tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7485203831100540892024-02-20T09:11:05.314-08:00PinoySeattlePinoySeattle is a blog of writings by Robert Francis Flor. It includes his poetry, scenes from plays, vignettes and personal observations.Robert Francis Florhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881214342439513922noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748520383110054089.post-74339992225687964252015-07-14T05:15:00.001-07:002015-07-14T05:15:01.888-07:00The FAYTS (The Filipino American Young Turks) - ACT I, Scene I - The Meeting<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
ACT I <o:p></o:p></div>
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SCENE I<o:p></o:p></div>
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THE MEETING<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman Italic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(It's the early 1970s. The play opens
with a discussion between Senators Sitan Helel and Aswang Iblis. Senator Iblis
knocks on office Sitan's office door. The office is plush. Sitan sits in a
large leather chair behind a large mahogany desk. An American flag and a
Washington State flag stand behind the desk.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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SENATOR HELEL <o:p></o:p></div>
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Senator Iblis, welcome. Welcome! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(Hugs him.) <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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It's been a while. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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SENATOR IBLIS <o:p></o:p></div>
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Senator Helel, got your message. You wanted to talk? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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SENATOR HELEL<o:p></o:p></div>
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Have a seat.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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SENATOR IBLIS<o:p></o:p></div>
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If you don't mind, I prefer to stand.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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SENATOR HELEL<o:p></o:p></div>
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Please, I insist. We want a relaxing discussion…don't we?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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SENATOR IBLIS<o:p></o:p></div>
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Of course, of course. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(He sits.)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>SENATOR HELEL<o:p></o:p></div>
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Aswang, I've known you for a while…at least since you were elected.
Call me Sitan. We're friends. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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SENATOR IBLIS<o:p></o:p></div>
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Thanks, Sitan. Glad we're on a first-name basis. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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SENATOR HELEL<o:p></o:p></div>
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I heard there’ll be a vacancy in the 35<sup>th</sup><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>district. May be <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>an opportunity, Aswang. Control of the State
Senate's in the balance. A seat or two…especially a traditionally liberal one,
we'll control committees.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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SENATOR IBLIS<o:p></o:p></div>
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You’re well informed,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’d be a difficult
win.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s very Liberal. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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SENATOR HELEL<o:p></o:p></div>
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We need a candidate who's popular…someone with name
familiarity. Possibly a minority. Thought you might know someone. You know
those communities. Think of anyone?<o:p></o:p></div>
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SENATOR IBLIS<o:p></o:p></div>
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A few. I know an activist or two who might be persuaded.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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SENATOR HELEL<o:p></o:p></div>
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Not just anyone. Someone special…untouched…new.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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SENATOR IBLIS<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ben Adama comes to mind. He's Pinoy…has some interest in
politics. I've known him for a while. <o:p></o:p></div>
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SENATOR HELEL<o:p></o:p></div>
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Pinoy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What’s that?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>SENATOR IBLIS<o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s slang for “Filipino”.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>SENATOR HELEL<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Filipino, you say?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not derogatory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>SENATOR IBLIS<o:p></o:p></div>
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Not at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Self-ascribed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>SENATOR HELEL<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sounds interesting. Another Marcos, perhaps?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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SENATOR IBLIS<o:p></o:p></div>
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Doubt that. He's
American born. His primary interest is local. Want me to talk with him?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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SENATOR HELEL<o:p></o:p></div>
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See about this…Adama. I'd like a sense of what it would cost
to bring him along. Tell him it's an opportunity to increase minority
representation. We'll give him committees that'll help his district.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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SENATOR IBLIS<o:p></o:p></div>
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What's the quid pro quo? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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SENATOR HELEL<o:p></o:p></div>
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I expect your support. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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SENATOR IBLIS<o:p></o:p></div>
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You already have it. But—<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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SENATOR HELEL<o:p></o:p></div>
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You need a reward. Just testing. I see you learned not to
offer things gratis. Okay. Here's my deal. If he accepts and wins, I'll assign
you a choice committee.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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SENATOR IBLIS<o:p></o:p></div>
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Banking and Insurance. I sense future opportunities. Lots of
devils in those enterprises.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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SENATOR HELEL<o:p></o:p></div>
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That's a huge plum, my friend. Indeed, a very huge plum. I
like your ambition. We all have dreams.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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SENATOR IBLIS<o:p></o:p></div>
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If Adama wins, I'm sure there'll be bigger plums for you.
You're thinking national stage. Right? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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SENATOR HELEL<o:p></o:p></div>
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I don't—<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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SENATOR IBLIS<o:p></o:p></div>
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How badly do you want to win?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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SENATOR HELEL<o:p></o:p></div>
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You drive a tough bargain, Aswang. Yes, you do. (Beat)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know what politics is, don’t you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>SENATOR IBLIS<o:p></o:p></div>
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The seeking of power.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>SENATOR HELEL<o:p></o:p></div>
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Power’s the end game, son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Politics are the illusions that drive the game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Successful politicians create illusions that
the public buys whether they are or aren’t served well by them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep that in mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, what if—<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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SENATOR IBLIS<o:p></o:p></div>
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No ifs. No buts.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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SENATOR HELEL<o:p></o:p></div>
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Fair enough. Fair enough. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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SENATOR IBLIS<o:p></o:p></div>
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One other thing. You'll send a consultant. Right? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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SENATOR HELEL<o:p></o:p></div>
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As a matter of fact…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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SENATOR IBLIS<o:p></o:p></div>
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This should be an opportunity for my Dila.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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SENATOR HELEL<o:p></o:p></div>
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Don't get pushy, amigo. She's far too inexperienced and
headstrong. She has the looks, I admit, but this is far too important for a
novice. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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SENATOR IBLIS<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(Stands.)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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You underestimate her. She'll do well. Consider her.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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SENATOR HELEL<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sit down, please. I've already decided on Mara. It's
settled.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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SENATOR IBLIS<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(Sits.)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Seems unfair. When will you give Dila a chance? She's better
prepared than you imagine.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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SENATOR HELEL<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, now, Aswang. She's at a vulnerable age. I know you love
your daughter. Hell, I love mine. But you can't predict what she'll do, can
you?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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SENATOR IBLIS<o:p></o:p></div>
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If you don't—<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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SENATOR HELEL<o:p></o:p></div>
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Enough! You know how much I despise snivelers, especially
those making idle threats. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Be content with what I've planned. Otherwise, I'll see you
never get anywhere.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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SENATOR IBLIS<o:p></o:p></div>
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Dila should be considered. When—<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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SENATOR HELEL<o:p></o:p></div>
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I'll decide when. I'm not confident that she can't be
turned. My advice: don't beg and don't ask again. Or else. Comprende? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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SENATOR IBLIS<o:p></o:p></div>
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I get it. You can't blame me for wanting my daughter to…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(He pauses as he looks
at Senator Helel, who has folded his arms.) <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I'll get back to you after I talk with Ben.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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SENATOR HELEL<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(Stands.)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Better. I understand. But I am not understanding. Do as I
command.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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SENATOR IBLIS<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No offense—<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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SENATOR HELEL<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That's more like it. Obedience and loyalty are important.
