I met you today

Following on from yesterday, I wrote this is dramatic reading for two narrators and two individuals. As the dialogue progresses the two get closer and closer until they are face to face, touching raised hands. You'll get the idea.

Sadly, it's as relevant today as when I wrote it 25 years ago.

South  
It took longer to wake up this morning.
But the baby crying finally got through.
My milk ran out yesterday,
We have no water. What can I do?

North   
It took longer to wake up this morning,
I slept through the alarm.
Forgot to order the milk
Kid’s can have toast, they won’t harm


South   
I’m not hungry any more, just numb.
But the baby won’t stop crying,
Waiting for his food to come.

North   
I’m not hungry today
Had friends round for dinner last night.
Met to eat, share and pray

South   
The baby stopped crying.
I think he’s dying.
I hope so.
I couldn’t bear another day,
Helpless in the face of his tears.

North   
What a day!
The little one’s teething again.
At least he’s stopped crying,
now the Calpol’s eased the pain.

South   
Got to the camp at last
No food, but then I’m passed
Caring.


North   
Got house-group round tonight
Third World Missions -
a real delight....

South   
There’s a white man in the camp
Well clothed, well fed.
Looks at us through a metal eye
But offers us no bread.

North   
Just in time to get some tea,
See if there’s anything on TV.
Oh, just the news, another famine.
Some poor baby and it’s mother

South   
The man’s eye comes closer,
Adds to my fears.
And as I look into it
Your face appears.

North   
Her eyes are staring, she’s looking at me
The face is familiar, I can’t quite see
She’s so desperate, it’s the end of the line
Oh God!
I recognise the face - it’s mine.

South   
I met you today, I didn’t mean to interrupt
Your well ordered life with my chaos.
I didn’t mean to break through your  illusion
With my needs.
   
I met you today, I’m sorry my life inconvenienced you,
That my nakedness offended you.
That my bloatedness disgusted you.
I’m sorry that the flies buzzing round my baby upset you.
That the helpless pleading in my eyes distressed you.

I met you today. I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.
I won’t be here tomorrow.


By contrast, click here.