A Children's Play By Francis Giordano Copyright Francis Giordano, 2013
The music for this piece is to be found just by moving at this very Web-Site. Please enjoy the play with the sound of silentmelodies.com. With His Love Always, thanks, francis
A Children's Play Act 1, Scene 1 ( stands center stage with curtains closed, hopefully as an introduction) In the morning, when I first wake up I sometimes hear music silently, which Uncle Joe says is a melody. I listen and try whistling. Aunt Helen says I should study music. I might learn playing the saxophone. I like the sound of a saxophone and maybe I could play the melody - Dear Uncle Joe- on the saxophone and not just whistle. We'll see, I guess. Just thinking someone might like hearing the music I hear is pretty much why what I hear is pretty much why I want to play the music. And yet the trumpet, or even piano would be good too. My cousin Rita says the flute. (The Melody, 'Pilamaya', begins with curtain fully drawn to a park with a bench) I thought you might like seeing where I do most of my homework, especially reading. ( waves widely, inviting folks, the audience, to the park -, with this play, is pretty much with each attending, reading). I'd love knowing how many people talk with birds, squirrels, dogs, and cats, oh, and yes, the trees. Here we seem to know each other. I know them, and the youngster, I call as, know me. Sometimes a bird will be doing what I think - 3 -
about or read about and Mom says that's because of God. ( picks up a book from the bench.) Dad said he wanted me to read this book, "The Little Prince". Ms. at school said it would be okay and grandpa, without saying yes or no, didn't say not to. So I'll see ya soon and want you to meet my friend. is quiet, but she sure lets me talk (laughs mildly). The birds, trees, clouds, sun - why were they given? Well, thanks and yes, visit when you'd like. ( gestures 3 fingers to 3 passing birds and smiles questioningly, as the melody, "Pilamaya" plays just a little longer) Three passing birds. (As the music finishes, walks into the park with sitting on the bench reading "The Little Prince") Hi Jerry! (both laugh) Oh no, sorry. I know, don't call you Jerry or Jer, or J or Jerry, just. (Laughter) Hi. when did I first ask to be called? To me? To you ( sits) Well to me, Jer-e-my was a while back. Might have been last year in the eight grade with Mansfield. And I should remember you never changed calling me (smiles). What are you reading? "The Little Prince". I was thinking of being a teacher. I sometimes think of being like teaching English. - 4 -
Give yourself time,. My grandfather said learning is teaching. Alright. I have a question for you. once said sometimes we can only answer a question with another question. So go ahead, I'm ready to ask. (Laughter) (Melody 'children' begins) Well, last night at dinner, dad was talking to mom. My brother just ate (laughter). Serious though, he said he gave music he's written to the church and nothing was said about the giving. He sure wishes the music plays a Saint Michael s. Leaving Church, Dad said someone said he was a little crazy., we might be all a little crazy. Especially if your dad's anything like you. (Laughter) No, really. Why wasn't anything said about the music? Like, not like?, I'd only be guessing. Just guessing, I think this bothers dad. Then how should he take no answer?, why did he give the music? He figured, I guess, giving music would be a nice thing to do., it was a nice thing to do. Your dad can give music and yet, what's done with it is up to whoever he gives the sounds to. In time I think, Mr. Giordano, your dad, will understand that. And if not, have me come over. - 5 -
(Laughter) Well I hope you're right. But should someone then still give more if he wants to? That,, is up to your dad. I'll answer that saying that's your dad's question and then a question for an answer (both laugh). Would you give more? Would you give more? Well maybe in a different way. Yes, keep trying here,. Anyway, most of us like dad's music. And he did tell mom he'd still write. I remember your telling me that dad's Uncle Gus said, "If his writing goes anywhere, to think of it as a bonus", right? Yes. Memory. But Uncle Gus didn't say he couldn't give the sounds. ('children', eases from playing)., his writing was given, God knows! (As the curtain draws, the melody "children" finishes ending Scene 1) (Good- luck youngsters, Francis) - 6 -
A Children's Play Act 1, Scene 2 (We're now in 's English Class with and sitting at desks and we imagine the class is full.) Good morning children. As we shared a suggested thought yesterday, we'll view the format of a composition, of an essay perhaps. ( notices seemingly adrift)., please excuse the interruption. Didn't you once tell us while in the fourth grade Mr. Locke told you to "sit down or he'd knock you down. Shut up or he'll shut you up"? Should I ask Mr. Locke to come in? (Smiles) Oh, good morning,. If Mr. Locke comes in, I'll say, "Mr. Locks, If you stay, I go!. (Laughter) No. Sorry! Good morning,. (With finger to her lips) Shhhhh! Thanks. (Laughter) If I asked each of you to write a composition on imagination, how would you begin? ( raises her hand and gestures calling for an answer) I think imagination is like dreams and I would look the word up. I'd try beginning by understanding what the word means.? - 7 -