You do agree?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
SENATOR IBLIS<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yeah. I get it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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SENATOR HELEL<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Walks behind him.
Puts his hand on Aswang's shoulder.)</i> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tell you what I'll do. I meet with Mara soon. I'll propose
you challenge her in a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">balagtasan</i>, a
poetic debate, before the tribunal. My consideration for your loyalty. Bako
Nawa, the Unholy Spirit, will serve as Lakambini…the muse. You'll have to
convince him and the dwende. I'm sure you're up to the task.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
SENATOR IBLIS<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Agreed. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Salamat po</i>,
Sitan. I'll call Ben.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
SENATOR HELEL<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That's more like it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Now, let’s have a drink.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(Pours two shots of
scotch. Hands Iblis a glass.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Returns to
his seat. </i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seal our deal. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
SENATOR IBLIS<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Pulls out a couple
of cigars .)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would you like to try
one?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fair trade for the scotch.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>SENATOR HELEL<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Takes one and lights up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Inhales.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Gags.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ugh!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ugh!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Like setting road kill on fire!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Where did you get these?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are
they?!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>SENATOR IBLIS<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They’re Cremona Cubanas…what I can afford.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>SENATOR HELEL<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Awful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leaves a
flavor in your throat like puke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(Crushes his out and takes a long drink of scotch.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that smell…like an inch of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>hell released.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Put that out…NOW!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can’t have my office smelling cheap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Goes into his desk and brings out a cigar
box.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe, you’d like one of these.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>SENATOR
IBLIS<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What are they?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
SENATOR HELEL<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1c1c; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">Cuban Cohibas</span>. The
best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seventy bucks each. Illegal, you
know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fidel had them rolled specially
for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know the Golden Rule:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You got the Gold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You make the rules.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(Blows a ring.) <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>SENATOR IBLIS<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thanks, Sitan, but I should get going.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
SENATOR HELEL<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don't know what you're missing. High flier like you, oughtta
try one.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
SENATOR IBLIS<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well… <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(Reaches for the box.)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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SENATOR HELEL<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(Snaps the box closed
and sets it down. Pauses.) <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Well, maybe next time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Tell you what, close the deal with Ben and I’ll toss you a few.
Anyway…bad for your health.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Beat)<o:p></o:p></div>
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We're done here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I'll call you if I need you. Close the door when you leave.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman Italic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(Senator
Iblis rises slowly retreats and leaves. Sitan leans back in his chair and puffs
on his cigar. Laughs evily and snorts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Picks the butt of Iblis’s cigar from the ashtray.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Could be useful someday. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman Italic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lights down. Scene ends.)</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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</span><!--EndFragment-->Robert Francis Florhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881214342439513922noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748520383110054089.post-30856050923336588202013-12-30T14:17:00.001-08:002015-07-11T19:13:38.113-07:00Pajaro Beach<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman Bold';"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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We return along Pajaro Beach.</div>
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Our footprints<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>diverge along the shore.</div>
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For a while, you drift away.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Stop occasionally to wade the water</div>
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Or collect sand dollars.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I, on the other hand, wander ahead</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>witnessing sandpipers and plover</div>
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scurry before receding waves</div>
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retreating to the returning wash. </div>
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<br /></div>
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In time, our footprints merge. </div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Haven't they always!</span></div>
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Robert Francis Florhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881214342439513922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748520383110054089.post-51862340032272184962013-08-06T07:36:00.002-07:002013-08-06T07:36:50.608-07:00The FAYTS - The Filipino American Young Turks, my full length play inspired by Bob Santo's political campaign for State Senate in the early '70s is set for publication in a few weeks. The play will be published by CreateSpace and is in final edits. The following is a synopsis of the play. I recently placed 8th in the 82nd National Play Script Competition held by Writers Digest.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman Bold";"><b>The FAYTs (Filipino American
Young Turks)<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman Bold";"><b>by<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman Bold";"><b>Robert Francis Flor</b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman Bold";"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>PLAY SYNOPSIS<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #434343;">The FAYTS traces the ambitions of a group of young,
Seattle-area Filipinos during the <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
<span style="color: #434343;">early seventies who seek to empower and raise the stature
of Filipinos through the <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
<span style="color: #434343;">political process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When a State Senate seat opens in their progressive district, Ben <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #434343;">Adama, the protagonist, declares his interest. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #434343;">A community activist, Ben has surrounded himself with a
group of loyal friends, known <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
<span style="color: #434343;">as the Filipino American Young Turks (The FAYTS).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His skeptical, reluctant, but <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #434343;">otherwise supportive wife, Ava,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>agrees to take manage the family while he pursues his <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
<span style="color: #434343;">political dream.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #434343;">Ben and his friends lack the financial capability for a
campaign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sensing an opportunity, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #434343;">Sitan Helel, a powerful conservative Senator, sends forth
Aswang Iblis, another Senator <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
<span style="color: #434343;">and friend to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>the FAYTs to recruit Ben.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Through Aswang, Helel offers Ben and <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
<span style="color: #434343;">substantial financial support and consultants. Mara
Hukluban, a beautiful, intelligent, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
