortunately, his choice to join has been come just in time for his brother to tell him that he is a no good, cock sucking, child molesting FAGGOT! Twin brother, no doubt, Identicle twin. This poor boy has to share a face with not just a faggot but a fag soldier. Alot he has to prove to the lord that he is not fag as well. But I believe what he is doing today proves that he scorns the sinful life of faggotry, and chooses to bathe in the light of god. Now Eve, would you bring us out the tub.
(Eve rolls out a wooden tub, long enough to fit Luke in. Despite the dialouge, it is emtpy.)
Radical Preacher: Now Luke if you would please step in.
(Luke steps in to the tub, sits.)
Radical Preacher: Now lean back
(Luke leans back. He stays under for a second. Then the Radical preacher pulls him out. Luke gasps for air. The Radical Preacher takes dips his hand in the "water" and makes the Sign of the Cross on Luke's forehead)
Radical Preacher: In the name of the Almighty Wrathful Lord, may your filth be wiped away.
(Blackout)
Scene 2
(Bare Stage. Enter Matthew and Thomas holding hands and laughing.)
Thomas: Well that was fun!
Matthew: Yeah it's good to have such a break from all this craziness
Thomas: Well you certainly are good at "breaking"
Matthew: Why thank you.

Thomas: Uh-Oh here comes Gideon!

(They let go of each others hands and come to attention. Enter Gideon.)
Gideon: At ease boys.
Matthew: Sir.
(They loosen up)
Gideon: Did you boys enjoy, yourselves?
Matthew: Enjoy ourselves? Sir we only went scouting.
Gideon: Scouting my left private! Boys how dumb do you think I am?
Thomas: Well...
Gideon: Don't you dare answer that Thomas.
Thomas: Yes sir.
Gideon: (sighs) Matthew, I promised to keep your little difference a secret. But its gotta go both ways. You can't just go enjoying yourselves whenever you feel. Some of the boys have been talking, and you know there not as uh... liberally thinking as I am.
Matthew: Yes sir...
Gideon. You boys best remember something while your serving under my commander. I don't care what kinda tail shakin' you do when your deployment is over with, until then your not gay men, your not straight men, you better not be women or lesbians either. You are soldiers. Now I expect you to act like it.
Both: Yes sir.

(Gideon Exits)

Thomas: Boy that was CLOSE!

Matthew: Sure was...

Thomas: I thought I was gonna have a heart attack

Matthew: Me too...

Thomas: So now that he's gone...

Matthew: I don't think we should do this anymore...

Thomas: Are you breaking up with me?

(He looks at Matthew "appalled". For a second Matthew thinks he's serious. Then he realizes he's joking.)

Matthew: (overdramatic) Yes. I cannot be with you anymore!

(They both start laughing.)

Matthew: No seriously though, that was too close. And what if some real action started up

Thomas: Relax I get it... He has a point, we shouldn't risk peoples lives over our homosexual whims. We could always hook up after our tours are over. Come out as fags so we can't be called back into service.

Matthew: Yeah...

Thomas: Hey whats wrong?

Matthew: I did that, you know. During my R&R. I came out to my brother.

Thomas: And how'd he handle it? He must took you in with open arms, I mean he is your twin brother.

Matthew: He spat at me.

Thomas: Eww...

Matthew: Not literally. But he might as well have. He might as have slapped me in the face, it would've hurt less. It seems during my absence he joined our local cult. A bunch of nutjobs that spread hatred and injustice in the name of God. They picket the funerals of soldiers, like my dad, and the one people they hate most of all are the gays.

Thomas: And he joined them?

Matthew: . . . yeah . . .

Thomas: I think I heard of them. They get around don't they.

Matthew: They've protested all over the country.

Thomas: Religious wackjobs. I can't believe it. Not only is they blind, but they're stupid. And I'm sorry, but if you're brother joined up with them, then he's just as stupid.

Matthew: Relax, I don't take offence. But that's the thing, he's not stupid, he's a genius. But emotionally, he's a rag doll. He made it looked like he handled himself at dad's funeral, but in actuality he was crushed. They took advantage of that. The took the pieces of him that were left behind, and they pieced him back together as something ugly.