What does imagination mean? ( looks up the word, imagination ) (With dictionary in hand.) Yes, I would start as said she would. This dictionary has four descriptions of the word imagination. The first definition found as primary. We'll read the first, the primary definition. Imagination as a noun: "The act or power of forming a mental image of something not present to the senses or never before, wholly perceived in reality." This is a definition of imagination. How do you look up the definition of definition read? That's a good question,. That answer might be found reading the definition a few times more and writing a composition also helps us understand what we're writing about., when writing, trust your imagination as, something not present, sometimes, surely can speak the answer., you once said a word's meaning is sometimes found with given context. Thank you,. Teachers often like knowing they're being, every now and then, listened to. (Laughter) And yes class, a word's meaning can also be found in how used. For example; a word can be said to mean the primary definition s opposite, i.e., following an easy day; we might just say, "That sure was a 'difficult' day" as we kid with, not really difficult at all. Yes, context - how is the word being used, presented even., you sometimes play music at this time to help us understand. Yes, we'll now listen to a song by musical genius John Lennon, titled, - 8 -
Imagine. The word, imagination, is the noun, while the word, imagine, is the verb. (John Lennon's "Imagine" is played for the class. As the song finishes, raises her hand.) Can what we imagine come true?, if I were you I would ask that question as the title of the composition. With your paper,, that question might just near, answering. And yes,, imagination is part of all of our lives. Just maybe, maybe, how we describe imagination helps our nearing to come true. Write your paper, just asking that question. The title can be the key to what we write, right? I mean, I notice while reading why there's a title. Yes,. A title, class, can help a steady focus on the whole paper. And yet, sometimes writings are titled after written and titles are also, at times, changed. Class, excuse me for a few minutes. I'll be right back. ( jokingly claps as she leaves and they laugh.) Lady, can I stand and talk now that Mr. Locke and are nicely gone? Why ask me what you would do anyway? (Smiles) Just to see if OK. - 9 -
( stands against his desk.) Okay, now Gentleman. (Laughs) What are you imagining? I'm thinking of a title for the paper. Just maybe, "What We Imagine". Maybe I'll learn more about imagination writing about the idea. At least, I sure am thinking about the paper we re to write. What are you imagining and thinking? As a question,. I started thinking about Miss once saying in religion, that quiet listening can hear God speak. I guess I'm imagining that could happen. Try listening,. (Smiles) Did you bring your lunch today? Yes, chicken salad and I'm still finding out what's in the cafeteria. How about you? I'm not telling! Then just let me know if you have extras. (Laughs) Oops! ( walks in and sits.) Thanks for sitting,. I'll even tell Mr. Locke how obedient you've become. And without even noticing when gone, I'll give you thanks that you shut up. (Laughter) Really though, let's go over the makings of a composition. - 10 -
First we have the title. Yes,. With class ending, just write down the parts. Think about writing about imagination and we'll go over the parts next class. (On the blackboard and and take notes) Title, Introduction, Body, Conclusion. Well it's 11:30. Please enjoy your lunch and I'll see you tomorrow. Are there any questions?, as a conclusion, I think should be the one, do you know what brought for lunch? (Needless to say, now Laughter. Curtain closes ending Scene 2-11 -
A Children's Play Act 1, Scene 3 (Grandpa Mike and and are sitting on lawn chairs in front of grandpa's house.) Grandpa, ma says you're the youngest of 17 children. Is that true? (Grandpa Looks at with quite a pause and a questioning smile) Grandpa Yes,, I am the youngest of 17 children. (Pause) My mom told me, as I was growing up, some of my brothers and sisters passed away before I was born. Uncle Pete and Aunt Caroline are still with us and I believe we'll all be together some day. And yes,, I'm the youngest of 17. You might want to know, the number 8, on the road maybe, can also say, straight. Grandpa And straight ahead? Maybe,. When your dad drove an 8 car taxi, he said it represented a gentleman or a lady, 17, 1+7 equals, 8, straight. Grandpa, sometimes when we sit here, we see you look like you're whistling but nothing comes out, no sound. What is that? Grandpa Thanks for noticing. Most times I don't even know I'm doing this. Music can be playing quietly in here. - 12 -