<span style="color: #434343;">young woman and daughter of Sitan is assigned as
consultant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, she and others
are not <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #434343;">as they appear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #434343;">The FAYTs was inspired by an actual political
campaign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It explores questions of
good <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
<span style="color: #434343;">and evil, loyalty and the price of ambition though the
use of mythology and folklore,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
<span style="color: #434343;">primarily Filipino in genesis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Characters morph between real and mythic worlds in this <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
<span style="color: #434343;">play that pits personal ambition and power against ideals
and family.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman Bold";"><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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Robert Francis Florhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881214342439513922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748520383110054089.post-30207351632662537792012-08-03T08:35:00.002-07:002012-08-03T13:39:52.883-07:00Photos from the PastVince Matsudaira friended me on Facebook this morning. Growing up, "Binko", his nickname, was my best friend. We stood together in the photo, his family house on 16th Avenue in the background. Further behind was Providence Hospital on the adjoining block. We were probably around eleven or twelve years old. I wore a plaid shirt and rolled jeans; Vincent, a plain blue shirt and khakis.<br />
<br />
The picture evoked a string of memories. Spring and summers, one of us would ricochet a tennis ball off the steps leading to his house. It would fly into the street where the other would field it. This provided an inexpensive form of baseball. Other times, we stood across the street from each other tossing s a hardball, pretending we were Seattle Rainiers. <br />
<br />
Sixteenth Avenue filled with Filipino and Japanese families who attended Maryknoll Church and later grade school at Immaculate Conception. Older, the girls would continue high school at Immaculate while the boys would continue on at O'Dea, Garfield, Franklin. A few would leave the area.<br />
<br />
Kids filled the neighborhood playing touch football (curb to curb, telephone pole to telephone pole). The teams usually were comprised of three or four players. When we were younger, we'd divide up to play kick-the-can or capture the flag, designating telephone poles at either end of the street as fortresses to be protected.<br />
<br />
Cherry Street, the east-west street at the north end of the block provided a steep slope. It didn't have today's traffic.. We constructed sleds made of two-by-fours held together with a bolt to form a cross-shape. Disassembled roller skates provided the wheels for the front and the rear and a rope attached to either end of the crossing arm, the steering mechanism. A plywood seat nailed to the wood frame served as the seat. Starting at the top of the hill, we'd careen down Cherry between 15th and 16th without a care in mind.<br />
<br />
Winter months brought snow...much deeper than present day. It often got two to three feet deep. Like other kids, we had snowball fights, built snowmen and trudged to school in the cold. But weekends filled with fun. Instead of the roller skate, gravity-propelled sleds of spring and summer, we dragged our snow sleds, cardboard boxes or anything that would slide to the top of Cherry Street and slid down the hill. <br />
<br />
A second picture showed Vincent and a flock of kids celebrating his birthday in his family's backyard. We gathered around as he was blowing out the candles on his cake. His mom an avid gardener had a small fishpond constructed in the shape of two connecting ovals. Where the ovals connected, she bridged them with a small artful log. She filled it with goldfish and waterlilies. <br />
<br />
The pond served us well. We constructed small plywood hydroplanes, probably six or seven inches in length. We inserted a paddle held by rubber bands, which when wound tight, powered the boats across the water. We painted, numbered and named them after our favorite boats of those times...Slo-Mo-Shun IV, Hawaii Kai or Bardahl and raced them across the water.<br />
<br />
If we weren't racing, we built plastic warships...replications of aircraft carriers, battleships...destroyers that fought in World War II. We'd load them with firecrackers and the battle would begin. Launching them out over the pond, they'd explode into a million fragments, sinking quickly to the bottom. Then we'd buy and build more. <br />
<br />
During Seafair, the Navy brought a small fleet of ships into Elliott Bay and we'd tour. It was a short bus ride to downtown which gave us access to movie theaters like the Coliseum, Orpheum and Music Hall. There were also a two neighborhood theaters, the Venetian on 15th and Pike and the Madrona, on about 25th and Cherry. The Madrona played two cowboy movies on Saturdays including a cartoon and newsreel. The cost of admission was probably a dime. Not like today.<br />
<br />
Bus routes 12 E. Cherry and 26th South also provided access to Mount Baker, our favorite beach. Mt. Baker was the top attraction. To get there, we'd transfer to the 27 Yesler or the 4 Mount Baker. If we rode the latter, we could run the length of a park with a creek full with dragonflies and water bugs, tennis courts and a few Japanese stone temples before we reached the beach. When the Matsudaira's purchased a new '57 Ford, Joe Matsudaira and Ed Beltran would drive a bunch of us down for a swim.<br />
They were older.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />Robert Francis Florhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881214342439513922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748520383110054089.post-35600552360808894332012-07-17T18:08:00.001-07:002012-07-17T18:08:37.777-07:00Dog Blog: Notes on Walk<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I walk Cooper and Bella through my old Central Area neighborhood where I grew up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cooper’s a young shepherd and Bella, a white-faced setter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our walks weave the streets as I talk with them about the grade school and Immaculate Church I attended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the way, we pass the nun’s house, now a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>multi-family apartment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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We turn north along 16<sup>th</sup> Avenue and I continue with stories of trick or treating from Jefferson to Union Streets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reaching Spring, we descend to 15<sup>th </sup>where the City installed a small park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bella rests a moment as she’s older and panting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cooper patiently searches the grass knowing her companion needs a short break. I give each a treat.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I diverted from the route one day and took them down to Seattle University where they play the grass across from the St. Ignatious Chapel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Catalina and I married there three years ago in July.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re only two days from our anniversary. The dogs love the area where we held a family and friends picnic after rehearsal.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We cross 12<sup>th</sup> and heading across
Columbia near the Langendorff Bakery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll leave a note describing this to their owners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The day after, I get a return note telling me that my descriptions are providing a history of the area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m encouraged to mention several personages like Judge Richard Jones and Charlie Greene who grew up close by.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Normally, I take the dogs over to Union Street and we climb to 17<sup>th</sup> where a block of elegant, old
apartments still survive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
are as beautiful as I recall from the time I attended kindergarten at T.T. Minor across from them. I remind Cooper and Bella that as a paperboy, I’d pick up my papers in a still-standing garage in the alley behind them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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We’re on our way back to the house as we travel southward to Columbia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>New townhouses wedge</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
between older remodels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The neighborhood has been face-lifted and current residents breathe new life into the urban setting. T</span>enants garden the curb medians so they fill with hollyhock, daisies, tomatoes, climbing peas and vegetable and flower assortments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m told the neighborhood banded</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