Thomas: So don't give up! He's your twin, if anyone can put him back together the way he's supposed to be, it's you.

Matthew: If I were they're then I would, but I'm not, and who knows when they're gonna let us leave. I was selfish. I left for my own emotional security and left my twin behind. He's my brother. I'm the bigger one, I'm supposed to take care of him!

Thomas: Dude, You are Human. Only one man. You make mistakes. But this isn't even a mistake. If you didn't join up, you wouldn't have met me. And you probably would have been driven crazy yourself. You're doing a good thing. Just give him time, he'll come to his senses.

Matthew: If could come to his senses, he'd have to be broken again first.

Thomas: They don't call it tough love for nothing.

Matthew: (He looks at the ground and thinks for a second. Then he smirks and look at Thomas) You just wanted to make a gay pun.

Thomas: Maybe.

(Matthew looks up at the sky. Then he laughs.)

(Blackout)
Scene 3

(A couch and a glass cofee table. Mary sits on the couch, reading a newspaper, Cana dusts, etc.)

Mary: (reading aloud from the news the news paper) U.S. Government sends more troops to Iraq and Afghanistan, can you believe this? (She looks to Cana, who was turned the other way.) I guess she didn't notice... It's so strange without the boys here... (A tear streams down her face.) What is happaning to my family...

(Before she realizes, more tears come streaming down her face. Cana turns around and notices that he mother is crying.)

Cana:(signs) Mom, what's the matter?

Mary: Oh, it's nothing...

Cana: (signs and speaks) It is not nothing. There certainly is plenty to cry about. So what is it that's bothering you?

Mary: Oh it's just this newspaper article... It's talking about the government sending more troops in... It just got me thinking... (signs and speaks) Cana, what is happening to our family.

Cana: (signs) I don't know... (speaking) Before Matt went back, he and Luke fought...

[pyroflasher]

(Note: I appologize, it didn't fit in one post)


Mary: Oh, don't remind me.

Cana: I'm sorry... But what were they fighting about...

Mary: You don't know? (signs and speaks) Matt came out to his brother.

Cana: (signs) Came out?

(Mary nods. She looks intently at Cana, waiting for her to catch on. After a few seconds she does)

Cana: (Speaking) MATT'S GAY!?

Mary: Yes he told me in the car on the way home... I thought you were reading his lips.

Cana: (signs and speaks) No, I had a hard time looking at him. He's just not the same. He looked... broken.

(The doorbell rings. Mary hears it and gesture to Cana to answer it. Cana walks to stage right and opens the door, invisible. Enter Luke through the same door. Cana stops him.

Cana: (signing and speaking) WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE?!

(She is very loud. Luke winces, afraid someone will here. He steps in further gesturing to her to be quiet.)

Luke: Shhh! Your very loud for a deaf woman, you know that.

Cana: I DON'T CARE! I should stick a skewer through you and roast you over a fire for what you've been doing to Mom, not to mention the disgusting way you treated your brother!

Luke: Funny! Because that sounds like the punishment he's going to get when he comes face to face with our Lord! God hates fags like him, not to mention the rest of the American military who enable those like him to live their sinful lives.

(Cana slaps him across the face.)

Cana: (speaking) Was that rehearsed? Because it certainly didn't sound like the Luke I know. And your supposed to be the genius.

Luke: Like you ever knew what I sounded like.

(He pushes his way past her and walks over to Mary, who is still sitting on the couch, looking out into the audience, a dead look in her eye.)

Luke: Hi mom.

Mary: (without looking at him) Hello Lucas.

Cana: (speaking) Mom just send him away. He just came here to insult his brother.

Luke: (to Cana) I did not, you just asked for that response. (To Mary) I came to say hi... I missed you. You may be sinners but your still my family.

Cana: And what about Matt? He's your twin...

Luke: (To Cana) He is no brother of mine.

Mary: Luke...

(He leans in closer to her.)

Luke: Yes, mother?

Mary: (barely audible) how dare you...

Luke: What?

Mary: HOW DARE YOU!

(She gets up and pushes him away.)

