As shared in this blog many times before, this started out as a short story, which touched something deep in my writer's soul for lack of a better way to describe it. Over the years...many years and many re-writes, it evolved into a radio play that was entered and subsequently didn't win or even place, in the BBC International Playwriting competition and then back to a play. In spite of many attempts at 'putting it to bed' permanently, somehow, it always calls me back. Maybe there's a message there or perhaps merely wishful thinking on my part. It's still a work in progress.
Be that as it may...here is the latest edit . Changed the venue of the story to one place and gave Joe McKenna a dog. Characters are basically the same but adding a few more as the story develops. Note that there is more spacing than normal to make reading easier.
In the way of background information, Joe McKenna is a crusty, old curmudgeon who lives with and for his dog, Daisy. A few times per week, he and his army buddies drop by the local bar to talk about old times, re-live past glories and complain about their aches and pains.
OLD SOLDIERS
THE TIME:
THE PRESENT. AUTUMN. EARLY MORNING. SETTING:
A PUB/BAR.
AT RISE:
VETERAN JOE MCKENNA, DRESSED IN FULL SERVICE UNIFORM, SITS AT A TABLE READING A NEWSPAPER, WHILE WAITING FOR HIS BUDDIES TO ARRIVE. A WHITE DOG LAYS ON THE FLOOR BY HIS FEET. BACKGROUND MUSIC SUPPLIED BY AN OLD JUKE BOXJOE
(to himself)
Yup…yup…yup… The way things are goin’, won’t be long before we’re all gone. Poor old, Perce. Died alone without anyone there to see him on his way to the big battlefield in the sky. ‘Here’s to you, Perce! You’ll be missed for sure!’
Lifts glass in the air and lowers it
‘Refill, Vince.’
JOE’S FRIEND, MIKE, DRESSED IN UNIFORM
COMPLETE WITH STRIPES AND MEDAL, JOINS HIM
AT THE TABLE
MIKE
Freezing out there. Wind cuts like a knife. See you got a head start. Buying a round?
JOE
You just got here and already trying to mooch a free drink?
MIKE
When it comes to mooching, bud, you got that covered and then some. When’s the last time you paid?
JOE
(pretends to take out imaginary book)
Let me check my diary here…last Wednesday, three in the afternoon. You buying or not?
MIKE
Not
JOE
You are a cheap bastard! I’m stuck with the bill, again. ‘Vince – two whiskeys’
MIKE
- Joe here is paying by the way -
JOE
Whatever. See you’re in full regalia.
MIKE
If not today, when? Take it out once a year. Pee-ew! What’s that stink coming from your direction
JOE
Throw in a dozen or so moth balls when I store the uniform
MIKE
At least put it out to air a couple days before you wear it. Really reeks
VINCE, the bartender, brings over drinks
VINCE
One of you guys forget to wash?
MIKE
Joe here uses moth balls for his uniform
JOE
So what. Why should I share it with moths
VINCE
No insult intended but you’re smelling up my bar. Wouldn’t hurt to go out and air yourself out a bit. You paying, Joe?
JOE
Put it on my tab. The man’s as cheap as they come. You’d think for a special occasion he’d spring for a round but that would be asking too much for his old friend
VINCE
Nice if one of you would pay cash for a change. Your tab, Joe, goes back a year. Let’s see…you owe me $1500.34. I’m feeling generous today so drop the thirty-four cents and make an even $1500
JOE
You’re all heart. Where d’ya expect me to find that kind of money on my service pension?
VINCE
At least give me something. Anything! I have bills to pay, too, y’know
JOE
Next check. I’ll give you a couple of bucks towards it. May have to give up some food items and my dog here will have to get used to eating just a few days a week…
VINCE
Why don’t you lay on the guilt a bit more. Listen…about your Daisy…You know I’ve never objected to you bringing her here. I like her a lot but like I told you, dogs aren’t allowed in bars. I’ve closed my eyes up until now but there’s a new inspector and word has it that he goes by the letter of the law
JOE
She’s a service dog. Aren’t you girl?