together to create bee pathways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An interesting urban concept encouraging the continuation of life.</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Robert Francis Florhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881214342439513922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748520383110054089.post-71343709093845420402012-06-10T13:14:00.000-07:002012-06-10T13:14:09.289-07:00Tanagas<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.0pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Verdana;"><b>Passage</b></span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Verdana;">Wisteria weeps walkway. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Verdana;">I immerse in its perfume, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Verdana;">fragrance of my loneliness.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Verdana;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626; font-family: Verdana;">There was little left to say.</span></div>Robert Francis Florhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881214342439513922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748520383110054089.post-8303457876598930442012-05-09T07:55:00.000-07:002012-05-09T07:49:59.926-07:00Symphony for One<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="MsoNoteLevel2">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">An elderly Chinese woman</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">wearing a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;">great coat </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;">strolls past in Lincoln Park. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel2">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Her head arches over music sheaves,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel2">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">she carries in one hand. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel2">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">With the finger of the other, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;">she etches air, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">silently </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;">conducting a symphony.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel2">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">It’s a cool September morning, made cooler<br />by shadows on the high bluff.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">An audience of red Madronas bends to listen.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Wind choruses through branches.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"> Beyond </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;">Puget Sound's</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"> sand and rocky shore </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">
the distant Olympics crest in harmony.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;">I pause in wait for the aria.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel2">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel2">
<br /></div>
</div>Robert Francis Florhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881214342439513922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748520383110054089.post-22631830185835374092012-04-19T16:24:00.000-07:002012-04-19T16:24:29.512-07:00Empty Chair<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Template>Normal</o:Template> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Words>62</o:Words> <o:Characters>358</o:Characters> <o:Lines>2</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>1</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>439</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>11.1539</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotShowRevisions/> <w:DoNotPrintRevisions/> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Rich, Dale and I gather awaiting Roy. </div><div class="MsoNormal">We sun in window seats at Geraldine’s,</div><div class="MsoNormal">a favorite breakfast spot.</div><div class="MsoNormal">We share our old-man stories.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Speak of families, graduations</div><div class="MsoNormal">and children moving on.</div><div class="MsoNormal">We wander familiar political paths, </div><div class="MsoNormal">wade and wind intrigues.</div><div class="MsoNormal">We tell travel stories about Arizona and Hawaii.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Little is said of sports, his specialty. </div><div class="MsoNormal">We fall silent. Roy cannot join us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">His words:</div><div class="MsoNormal">They’re reviewing my cancer treatment.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>“Go ahead without me.”<o:p></o:p></i></div><!--EndFragment-->Robert Francis Florhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881214342439513922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748520383110054089.post-68762149557007876992012-01-29T18:55:00.000-08:002012-01-29T18:55:24.937-08:00The FAYTs (Filipino American Young Turks) - Ben's MonologueThe following excerpt is from The FAYTs, my play about the ambitions of a group of young Seattle-area Filipinos and, in particular, Ben Adama as they seek political power. The monologue in the form of a campaign speech is given by Ben at his kickoff for State Senate. It was developed to explore his character...his wants...needs...strengths...weaknesses.<br />
<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Template>Normal</o:Template> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Words>962</o:Words> <o:Characters>5484</o:Characters> <o:Lines>45</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>10</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>6734</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>11.1539</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotShowRevisions/> <w:DoNotPrintRevisions/> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">THE KICKOFF</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman Italic";"><i>(A crowd of supporters has gathered at campaign headquarters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cheerful music plays loudly in the background.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It lowers when John and Ben rise to the stage and stand in front of the podium.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He and John are dressed in sport coats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mara dresses sexily in a short, red dress and high heels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wears a pearl necklace. She stands off to the side.)<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman Italic";"><i>(The crowd itself dresses casually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A small table with wine, cheese, crackers etc. Is available in the back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People stand around eating and drinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are a few members of the press.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Political signs dot the walls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A welcome and sign-in-table around which a small line has formed<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>by the doorway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The table is staffed by a few supporters. Ava is not present.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The music lowers.</i>)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">JOHN</div><div class="MsoNormal">Welcome to the Kickoff for our friend Ben Adama who’s running for State Senate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve known Ben as a friend, a neighbor...a tireless worker in our community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has an established recored for supporting equality, housing and employment.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Ben is one of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He brings a wealth of experience managing programs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He decided to run for office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he wins, he’ll be the first Filipino to achieve this in the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>State.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">(NOTE:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Audience is encouraged to join in for applause and chants in support of Ben during his speech. Applause and noise from the audience.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Ben will tell us why he’s running and then take questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I give you the next Senator from this District...Ben Adama! (More applause, hooting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some noisemakers.)</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">BEN</div><div class="MsoNormal">Thanks, John!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks everyone for coming out tonight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Someone asked me why I was running. (Pause)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s easy...to win!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Applause.)</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Seriously, growing up, I had to guide my father Max ‘round the City.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’d gone blind while boxing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was all but forgotten except for a few friends.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">One day, we went into our favorite pool-hall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dad heard a someone bullying his friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He told me to take him over and stand him in front of the guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dad asked the guy, “Why don’ you pick on someone who isn’t afraid of you?”</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The man responded, “Who’s that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re an old blind man!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just as he finished, dad hit him with an upper cut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cold-cocked him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dad turned to me and said, “Ben, we got to get outta here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Run!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We ran...Dad tapping with his cane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tap. Tap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Me scared shitless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few blocks away, cop yelled, “Max, stop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s been some trouble at the pool-hall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You see anything?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What’s up?”</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Dad responded “Me no see nothin’.”</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The cop let us go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew dad...recognized and trusted him.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">(Laughter from the crowd and lots of applause.)</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This story reminds me where I’m from and what so many Filipinos experienced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dad was a fighter.