Luke: Ma!

Mary: You! Don't you dare call me your mother. He's no brother of yours? Well guess what. HE is my son. It's simple genealogy! If your not his brother than your not my son. The two of you are ripping this family apart. 3 months! 3 months after your father died did I have before YOU'RE idiot brother, my idiot son decided to go off and take up the same thing that got my husband killed. And don't even get me started on you. At least he's brave. At least he's honorable. He's doing this for your father, but what are you doing. Joining up with the people who picketed your father's funeral. You might as well have shot the bullet that killed him! Your father is turning in his grave over what you've been doing with those nutjobs! I'm sinful? You're the one whose using the Lord's name to spread hatred. What happened to love and... and... Forgiveness, huh? I raised you to be catholic! To love god and your neighbor! And yet you scorn your brother for one aspect of his character. God damn you! You're no son of mine!

Luke: Mom, I love you.

Mary: No!

(She lunges at him, and pounds on his chest in desperation.

Luke: FILTHY WHORE!

(He pushes her off of him. She falls back onto the coffe table. It shatters. Luke looks down at his mother who is now all cut up. He is horrified. She sobs. Cana runs to her mother glaring at Luke. Unsure what to say, he runs offstage.)

Cana: Mom, your bleeding!

Mary: Oh god. I have to get to the hospital.

(Cana grabs the keys from among the pieces of the table. She helps her mother off stage left.)
(Black Out)
Scene 4
(Loud booming noises are heard. Lights flash quickly on stage revealing the soldiers. Gideon runs in. Lights remain flashing and noises remain booming)

Gideon: BOYS! WE'RE UNDER ATTACK! GET YOUR ASSES READY,GRAB YOU GUNS AND HELMETS! DON'T BOTHER GETTING DRESSED, JUST GEt OUT AND FIRE AT WILL!

(The soldiers scramble. Thomas and Matthew pull helmets and guns from beneath their beds. The rest of the soldiers wheel their beds off stage. Gideon wheels Thomas's bed offstage. Matthew's bed remains. Matthew and Thomas come downstage and and pantomime their battle.)

Thomas: FUCK! Goddamn it where do these assholes come from. I thought we were the ones that went in and attacked from nowhere!

Matthew: I wish I knew! What are we supposed to do? Almost the whole battalion is out already!

Thomas: You wouldn't happen to have some clever plan to get us out of this like last time. Would you?

Matthew: Who do you think I am? Houdini?

Thomas: I think I can slip clear of them. See that hole in then wall there. If I can just get to it...

(The sounds overpower him.)

Thomas: Alright I'm going! Cover me!

(He runs stage right. Matthew follows him a couple steps and then kneels and fires at the invisible enmy. An Explosion is heard. Thomas jumps out of the way of the unseen blast, appearing to Matt to have been hit. )

Matt: TOM!

(He gets up in a hurry. One last gunshot is heard, overpowering and silencing the caucophony. He stares deadly into the audience.)

Matt: Luke...

(He collpapses. Dead silence and stillness for a beat. The noise of the battle slowly returns as Thomas regains consiessness. They rise together. By the height of the volume, Thomas is standing and fully aware. He looks around, confused, occasionally ducking and reacting to the noise. He spots Matthew.)

Thomas: NOO! (He stumbles toward the him.) matt... Matt... MATT!

Matt: I... think I still believe in him... You should too...
(The noise ends. Blackout)
END OF ACT II

