thoughts on today, 4-10-2009

"please don't cry, we're designed to die
don't deny what's inside
on and on and on we'll stay together yeah"

"I am a child, I'll last awhile"


Stage directions, scene 3, Can Neil Young Save Us Now?

May 4, 1978
"Soldier" plays.
Three students. A photo by John Paul Filo.
Four National Guard, across stage. Rifles raised.
Time is black and white.
Pulitzer Prize in the flash of an eye.

Two students mourn the third.
A rifle bullet brought him down.
Jeffrey Miller rises. He holds a textbook.
From his pocket
the only color on the stage
a yellow daisy.

Jeffrey Miller
watches the guard.
Raises flower to them,
moves towards them.

One by one
looks them in their eyes.
They do not move.

Jeffry Miller places the yellow daisy
in the rifle barrel of National Guardsmen #3.
Kisses him on the cheek.
#3 comes to life. Lowers his rifle. Removes his helmet.
Jeffrey Miller removes his sweater. They trade, sweater for helmet, book for rifle.
They trade places.
Jeffrey Miller raises the rifle to his shoulder.
#3 lies on the ground.

Time is black and white.
Pulitzer Prize in the flash of an eye.

"Soldier" ends.