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">When his days in the fight ring ended, he didn’t have anything. He was poor...abandoned…unrecognized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I determined that I wouldn’t be forgotten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That would not happen to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would make my mark.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I wanted to make dad proud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to show him I’m a fighter... show him that Filipinos could contribute and achieve in America...prove to him that I could win. I had friends going to Catholic High School.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought this might be a way out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t have money for tuition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got a job in a restaurant after school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During summers, I worked in a gas station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I earned money and paid the tuition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got into the school and graduated.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I joined the Marines. I served our country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the G.I. Bill, I completed community college.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I met my wife and started a family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s home watching the kids so I could be here with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made it my way.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I came back to our community...our neighborhood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Loyalty is important to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I improve your housing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Built a food bank. Organized a tutoring service for our schools.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe in giving back...in giving you and your children chances that weren’t available to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want you to have a chance to improve your lives the way I improved mine.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I know you. And, you know me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m running because you know I’ll do the job for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Join me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t go back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come forward with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rise with me on the American ladder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can have success.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can realize the American dream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can be part of America.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">(Huge audience applause and chants: “Ben! Ben!”)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I grew up in Chinatown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My father was poor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We lived in a one room apartment filled with cockroaches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He slept in the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I slept on the floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cockroaches never slept.</div><div class="MsoNormal">When dad died, I was raised in Rainier Valley by my Tito and Tiya...my Uncle and Aunt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My wife and kids grew up here and go to school here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve known poverty and rose above it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I can do it, you can too.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">You know me and you can trust my word!</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">(Audience applauds and chants.)</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I can make a difference!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My opponent is part of the political establishment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve witnessed decay in our schools, fewer housing opportunities and businesses vanishing from our neighborhood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Crowd applauds at each pause.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We need more housing (Pause), small businesses (Pause), better schools (Pause) and jobs.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’m not like her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll represent you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll represent your dreams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I promise to make government listen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I worked years in our neighborhood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll take my life lessons and experiences to the Senate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ask for your support.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">(Audience cheers loudly.)</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We can move forward and bring prosperity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can improve schools, reduce crime and strengthen our economy. (Crowd agrees more loudly.)</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">You ask:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why am I running?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m running because I’m you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe in loyalty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We grew up together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We walk these streets together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m running because I represent your hunger and hopes. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I will succeed. You have my word.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">(Crowd cheers loudly.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I believe in you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Believe in me. Walk with me. You can trust me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Join me in my campaign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">(Crowd applauds and cheers wildly. Joyful music starts up. John rises and joins Ben on the Podium.)</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">JOHN</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">In celebration of your hopes and dreams Ben represents for us, we’re hanging this banner. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Give it up for the next Senator from this District: Ben Adama!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">(Pedro and Paulo unfurl a very large banner that reads:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adama for State Senate in bold letters.)</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">PEDRO AND PAULO </div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">(Lead crowd in chant.) We know you and we trust your word!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">CROWD </div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">(Chants.)</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">We know you and we trust your word!</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">JOHN</div><div class="MsoNormal">Behind you are sign-up tables.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need volunteers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need your support.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Join Ben’s </div><div class="MsoNormal">campaign.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Join us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Support Ben.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have refreshments...food and drink. (Points to tables.)</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">AUDIENCE (CHANTS.)</div><div class="MsoNormal">Mabuhay, Adama!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Viva, Adama!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mabuhay, Adama!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ben! Ben! Ben!</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">(Music plays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People head for tables.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ben moves through the crowd shaking hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He receives pats an the back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, Mara gives him a hug and a kiss on the cheek.)</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><!--EndFragment-->Robert Francis Florhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881214342439513922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748520383110054089.post-3570688036041563172012-01-29T08:43:00.001-08:002012-01-29T08:43:33.281-08:00Tanagas<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Template>Normal</o:Template> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Words>34</o:Words> <o:Characters>198</o:Characters> <o:Lines>1</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>1</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>243</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>11.1539</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotShowRevisions/> <w:DoNotPrintRevisions/> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1026"/> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapelayout v:ext="edit"> <o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1"/> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman Bold";"><b>Remnants<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">Only dead stamen remain <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">of flowers you left behind <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">in vases on the window. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">Like petals, love dries in vain.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman Bold";"><b>Waking<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">Water gurgles in the pot. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">Dawn beckons me with light. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">Bold coffee removes the night. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">I open my newspaper.<o:p></o:p></span></div><!--EndFragment-->Robert Francis Florhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881214342439513922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748520383110054089.post-4021345857223424732011-11-03T17:31:00.001-07:002011-11-03T17:32:45.259-07:00SILK AND WARCHARACTERS<br />