ACT III: You Reap What You Sow
Scene 1

(Lights up. Matt stands stage left facing right, fully decorated. He holds a gun on his down stage shoulder. A closed casket is up center. Soldier Side by System of a Down is played. If it is legally impossible to play this song, Schism by tool, or Road to Joy by Bright Eyes are also possiblilities. If those are impossible as well, the director may find suitable music. As the music begins, Matt takes 21 carefully measured steps. He raises his upstage foot and clicks it against the other, turning up stage while doing so. He stands there for 21 seconds. Then he "clicks", switches his gun to the and turns facing stage right and does what he just did in the opposite direction. This repeats until the end of the song. At this point, another soldier enters on which ever end Matt end's up facing. They meet, come face to face, and together flip, rotate and position the gun in a series of gestures so quick and precise that it almost looks robotic, yet with enough passion to give a very human feel. [NOTE TO THE ACTOR: This scene is meant to be played out like the Guard of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cementary. It is highly recommended that one views the proceedings, in both the guarding and the passing of the gun, as that is what this is.] Finally when the other soldier takes the gun, Matthew breaks form, and approaches the stage right black rose. He takes out a cloth, wipes the vase, and removes the rose.)
Matt: You reap what you sow...
(He exits.)
Scene 2
(Laughter is heard. Spotlight up on a table, where the casket just stood, lined with chairs. Luke, Eve, Eve's Mother, and Radical Preacher sit in these chair. It is their laughter that is heard.)
Eve: So I tell her, you go help those hobos. Go help those fags who have probably started to feel God's wrath already. I'm gonna go do God's real work instead of helping the devils children.
Radical Preacher: She actually she was doing God's will helping those fags.
Eve's Mother: No I'll tell you who's really doing God's will. This young man right here. That whore of a mother of his...
Luke: (under his breath) She's not a whore.
Eve's mother: What? Anyways she was sticking up for that faggot who calls himself his brother. And he instilled the wrath of God into her by pushing her into a glass coffee table.
(Luke glare at eve. She smiles at him and nods, attempting to reassure him)
Radical Preacher: Did you really?
(Luke says nothing)
Eve's Mother: And he's humble about it too.
Radical Preacher: Son while I appreciate your dedication I must remind you that we are to remain non-violent...
Luke: It was an act of wrath on my own part. God had nothing to do with it. I should never have done it.
Eve's Mother: So you don't believe she deserved it.
(They all look at him quetionably.)
Luke: What I mean is... It is not my job to punish the fags and the fag enablers. That's the Lord's job. So it was not only an act of wrath but an act of pride.
Radical Preacher: Well put son...
Luke: (cutting him off) Now if you excuse me I have to go... punish myself or something.
Eve: But Luke...
Luke: (To Eve's mother) Dinner was delicious, mamn.
(He w rushe off stage, leaving the other three to look at each other, puzzled.)
(Blackout)
Scene 3
(Spotlight on Thomas. He is sitting down, on the ground, broken, reading from a bible.)
Thomas: " Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs . . . for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed . . . Blessed are the meek for they shall posses the earth" Oh why am I reading this. (He flips forward in the book.) Now Thomas... one of the twelve, called the twin was not with them, when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said to him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I... I will not believe. And after eight days, his disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them, Jesus came, the doors being close and stood in their midst, and said, "Peace be to you!" Then he said to thomas, "bring here thy finger and see my hands' and bring here ... thy hand . . ." GODDAMNIT WHATS THE POINT! (He rises quickly and slams the book on the ground)
Matthew... Man... I miss you. We were supposed to be heroes together. Be heroes, then come out, and be the scourge of Don't Ask Don't Tell. We could have been something. Something fearsome. What am I going to do man. What am I going to do....
(Enter Gideon. Thomas comes to attention)
Gideon: At ease Tom.
(He does so)
Thomas: Sir?
Gideon: I, uh, just finished the arrangements to have dead sent home.
Thomas: . . .
Gideon: Someone. . . needs to tell his family
Thomas: . . .
Gideon: I think it would be most appropriate, if it were you.
Thomas: Sir?
Gideon: I'm sending you to return his dog tags. To tell his mother.
Thomas: But if theres another attack, sir.
Gideon: We'll be best off with soldiers who aren't broken
Thomas: Broken, Sir?
Gideon: There's nothing wrong with you. Except that you've just experienced a terrible tragedy. We can't afford that right now. We need people to be void, just fight. We need soldiers.
Thomas: . . .
Gideon: Oh and, uh, would you do the honor of leading the salute. At his funeral.
Thomas: It would be an honor sir.
Gideon: Good. Now get going. Your chopper leaves in 30 minutes.
(They exit. Black out)
Scene 4
(Back at the family home. The coffee table is gone. Mary sits, bandaged again. Luke, enters, knocks on imaginary door. Mary goes to the door and sees him.)
Mary: Luke...