Daisy picks up her head responding to hearing her name
She goes where I go. Calms my nerves and watches out for me
MIKE
How old is she, anyway? Getting’ on in years
JOE
What’s the difference? She’s there when I need her
VINCE
She better be legally registered when or if the inspector comes ‘round
JOE
Don’t worry ‘bout my Daisy. I’ll just explain there’s extenuating circumstances
VINCE
Don’t say I didn’t warn you
JOE
Mac’s supposed to meet us here
MIKE
Seriously? The man doesn’t drive and uses a walker. How’s he getting here?
JOE
He wants to join us for Percy’s funeral
MIKE
Amazing. Never lets his condition stop him from doing anything. Sometimes I wonder how he gets around but he does. Mind over matter I guess. It’s either that or give up and die. Mind you, sometimes when pain takes over, it don’t seem like such a bad idea
JOE
He just walked in. Poor guy can hardly move. ‘Over here, Mac!’
MIKE
None of us are peppy anymore, in case you hadn’t noticed. My glass is empty by the way
JOE
Yeah and? I bought last time
MIKE
So what. You owed me from all the rounds I bought before
JOE
It’s your turn, el cheapo!
MAC
(gasping to catch his breath)
Really…windy… out… there – and cold. Hope the wind… dies…down… for later. Hard to get around in this kind of weather, ‘specially with a walker. What times the funeral, anyway?
MIKE
You really planning to attend, Mac? Not trying to discourage you or anything but it’ll be hard pushing your walker on grass and that wind…
MAC
I’ll manage. Old Percy was one of the last few members of our group. He deserves our respect and he’d do the same for any of us. Can’t believe he’s gone… Really cold out
JOE
You look like an ice cube and your hands turned blue. Why didn’t you wear gloves? How’d you get here, anyway?
MAC
By bus. Took me forty-five minutes if you don’t count standing at the bus stop waiting for twenty minutes. Damn busses never stick to their schedule
JOE
What’s in the package?
MAC
Got a treat for Daisy
MAC takes a bone out of a bag
(cont’d. MAC) Found it in the trash in back of the supermarket on the way here. Look at it – a perfectly good bone with lots of meat. Probably even good enough for us to eat. You should see all the food they toss out there. Fruit and veggies with a couple of bruises and piles of bread. Cakes too!
DAISY struggles to get up as MAC gives her the bone
MIKE
The dog eats better than we do. You…you don’t take things from the trash…do you?
MAC
I personally don’t but what if I did? There are people in third world countries that wouldn’t think twice about eating it. ‘There you go Daisy. A perfectly good bone for you. Enjoy. ’Ouch…trouble standing up…back is out again. Stupid bus trip didn’t help none
JOE
Why didn’t you take a cab?
MAC
You hav’ta be kidding. Like I can afford a taxi? I’m here now so stop jabbering and order me something warm. No – make that hot. Gonna be freezing at the cemetery for sure. Not too many people will show up ‘specially at our age
MIKE
There ain’t that many at our age, left. We don’t get to choose the kind of weather t’get buried. Funeral’s called for noon
JOE
What’s your pleasure, Mac? I’m paying
MIKE
You’re buying hima drink? What about me?
JOE
He just arrived. The man needs to warm up and besides, he brought Daisy a bone. Anyone who thinks about my Daisy’s needs deserves a drink on the house
MIKE
Remember I’m your old army pal who stayed with you in thick and thin?
JOE
I paid you back a long time ago. What’s your poison, Mac? Whiskey like always?
MAC
Neh. Hot coffee will do me fine
JOE
With a shot of whiskey t’give it flavor, right?
MAC
Plain, old hot coffee with milk and sugar
JOE
Straight coffee? That’s it?
0 Comments on OLD SOLDIERS - an excerpt of updated version as of 1/13/2016 10:55:00 AM
On November 11th, Remembrance Day, at the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, we remember them.
"Old Soldiers" which started out as a short story, came about as a result of an interview with some old soldiers/veterans for a newspaper column that I was writing at the time. Was drawn back to the story over time and as is my habit, tweaked it over the years and somehow the main focus of the story, Joe McKenna, seemed to take on a life of his own, along with his service buddies. One of my many (big on this aspect) re-writes resulted in an attempt to turn it as a radio play that was entered in the BBC International Playwriting Competition. Needless to say it didn't win but thought I'd share the second scene in this blog. It's still in the editing process (so what else is new). Formatting went askew in places during cut-and-paste.