<br />
MAJOR COOK - 40 YEAR OLD BRITISH MAJOR, AN ATTACHE TO SIR WINSTON<br />
<br />
PRIVATE ENFIELD - 20 YEAR OLD, BRITISH ARMY PRIVATE<br />
<br />
SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL - PRIME MINISTER, ENGLAND<br />
<br />
SCENE I<br />
<br />
<i>(The scene takes place in 10 Downing Street, the office of Sir Winston Churchill. The British are engaged in World War II and are on the eve of Dunkirk when Sir Winston is to speak to the nation. Major Cook, his personal attache, paces the room waiting for Private Enfield to return with an important task he has ordered him to fulfill on behalf of the Prime Minister.)</i><br />
<br />
Major Cook: <i>(Pacing.) </i> Were is that laddie? It’s been several hours. Bloody. If he’s forgotten.<br />
<br />
<i>(Enter Private Enfield. He salutes.)</i><br />
<br />
Private Enfield: They’re boxed, Major! As you requested.<br />
<br />
Major Cook: The right size, Private?<br />
<br />
Private Enfield: I believe so, sir.<br />
<br />
Major Cook: It’s important to the Prime Minister. You certain?<br />
<br />
Private Enfield: Wouldn’t let you down, sir.<br />
<br />
Major Cook: Yes. Yes. But, it’s highly important.<br />
<br />
Private Enfield: I don’t understand -<br />
<br />
Major Cook: He’s addressing the nation. He has to be comfortable.<br />
<br />
Private Enfield: Dunkirk?<br />
<br />
Major Cook: The Prime Minister is under a lot of pressure. Don’t want him screwing up now. Do we laddie?<br />
<br />
Private Enfield: Absolutely not, Major.<br />
<br />
Major Cook: What about color? Pink, I hope.<br />
<br />
Private Enfield: White, sir.<br />
<br />
Major Cook: Right, oh. Nothing else?<br />
<br />
Private Enfield: No choice, sir. War shortages. Pink dyes are being used for camouflage. Mountbatten, sir. Royal Navy.<br />
<br />
Major Cook: <i>(Pause.) </i> Yes. I see. Correct. We all have to make sacrifices, I suppose. You covered everything?<br />
<br />
Private Enfield: Everything you specified, Major.<br />
<br />
Major Cook: Check. Let’s see. Size. Color. Comfort’s important.<br />
<br />
Private Enfield: The P.M. will be fine. He’s sure to rally the nation.<br />
<br />
Major Cook: I wish I could see them.<br />
<br />
Private Enfield: They’re boxed. I didn’t want to unwrap them.<br />
<br />
Major Cook: What style?<br />
<br />
Private Enfield: Not sure, sir. Probably boxers.<br />
<br />
Major Cook: Right. Well, he can make do.<br />
<br />
Private Enfield: If you say, sir.<br />
<br />
Major Cook: More importantly. The materials? If you didn’t get it right, the nation -<br />
<br />
<i>(Just then the door opens. Sir Winston Churchill enters, cigar in hand.)</i><br />
<br />
Sir Winston: You get them? Important, you know, Major.<br />
<br />
Major Cook: Private Enfield took charge. I’m confident.<br />
<br />
Sir Winston: <i> (Opens box. Lifts up a pair of silk underwear. Studies them. Holds them next to his body.)</i><br />
Almost perfect. Fine silk. Our boys...all Britain will be grateful. Where you get the silk?<br />
<br />
Private Enfield: R.A.F., Mr. Prime Minister.<br />
<br />
Sir Winston: R.A.F.?<br />
<br />
Private Enfield: Yes, sir. Leftover parachute.<br />
<br />
Sir Winston: Bloody hell, parachute, you say! Great silk. How’d you know?<br />
<br />
Private Enfield: Rumor, sir. Just rumor. <i>(Pause.)</i> You proposed creating an airborne force in 1917. Seemed fitting.<br />
<br />
Sir Winston: Don’t like the color. Thought I -<br />
<br />
Major Cook: No choice, sir. Navy.<br />
<br />
Sir Winston: I specifically told you I - (Pause.) You’re right. We all have to make sacrifices.<br />
<br />
Private Enfield: Price of war, sir. No pink.<br />
<br />
Sir Winston: You astound me, Private. Doesn’t go beyond 10 Downing.<br />
<br />
Major Cook: Yes, Mr. Prime Minister. Got that Private Enfield. Not beyond Downing.<br />
<br />
Private Enfield: Yes, sir. My lips are sealed, Major.<br />
<br />
<i>(Lights down. The end.)</i><br />
<br />
SCENE II<br />
<br />
<i>(Scene two takes place in the same office on 10 Downing Street. Winston Churchill practices his speech to rally the British nation after Dunkirk. Major Cook is present as is Private Enfield.)</i><br />
<br />
Sir Winston: How did it sound?<br />
<br />
Major Cook: Well spoken, Mr. Prime Minister. Bully! Well spoken.<br />
<br />
Private Enfield: Bully, Mr. Prime Minister. Inspiring, no doubt! When you say:<br />
<br />
"We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender..."<br />
<br />
I am especially moved. You’ll rouse the people, if I may say, sir.<br />
<br />
Sir Winston: Thank you. Thank you both. If it wasn’t for your service --<br />
<br />
Major Cook: Duty, sir. Just our duty.<br />
<br />
Sir Winston: Still, without the comfort of silk, I --<br />
<br />
Major Cook: I suppose we should celebrate.<br />
<br />
Sir Winston: I owe you.<br />
<br />
Major Cook: The nation owes you.<br />
<br />
Private Enfield: I agree with Major Cook, sir.<br />
<br />
Major Cook: I have a thought. Why not celebrate! I acquired some French carmel candies. My gift to you Mr. Prime Minister.<br />
<br />
Sir Winston: I’m at a loss for words, Major. How did you get them?<br />
<br />
Major Cook: R.A.F., Sir. Knew some fellows in Hornet Squadron. Served in Normandy.<br />
<br />
Sir Winston: <i> (Pause.)</i> Damn unfortunate men. Wooden propellers on the planes. Blast! Made the Hun’s work easy. Far too easy. <i>(Pause)</i> Thank you. <i>(Takes box.)</i><br />
<br />
Major Cook: Have one in their honor, sir.<br />
<br />
Private Enfield: You have a dinner engagement sir. Perhaps you should wait.<br />
<br />
Major Cook: Don’t interrupt, Private. Let the Prime Minister celebrate --<br />
<br />
Private Enfield: It wouldn’t do to spoil his appetite. After all this is with the Cabinet.<br />
<br />
Major Cook: I don’t see how eating a few -<br />
<br />
Sir Winston: There. There. Perhaps the Private is right. He was so helpful with the silk underwear. <i>(Pause.)</i> Here Private, my gift to you in thanks.<br />
<br />
Major Cook: But...Sir Winston. They were in honor of Hornet Squadron’s lost men. You should eat them.<br />
<br />
Sir Winston: I cannot think of how honored they would be than by giving these carmels to an enlisted man...those that deserve our nation’s gratitude.<br />
<br />
Private Enfield: Why thank you, sir. <i> (Takes the box and opens it.)</i> These look yummie! Here, Major, have one. If you hadn’t ordered me to find the silk underwear, Sir Winston wouldn’t be able to address the country.<br />
<br />
Major Cook: I appreciate that Private but I’ll pass. Diet, you know. Barely fit the uniform.<br />
<br />
Private Enfield: Oh, come on, Major. I insist. One or two won’t hurt. Besides, you went to all the trouble to get them from Hornet Squadron.<br />
<br />
Major Cook: And, I fear I must decline, I’m afraid. (Pause.) My health.<br />
<br />
Sir Winston: Come. Come, Major. I hear French carmel is the best. You went to so much trouble getting these. Have one.<br />
<br />
Major Cook: But, I got them for you and --<br />
<br />
Sir Winston: Now. Now. I know the sacrifices that you men make. After all, I served in the Boer War. You deserve --<br />
<br />
Major Cook: My doctor --<br />
<br />
Private Enfield: Is German. Is he not?<br />
<br />
Major Cook: What! Bloody hell. What are you implying? You -<br />
<br />
Private Enfield: Your real name is “Koch”.<br />
<br />
Major Cook: <i>(Long pause.)</i> You know? How?<br />
<br />
Private Enfield: We intercepted a coded message: “Koch’s in the kitchen. Assassination as planned.” In German, “Koch” translates to “Cook”. Does it not? Raised our suspicions. A little investigation and --<br />
<br />
Major Cook<br />
Bloody. You’re not an ordinary Private. I should have guessed.<br />
<br />
Private Enfield: MI5. Second Lieutenant Enfield, sir.<br />
<br />
Major Cook: I was to kill Sir Winston. What now?<br />
<br />
Sir Winston: <i>(Draws gun.)</i> You’re under arrest. You’ll be in prison for the rest of your life. We’ll defeat Hitler.<br />
<br />
Major Cook: Damn you, Brits. I think not. Heil, Hitler! <i>(He bites on a pill and dies. Private Enfield rushes over, kneels by his body and takes his pulse.)</i><br />
<br />
Private Enfield: Dead sir! Poison.<br />
<br />
Sir Winston: Damn! Should have seen that coming. Now, we can’t interrogate or turn him.<br />
<br />
Private Enfield: He could have eaten the candy, sir.<i> (He takes one and swallows it.) </i> They’re excellent.<br />
<br />
Sir Winston: What! You said they were filled with poison.<br />
<br />
Private Enfield: I lied, sir. These are quite sweet. He would have enjoyed one. (Pause.) MI5 replaced his with replicas in case you accidentally decided to eat one. <i>(Pause.) </i> For your own protection, sir. And, we didn’t want you to give away the store.<br />
<br />
Sir Winston: Give away the store! I’ll have you know - <i>(Pause. Chuckles.)</i> Sandhurst, eh? Absolute scoundrels!<br />
<br />
Private Enfield: Right, sir. Class of ‘38. We need you to rally the country, Mr. Prime Minister.<br />
<br />
Sir Winston: <i>(Pause)</i> Right. Right. Bully. I see your point <i>(Pause)</i>, Lieutenant.<br />
<br />
Private Enfield: We must fight on sir.<br />
<br />
<i>(Lights down. End of play.)</i>Robert Francis Florhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881214342439513922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748520383110054089.post-32506822553587404542011-11-03T17:31:00.000-07:002011-11-03T17:31:27.599-07:00The OwlChristmas past, we adorn<br />
our tree with lights and bulbs.<br />
Dad tops it with a star.<br />
Last, we hang a branch<br />
with an owl of paper feathers<br />
and sequined eyes.<br />
Grandma Josephine gifted<br />
this rare bird to mom.<br />
<br />
I saw it last some years before.<br />
Right eye missing. Talons<br />
struggling for a hold.<br />
I thought our feathered friend<br />
extinct with family passings.<br />
Last year, my brother hosted<br />
our holiday. The owl repaired,<br />
wings intact, dear Beija<br />
places it in the tree.Robert Francis Florhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881214342439513922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748520383110054089.post-42817213089032076072011-11-03T17:29:00.000-07:002011-11-03T17:29:21.637-07:00Family (Continued)<b>Barbo</b><br />
<br />
Jesse, Habitat volunteer, retires.<br />
Clown wannabe.<br />
She calls cousin Barbo<br />
for advice.<br />
<br />
"<i>Barbo's a gentle clown!"</i> she says.<br />