(Grandpa points to his temple.) Grandpa... and I guess I then play the silent music with a make-believe whistle which helps me add to what I'm listening to, I guess. Anyway, I think Miss, in Religion, would agree, quiet music is also an expression of The Hold Spirit. Your Father, my son, first said silent music is a Gift from The Holy Spirit. Or, to put the listening plainly, the music does come from somewhere (laughs)., please, just, LISTEN. (The melody "His Asking begins) The word, Honor"! There are many definitions ( Miss is just heard now from the stage back- side) Let's, for now, give reference to the first definition, primary definition. 1 - Good name or public esteem. "Esteem",, is "high regard"., please give the dictionary to so she can look up the word "revere". "Revere", to show devoted deferential honor to. "Defer" or Deference means respect and esteem due to a superior or an - 13 -
elder. Defer can also be seen as synonymous, meaning the same, as the word honor... (Pause - 1 minute) mom and dad,,, are with you both always. Everlasting love for both, yes, day by day, then represents and presents our obedience, deference and honor are spoken in the "Old Testament", as given to God by His then Chosen People, and taught by the Lord Jesus in the "New Book of The Bible", and again, to everyone's mother and father.. Children, as we listen to "Visits", let's now give thought, with yes, love from mom and dad and I might ask those thoughts next week. God Bless Always. ( His Asking", playing finishes as too, Scene 3) Curtain Closes - 14 -
A Children's Play Finishing Scene (With curtain fully drawn, enters the park with a picnic basket. lays out a blanket, places the basket and sits. (The silent melody, "Always Giving Him Thanks" sounds.) Well, asked me to surprise him so I made olive loaf sandwiches and said he'd bring sodas and a cassette player with a music piece gentleman Francis just gave to him. I can't help thinking, if doesn't like what I made, there will be more for me. (Laughs) I sometimes think intends linking our Religion class with our English class. That is, with the melody "Visits" finishing our class and Miss asking us to give thought to our parents, I sense imagining mom and dad with His Joy to each other and to us, their children, Almost picturing the two as one. All as One, I imagine. I pictured their joy as also stemming from having Luke and me as their children. Fran, s, good and gifted dad, says the silent melodies are given from the giving of The Holy Spirit, too. s grandpa sure does agree. Mom and dad have said, right about now,, your guidance is with Faith, school and family, and friendship. Maybe would agree with my loving all four. I'm pretty sure we should, hopefully, near God. Mom said coming together as a person stems from holding and being held by The Lord and our Giving Church, school and family and yes, she adds, friends. Mom says she's to meet friends first. - 15 -
Seeing coming now allows the thought (lovely given smile). (The playing silent melody, Always Giving Him Thanks, ends) met mom and yet I still made him olive loaf sandwiches! Oops! (laughs) ( sees coming in) ( enters with a cooler and cassette player) Hi. do you like better Pepsi or Coke? Either,. I like both. Sometimes I'll have a pepsi; sometimes a coke; sometimes one right after the other and sometimes neither. Why do you ask? (Laughs) Just wondering. Which one would you like? Pepsi. Good, I better like Coke. (Both laugh) ( gives a Pepsi and gives himself a Coke and sits.) Thanks,. Would you like a sandwich now or later or neither? (Smiles) (Kiddingly, in deep thought.) Only if it's, that is only if it's what the food the food should be or rather better put, olive loaf please. Yes,. - 16 -
( hands a sandwich, of what? Smile) How did you know that? ( hands potato salad.) As Gentleman Francis might say, "A lunch". I met Fran yesterday at where he says sometimes seems, Holy Given Grounds. What's Holy Grounds? Fran, said has said to me, this space area, is for sitting and standing and walking some., He went on to say here is for Listening and Reading Mother Mary's presence, near Everyone s Lady's statue with Child Jesus in her arms. Might that be an actor's silent conversation? Maybe like just that! Gentleman Francis asked us to listen to this piece which is the first he's written. ("Pilamaya" plays and and eat lunch. "Pilamaya" finishes just as the two finish eating.) Which did you like better,, the melody or the sandwich or even both? Both, thanks. I thought so. So did I., you might have noticed, "Pilamaya" is as a solo piano. Didn't say Fran sometimes writes plays and maybe screen- plays? Yes, and he does. He's giving us a copy of his first play, "Patterns". And he - 17 -
asked that you please read it first. That's probably because I can give "Patterns" back to you, faster than you can give "Patterns back to me. (Laughter) Besides, I was thinking even talking about imagination as you were coming. I'm pretty sure would like that. Sometimes I think tries blending the two of her classes, Religion and English. She once told us we can recognize Him in everything. I should hope that would include both classes. (Smiles) And yes,, does try to blend both classes., can I have another Pepsi and let's listen? Are there more sandwiches? Yes, olive loaf Okay. Just fine with thanks again. (As and pass to each other, Pillamaya" somewhat plays fuller as A Children's Play finishes.) With His Love Always, francis, always, thanks - 18 -