Luke: Hey Mom, I...

Mary: What are you... Leave... NOW! Or I'm calling the police.

Luke: Mom, wait I...

Mary: Don't you call me Mom. You lost the right to call me that.

Cana: (From of stage left) Mom!

Mary: You better leave before Cana sees you. She will not be as civil as I am.

(Cana enters from stage left)

Cana: Mom the the short bus is going to be here soon... (She sees Luke) What are you doing her? WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE?

Luke: Leaving. May god have mercy on your souls when he's getting ready to toss them in the pit.

(He exits. Cana slams the door behind him.)

Cana: What was he doing here?

(Mary sits on the couch.)

Mary: I don't know.

(The doorbell rings. Mary looks to the door.)

Mary: Oh dear god... Matthew...

Cana: What is it, mom?

Mary: The door...

Cana: Oh that little prick.

(She turns to answer the door.)

Cana: (as she opens the door) Why the hell don't... (She sees that it is not Luke but Thomas) you... Who... Who are you? Mom...

(Mary rises and walks to the door.)

Thomas: Hello Mamn. My name is...

Mary: Thomas.

Thomas: Mamn?

Mary: Thomas... Your name is Thomas isn't it?

Thomas: Yes, it is... How did you

Mary: Matthew talked about you, all the time. During his leave.

Thomas: He talked about me.

Mary: Yes he did. All very good things. So... Tell me what brought you here this morning.

Thomas: ... Yes... Sorry, I'm not sure how to tell you...

(He takes Matthews dog tags out of his pocket. He hands them to Mary. She nods.)

Cana: What... Is it, mom?

Mary: (signing, dog tags still in hand) Matthew is dead.

(She falls to her knees, sobbing, clutching the dogtags. Cana screams.)

Cana: No! That's not fair! He was supposed to come home! He was supposed to help end this war. (She looks to Thomas.) You... Did you know him? Do you know how Matthew died?

Thomas: I... He died saving me.

Cana: He... Died because of you... Who are you?

(Mary stands and looks to Cana.)

Mary: (speaking and signing) Cana... This is Thomas. Do you remember? Matt talked about him.

Cana: Oh... So you're Thomas...

Mary: Cana, could I talk to Tom in private?

Cana: Oh gee, that's alright. The special bus will be here anyways. I've got nothing to worry about. I only just found out my baby brother died! (She storms off stage, shoving with her shoulder as she passes by. He doesn't react.)

Thomas: She blames me.

Mary: Don't mind Cana. She's . . . Hot headed.

Thomas: Are you sure her and Matt are related?

(Mary chuckles.)

Mary: Yes Luke was always the more tempermental of the twins.

Thomas: I heard about him. About how he rejected Matt for...

Mary: I don't want to talk about him. (Pause) No, I want to talk about you and my son.

Thomas: You disapprove...

Mary: Not at all. I'm not like Luke or that digusting hate group he's gotten himself involved in. No I was raised to think that everyone is equal, Regardless of your color or who you fall in love with. I guess I'm to blame if Luke ended up differently.

Thomas: Well it's not all your fault... You didn't raise him alone.

Mary: I'd appreciate it if you did not speak ill of my husband.

Thomas: I'm sorry, I meant no offense.

Mary: I suppose your right though. Their father wasn't exactly as open minded as I am. I guessed a part of him rubbed off on both of them. Just different parts. So are you staying for dinner?

Thomas: Ma'am?
Mary: Don't call me ma'am. Call me Mary. Now please, you must be famished. I bet you haven't had a decent meal in an eternity.
Thomas: No ma.... I mean, no Mary, I haven't.
Mary: I'm sure will have much to talk about.
(blackout)
Scene 5
(Mary and Priest sit)
Priest 1: ... and then I'll say the final words. They'll lower him into the ground and it'll be all over.
Mary: Just like that...
Priest 1: Just like that. You know Mary... I have to say you really do appear to be taking this all to well. I've been a priest long enough to realize that that's a sign that a mourner is really struggling the hardest on the inside. You can talk to me, Mary. Or you can talk to God if you feel that you can't share it with me. But you really should talk. Just talk. You need to... put your emotions into words and talk them out. Get rid of all the pain. You can't bring him back. But you can mourn him better if you just stop bottling it all up.