White, broad-faced smile.<br />
Surrounded in yellow folds and flowers.<br />
High squeaky voice<br />
delights kids in parades.<br />
<br />
Jessie, gentle clown protege,<br />
cultivates wishes and laughter<br />
in impoverished children<br />
in Guatamala and Costa Rica.Robert Francis Florhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881214342439513922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748520383110054089.post-23308292627648900062011-11-03T17:24:00.000-07:002012-06-10T16:42:32.128-07:00Urban Life<div class="MsoNormal">
Determination</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A greyhead shuffles the crosswalk.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His beard, a thin waterfall cascading</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
from facial crags to beltline.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He moves. Slides a single foot forward.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Poises carefully before advancing the other.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Unitl he’s parallel and balanced.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His journey an agonizing grind. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He crosses safely through the lines.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Desperation</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Desperate men and women lounge <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
the park grass on torn cardboard. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Their mattresses the repository of lost dreams.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They wrap themselves in plastic tarp. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cover in flannel blankets, tight against today. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
More forlorn watch from surrounding banks<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and camp medians between sidewalk and street.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Voices rise from the earth like tall weeds.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whispered secrets spindle skyward, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
seeking some imagined hope.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wanting. Waiting. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We also wait with them.<o:p></o:p></div>Robert Francis Florhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881214342439513922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748520383110054089.post-10860848751129375492011-11-03T17:22:00.000-07:002011-11-03T17:22:29.867-07:00Family (continued)We travel 99 north. Crowd into our '51 Pontiac.<br />
Across the Aurora Bridge, we pass the teepees<br />
and Indian elephant. After Marysville,<br />
mustard fields and orchards unfold. Our family<br />
heads for Gramdma Josephine and Aunt Mary's<br />
farms. We'll clamber cliffs to the Cherry Point beach.<br />
Burma Shave signs accompany our trip,<br />
bringing smiles...dissolving tedium.<br />
<br />
<i>The whale</i><br />
<i>Put Jonah</i><br />
<i>Down the hatch</i><br />
<i>But coughed him up </i><br />
<i>Because he scratched.</i><br />
<i>Burma Shave</i><br />
<br />
Billboards push the sky away.<br />
Corona, Cingular Cellular and a Schmirinoff<br />
blonde consume the landscape.<br />
Stylish and sexy,<br />
lacking cadence, they carry a different humor.<br />
<br />
<i>We admit our company</i><br />
<i>name sounds like someone </i><br />
<i>getting an erection. - Boeing </i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
I miss the early days.<br />
Lament the missing moments.<br />
I think of family...<br />
those departed.<br />
<br />
<i>A nut at the wheel</i><br />
<i>A each on his right</i><br />
<i>Acurve in the road</i><br />
<i>Fruit salad that night.</i><br />
<i>Burma Shave</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
Times change.Robert Francis Florhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881214342439513922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748520383110054089.post-25152220400210959592011-09-05T18:31:00.000-07:002011-09-05T18:31:15.892-07:00Dog Blog - Personalities - August 28, 2011I have six dog clients and each has a unique personality. I should say that Puget Pets screens to ensure the dogs are fairly well behaved and not biters. Probably, the last thing anyone wants is to have a supposedly friendly pet take a chunk out of your hand or leg. (I won't use their real names in this piece.)<br />
<br />
Gina is a young mastiff living in a Pioneer Square condo. She is such a sweet girl. During the transition from her previous walker to me, I was a little unsure of a dog that size. She bounded up wanting to be petted, recognizing we were going for a walk. It's probably difficult spending most of your day inside a confined space so Gina is happy to get out into the fresh air.<br />
<br />
Over the two months of walks, I discovered what a gentle, shy dog she is. When I enter the condo, she rushes up wagging her tail enthusiastically. We stroll the Pioneer Square area which doesn't have much in the way of large parks. Our routine takes us through plazas and smaller parks where there are planters and grass which she can smell. Sometimes we come across small dogs who startle her with their shrill and incessant yaps. She has found confidence in a Pepe, a tiny Chihuahua, and bends to rub noses with him in City Park. <br />
<br />
Dolly, another Pioneer Square inhabitant, is a Wheaton Terrier. She can be challenging because she doesn't like to stray far from home. When she decides she doesn't want to continue, she'll sit or lay down on the pavement, digging her heels in like a spoiled child. She primarily likes walking with George, a wonderful gentleman Corgi. Together, they play for hours in bursts of energy. They wrestle, chase and roll over each other giving friendly nips.<br />
<br />
When Dolly spots other dogs being walked, she'll rear up and give her high bark. She's challenging them or often wants to meet. George meanwhile remains calm and low key, ignoring her. He's more interested in the details on the ground....how things smell...what they are and what he can find. He reminds me a bit of a fastidious butler. He's organized, smart and keeps things on track...Mr. Reliable.<br />
<br />
After the walks in Pioneer Square, I drove to Rainier Valley. The first dog walked is Bee Bee, a very young Golden Lab. She's a joy and still a pup, not quite a year old. She loves to chew, as so many pups do. Initially, she was nervous because I was a stranger. She'd bark when I entered her family home. <br />
<br />
Once on leash, her enthusiasm for a walk rises. She becomes all about learning. Obedience commands became essential. During our walks, we practice <i>"sit", "stay", "down", "come", "heel"</i> and <i>"fetch"</i>. She's also allowed a little off-leash time where she'll chase a tennis ball. Bee Bee is filledwith energy and I like the sparkle in her eyes when she wants to play keep away. She's mischievous and, off-leash, doesn't alway follow commands. <br />
<br />
Bridin, a Setter-mix, prances through the neighborhood. Her long-hair's well-combed and she's very alert. She remembers yards where she's rousted a cat and trees where she's spotted a squirrel. On passing them, she assumes a hunting posture before lurching to chase. <br />
<br />
She ignores some fenced dogs that bark as she passes. She recognizes them as no threat. If she doesn't know the dog, she'll return growls and jump in the air. Her curiosity doesn't know bounds. One oddity occurs when we pass a large statue of a horned-owl that the homeowner placed on the steps leading to a house. It's eyes are wide and glare. When Briden saw the bird, she sniffed the air and took a hunting stance. Stonelike, she must have thought it was unfriendly, growled and barked .<br />
<br />
My final dog, Lucy is a German shephard. For now, she's on hold and doesn't get walked while her family addresses some personal issues. Lucy is a powerful, free spirit. She loves going to the local park which is a few blocks down hill from her house. There, she runs off-leash playing. On Lake Washington, she dives into the water, rushing back and forth biting each wave. You throw rocks into the water and she'll pretend to fetch them, diving headfirst into the surf.Robert Francis Florhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881214342439513922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748520383110054089.post-58194852891776784622011-08-28T08:28:00.000-07:002012-06-10T16:41:14.209-07:00Autumn Years<div class="MsoNormal">
In late August, cool morning air</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
surrenders to the returning sun.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
An elderly Black man lounges <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
in his front yard facing an avenue.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He angles back in an old recliner,<br />
tending stacks of straw sombreros,<br />
fedoras and Stetsons...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
his lawn a make-shift salesroom.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Though there are few buyers, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
he is a confident entrepreneur.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He retires in the lingering warmth,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
his employment assured.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
No demands are made of his time<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
and he accepts no complaints. </div>
</div>
<br />
Soon, the leaves will fall<br />
and the rains return.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>Robert Francis Florhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881214342439513922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748520383110054089.post-6204298994109953712011-08-12T16:05:00.000-07:002011-08-12T16:05:25.966-07:00Dog Blog - August 8, 2011 It's been two years since I retired from Metro. In January, Ami, my lovely border collie of 14 years, died when her kidney's failed. It's been a difficult adjustment as each day, we'd drive to a nearby park where she'd saunter around occasionally chewing grass but generally just enjoying being outside. She had favorite walks. We'd circle or meander Roxburg Bog, Lincoln Park, Spirit Ridge or the Larson Lake Blueberry Field. Ami and Pepper, my other border collie, who also passed a few years earlier, filled my life with their company. When I drive by these places today, empty space and time exist.<br />
<br />
I began walking dogs a month and a half ago as an independent contractor. I work part-time for Puget Pets, a firm that provides dog walks and pet sitting. I'd looked for a part-time job for a while. Initially, I focused on areas of expertise....education, government and community services. I didn't want to return to participating in meetings, managing programs or completing government reports. I scoured Craigslist looking primarily at these fields but also at the part-time column.<br />
<br />
I digress here. Shortly after retiring, recurring pains in my chest told me that my angina had likely returned after 15 years. When Catalina and I married in July 2008 and completed our honeymoon, I revisited my condition with my doctors. After EKGs and CatScans, the cardiologist determined they could not treat my condition surgically. That my best efforts should be put toward a regime of exercise, dieting and specialized meds. I was overweight and my blood pressure was also too high. I suffered from stress and some depression. They also entered me in a program for patients with complex medical issues.<br />
<br />
<br />
Digression over, I believe in confluence. By that I mean, ideas or opportunities sometimes present themselves simultaneously and when recognized they can be combined to help you move forward. I noticed several job postings for "Dog Walkers" and I was aware that dogs (or animals) have a positive effect on mental and physical health. I had own dogs for years and, at times, bred and trained them.<br />
<br />
This seemed like a potential solution. I would exercise, be close to dogs and, oddly, make some pocket change. Since the work would be part-time, I could spend mornings writing my plays and poetry, cleaning house or gardening. Evenings could be devoted to cooking, taking courses, participating or with Catalina. Walking dogs opened multiple opportunities for healing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Robert Francis Florhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881214342439513922noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748520383110054089.post-54969681722079196122011-07-14T07:57:00.000-07:002011-07-15T10:33:18.632-07:00<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman Bold';"><b>Side Streets</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’ve come to admire side streets. </div><div class="MsoNormal">They dissect neighborhoods</div><div class="MsoNormal">filled with dogs rambling fences </div><div class="MsoNormal">and cats napping window sills.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’ve come to admire side streets</div><div class="MsoNormal">where urban farmers grow </div><div class="MsoNormal">P-patch gardens with vegetables </div><div class="MsoNormal">and flowers as odes to self-sufficiency.<br />
Some residents have more recently taken to raising</div><div class="MsoNormal">chickens, ducks and honeybees.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Side streets teem with life</div><div class="MsoNormal">different from bustling arterials</div><div class="MsoNormal">and concrete freeways. </div><div class="MsoNormal">On those, people skitter to work<br />
or shop their hurried lives,</div><div class="MsoNormal">rarely slowing except for coffee,<br />
fast food or congestion.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I admire side streets where</div><div class="MsoNormal">residents rock in porch chairs,</div><div class="MsoNormal">lean fences in hiatus conversations<br />
and young mothers wheelbarrow<br />
infants in tripod strollers. <br />
Here the labyrinth sounds of lawnmowers, </div><div class="MsoNormal">children and wind rustle through trees.<br />
Here fathers labor over home-remodel<br />
projects, wrestle with car engines or<br />
shoot hoops with sons and daughters. </div><div class="MsoNormal">There is a tortoise pace of smiles</div><div class="MsoNormal">and acknowledgements…friendly</div><div class="MsoNormal">waves when passing by and a hope</div><div class="MsoNormal">that you may meet again.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Robert Francis Florhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881214342439513922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748520383110054089.post-54470793106545496752011-07-08T07:15:00.000-07:002011-11-03T17:48:12.696-07:00Urban Life (continued)<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman Bold';"><b>Egress</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I brake at an urban corner.</div><div class="MsoNormal">A disheveled veteran hoists cardboard.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman Italic';"><i>“Veteran. Need help!”</i><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Further along my journey, </div><div class="MsoNormal">another indigent elevates truth.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman Italic';"><i>“Hard times. Need a beer!”</i><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">At a freeway exit, I slow</div><div class="MsoNormal">for an intersection ahead.</div><div class="MsoNormal">A twenties girl in khakis</div><div class="MsoNormal">approaches our anxious car line.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman Italic';"><i>“Anything helps!”</i> </span>her sign.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I consider my ashtray,<br />
full with parking quarters.<br />
My wallet lumps in my back pocket.<br />
I hold my breathe.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Wish the light would turn.<o:p></o:p></div>Robert Francis Florhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881214342439513922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748520383110054089.post-86195741784731831222011-07-07T06:54:00.000-07:002011-11-03T17:35:32.201-07:00Urban Life (continued)<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman Bold';"><b>Prevailing</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">His arms windmill,</div><div class="MsoNormal">whip the air with street news.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Truth emerges in every rotation.</div><div class="MsoNormal">His hands full sails of hope,</div><div class="MsoNormal">as he hails every person gusting past.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman Italic';"><i>“Real Change! Real Change!”</i><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The wind swirls.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Its currents waft each passer-by.</div><div class="MsoNormal">He tilts against its force.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Stands his corner flailing papers.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Few stop to listen.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Yet, his spirit presses on.</div>Robert Francis Florhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881214342439513922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748520383110054089.post-29847770515427016822011-07-06T08:03:00.000-07:002011-11-03T17:42:57.378-07:00<div class="MsoNormal"><b>Runaway</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Wearing a sopping sweatshirt,</div><div class="MsoNormal">a teen traverses the transit platform. </div><div class="MsoNormal">His face a hungery landscape, </div><div class="MsoNormal">hoping for a handout.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A wet chick dropped from the nest</div><div class="MsoNormal">into humanity's downpour,<br />
two fingers extend, begging</div><div class="MsoNormal">a quenching of morning need.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Men and women rush past,</div><div class="MsoNormal">hands full with fresh coffee and pastries.</div><div class="MsoNormal">He climbs the street to a Chinatown</div><div class="MsoNormal">Park. Sits and shivers the bench alone.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I continue to my appointment. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Wonder why he doesn’t return home.</div>Robert Francis Florhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881214342439513922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748520383110054089.post-41971580207721426542011-07-05T08:27:00.000-07:002011-07-05T15:07:26.656-07:00Nature (continued)<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman Bold';"><b>Grasscutter</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">He mows the hillside,</div><div class="MsoNormal">Left to right. Right to left.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Switchbacks the overgown terrace.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Familiar terrain, the grasscutter</div><div class="MsoNormal">maneuvers caressing </div><div class="MsoNormal">the seductive landscape…</div><div class="MsoNormal">the ridges and hollows</div><div class="MsoNormal">until reaching the edges.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Unfamiliar borders require patience</div><div class="MsoNormal">and he is more careful trimming.<br />
Reaching the bottom, he looks back,<br />
satisfied at his maintained earth.<br />
Understanding the topography</div><div class="MsoNormal">eases life.</div>Robert Francis Florhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881214342439513922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748520383110054089.post-12822103999015359112011-06-30T08:28:00.000-07:002011-06-30T08:28:42.308-07:00Nature (continued)<b>Mom and Dad's Fault</b><br />
<br />
Sister Irma's boney finger pierces my chest. <br />
Returning to my second grade classroom following recess,<br />
I flash someone <i>"the bird."</i> <br />
Second grader, I'd seen older boys use the sign. <br />
I ask Joe, a schoolmate, what it meant.<br />
<br />
At 51, I dribble up-court. <br />
Sister Irma's finger stabs me again.<br />
"<i>I probably ate too quickly. It's heartburn."</i><br />
Game over, I head home. <br />
Pop a half-dozen Rolaids. Relax in bed.<br />
"<i>It'll be gone in the morning."</i><br />
<br />
No such luck.<br />
Days later, cardiologist hover over me. <br />
Announce I need a quadruple bypass. <br />
<i>"But, I don't smoke, eat badly and I work out regularly."</i><br />
<br />
<i>"Genetics</i>."Robert Francis Florhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881214342439513922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748520383110054089.post-13932814994666879922011-06-29T07:06:00.000-07:002011-07-07T21:00:47.901-07:00Nature (continued)Apple trees blossom in yard,<br />
September sun will yield fruit.<br />
I shall harvest its riches.<br />
Years pass, deeper grow my roots.Robert Francis Florhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881214342439513922noreply@blogger.com0