Mary: YOU THINK I WANT TO BOTTLE IT ALL UP? You think I... Father.... can you confess me?

Priest 1: What right now?
Mary: Yes, Right now.... you want me to stop bottling it all up, come on confess me.
Priest 1: Anybody can walk in. Are you alright with that?

Mary: Yes.

Priest 1: Well then.... You may begin.

Mary: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. It has been a year and half since my last confession. Since that last confession.... Oh have I sinned. I've sinned as a Catholic, I've sinned as a woman, and oh how I've sinned as a mother.... I let my boys go to destructive paths. Matthew has been killed... and I could have stopped it. He's dead and I could have stopped it. I could have put my FOOT down. And I didn't. I was weak, when he needed me to be strong. When they both needed me to be strong. And now Lucas has tread down a path that is a mockery of you. It is nothing but the devil's work, and I pushed him away. I gave all the support to Matthew and he got left in the dust... My god, forgive me. More importantly help me forgive my self.
(Silence)
Priest 1: Mary, God has no need to forgive you.
Mary: What?
Priest 1: There is nothing to forgive. You have committed no sin.
Mary: What? Of course I have! I failed as a mother. I let my... son... d.... d....
Priest 1: It was your son's decision to go into military, was it not?
Mary: Yes, but I could have...
Priest 1: If he had made up his mind up, you know as well as I do that there was no way in God's great kingdom that anyone could have changed it. Your dilemma is a small scale version of the mistake people make the world over. They lose their faith because of the woes in the world. And they ask if there is a god, why doesn't he fix these wrongs? Why doesn't he bring about peace, why doesn't he stop global warming, why doesn't he feed the hungry. But they forget. That all that suffering, all that torment is because of the misuse of the greatest gift to us, free will. He gave each and every one of us free will, to do what we please. It was your son's own choices that got him killed. It is your son's own choices, clouded as they may be, that has led him down this path of anger and hatred.
Mary: Your wrong. It was not all a choice.
Priest: You still blame yourself.
Mary: That's not what I mean. A very brave young man who knew my son quite well, told me something the other night. The real reason why he went and got himself killed. It turns out, he hated his father. His father would always put down something that was a part of him, something he was SO secret about. He only told a close friend of his fathers. He felt so... insecure, that he couldn't even tell his own family. That cult is WRONG. We are not a gay loving country, but you know what, we damn well SHOULD be. Because there are gays, like MY son, who are willing to and have fought and DIED for our country, and we can't even give those people the oppurtunity to be truthful about themselves. The idea of a SISSY boy in the military is just SO shameful. Well my son liked other boys. And you know what HE was a hero. But guess what? He didn't CHOOSE to be gay. That was chosen for him. Be by God or genetics. Why would someone choose that? To be treated with such disregard? To be treated as a second class citizen.
Priest: And you think God made him gay? When he clearly states its a sin?
Mary: And YOU! You're worse than that cult, that abomination of a congregation. At least they aren't SUBTLE, at least the show there slime for the whole world to see. No you have to be false about it. You say "Oh god doesn't hate you cuz your gay, he just hates the gay things you do." ARE YOU THAT CLUELESS? Do you not realize you are essentially sending them the same message as they are? How are these people supposed to have any faith? If you tell them that there all going to hell for what god made him?
(Silence.)
Mary: I have to be somewhere. Don't bother coming to funeral. Get someone else to to say it.
(Blackout.)
Scene 6

Radicals: God hates thats soldier fag! God hate that soldier fag! God hates that soldier fag!

(Lights Up. Radicals, including Eve, Eve's Mother, and Luke, form a mob down stage left. Behind them, a funeral procession crosses down right. The procession is headed by Gideon, Thomas, and Soldiers carrying the casket. Following them is Priest 2, then Cana who does not notice the crowd, and finally Mary. As Mary passes by, Luke pushes to the front crowd. There eyes meet. Mary glares. She turns and continues following the other's in the procession. Luke chases after her. He grabs her shoulder.)
Luke: Ma
Mary: What the FUCK are you doing here?
Luke: What does it look like? I'm protesting the funeral for that fag soldier that's about to burn in hell.
Mary: You're what?
Luke: I just said...
Mary: No, I heard what you said.
Luke: So what are you here to spite me? You never supported one decision I have ever made.
Mary: You think I'm here to... You know that's not true.
Luke: Really? Isn't it?
Mary: No it isn't. You know I told you boys from day one to pursue what ever suits you fancy. And I would support it. AS long as it never hurt people. How many poetry readings did I go to? How many times have I shared your once beautiful words with the entire world?
Luke: Yeah but this...
Mary: THIS... cult... this group of disgusting religious parasites? The ones who PROTESTED your father's funeral. He was a hero.
Luke: He was a monster. A no good fag enabler that never cared about his kids. Why do you think we moved around all the time? Why do you think we could never send Cana to that school for the deaf. She had to battle it out in public school. No wonder she's so defensive. Of course it didn't help the fact that he hit her. And you always dressed the wounds. Thank god he was gone for months at a time. When he wasn't home he was a drunk. And that asshole Gideon kept it all a secret so he wouldn't get kicked out.
Mary: Now I will be the first to admit that your father was a broken man. But you're brother? He did nothing to you but love you and wish for your acceptance.
Luke: What the fuck does this have to do with Matthew?
Mary: IT'S HIS FUNERAL!
(Silence. Mary turns away and storms toward stage right. Luke is left, stunned, for a couple seconds, then begins to also run towards stage right. Mary turns and pushes him back.)
Mary: NO! How DARE you disgrace his funeral. You turned on him when he needed you. You killed him! I wish he was the only one who was born.
Luke: Mother, I'm sorry! I didn't know! I didn't know I swear! I'm sorry
Mary: No...
Luke: Mama... I'm sorry
Mary: No... (She exits stage left)
(Black Out)
Scene 7

(Light's up. A military funeral. A coffin sits center stage right, an American flag sits on top. The Priest stands in front of it. Mary, Gideon, Thomas and soldiers.

Priest 2: We are gathered here today to mourn the death of a great man. Out of bravery, He protected his country. Out of love, he cared for his family in troubling times. And out of loyalty, he stood up for his friends. He is a man that the Lord filled with few bad qualities. Brothers and Sisters his name was Matthew.
(Enter Radicals, ad-libbing various protests.)
Thomas: You're not allowed to be within 100 feet of here. Leave or were calling the police.
Radical Preacher: God's dominion tower's over man's. It is his will that we be here.
Thomas: There is no place in any heaven for filth like you.
Preacher: It is you, you FAGGOT, who is the filth.
(Luke enters)
Luke: STOP!
(Mary clenches her fists, Thomas confront's him)
Thomas: Haven't you caused enough damage.

Luke: (To Thomas) Hold on. (To preacher) Leave. NOW!

Eve: Luke, you can't actually be protecting this faggot? I thought you renounced you're face-stealer long ago.
Luke: And I was wrong! Who the fuck are you people to tell me or my brother that what god made him is wrong. Who are any of us know what god wants.
Eve's mother: You will burn in Hell for this.
Luke: Then let me burn.

Preacher: Alright. The boy has decided his fate. We have better things to worry about. (All radical's but eve exit)

Eve: Luke, Don't do this. Don't follow the path of the devil.
Luke: I'm not... You are.
(Eve stares in disbelief. Slowly she exits)
(Short Black out. When light's come back up, the soldiers are lined up as in the beginning. Mary watches from the beside the empty table stage right. The soldiers do a 21 Gun salute. After that is finished, the fold up the flag and hand it to Mary. Luke enter's to comfort Mary. She turns away, and exit's, leaving him alone on stage. Taps play's as the lights slowly fade.)
End of Play

[Golden Emblem]

I actually enjoyed this quite a bit. Although, I must ask, was the title inspired by the song Soldier Side?

[pyroflasher]

Thank you, very much.

Actually the entire play was inspired by that song. Hence the reference to it in the title.