To set the stage so to speak, JOE MCKENNA is a disillusioned old veteran who saw action and is angry with the world. He and his buddies are relics from another era who are afflicted with a variety of debilitating conditions, and the death of one of them hits Joe particularly hard. He decides to make a personal statement to make his views known at a remembrance day service in a park and along the way fate steps in when he meets up with a young boy (TIM) and his mother.
SCENE: A PARK.
AT RISE: Joe McKenna is slowly making his way to where the Remembrance Day service is taking place in a park. His body racked with pain, he stops to sit down on a bench. A military band can be heard in the distance playing band music and the voice speaking through a loud speaker system.
JOE: Look at ‘em all! Sheep – a bunch of bloody sheep!
YOUNG BOY: Mister – where are the sheep?
JOE: Huh? What you talking about, son?
TIM: You said something about seeing sheep. Where are they?
JOE: I meant… No sheep. Just talking to myself, is all
TIM: I like marching bands. Last Christmas I marched in the Santa Claus parade with one of the elves
JOE: That’s nice. Now you go find your mom…
TIM: See her over there? Reading a book? My mom told me that it's important we come here every year. She didn’t tell me why, though…
JOE: You better go or she’ll come looking for you, besides, you shouldn’t talk to strangers
TIM: She said I could go play if I stayed where she could see me. If I can see see her then she can see me. Are you a soldier?
JOE: I was, a long, long time ago. Guess I’ll always be a soldier in my heart.
TIM: How come you’re dressed different than the others?
JOE: Look sonny boy – I don’t think your mom would like you talking to strange, old men so you better go stay with her
TIM: I’ll just wave at her so she’ll know everything is okay. ‘Hi mom! This man is a soldier too! Is it okay if I talk to him?’
JOE: Oh G-d. That’s all I need now. Talking to strange kiddies… I’m out’ta here…
TIM: My mom is coming over to say hi so you can talk to her
JOE: I don’t think so, kid. Shoot! I’m behind in my schedule!
BOY’S MOM (BETH) You know you’re not supposed to talk to strangers! We’ve discussed this a million times…
TIM: I know mom but he was a soldier, too. Look – he’s wearing a uniform
BETH: Why don’t you go play on the swings over there, Tim
TIM: But I why can’t I talk to him? What are those ribbons for, mister?
BETH: Well…because… Oh look! There are some kids throwing a a ball around. Why don’t you go join them?
TIM: But…
BETH: Go play, Timmy. Now!
JOE Don’t blame you for telling him that. Heaven knows I tried! Look…if you don’t want him talking to me, that’s fine. I got places to go – things to do, anyway
BETH: Tim is such a trusting boy. Loves the world. These days that can be a fatal fault. Takes after his great grand-dad, G-d rest his soul
JOE: Trust me lady that I didn’t initiate the conversation. I was just sitting here on this bench resting a bit. Your boy was just being a kid
BETH: I’m assuming by your uniform that you were in the army. Which war?
JOE: Does it make a difference? War is war. Shoot! I’m way behind now…
BETH: Didn’t mean any disrespect. It just came out. My grandfather wore the same uniform. Such a strong man but he was never the same when he returned. A fraction of his former self
JOE: Weren’t we all. Nice talking to you but…
BETH: Have we met before?
JOE: Doubt it given the big difference in our age. Do you work in the Vet Hospital, he asked, hoping to get an “in” there…
BETH: Maybe we don’t know each other but I’ve seen your face…but where…
JOE: I used to play checkers here in the park but that ain’t gonna happen anymore…
BETH: Sorry. Don’t wanna keep you. I gotta be somewhere else, myself
JOE Nice meeting you…
BETH: …Beth…
JOE You don’t look like you’re dressed nearly warm enough to be in a park this time of the year. Maybe you and the kid should go home and put on some warmer clothes. Well – it’s been interesting…you’ve got a sweet and trusting little boy
BOY’S MOM Takes after his great-grandfather. Sweetest man in the world, he was. That’s why I’m here – and dressed like this. I’m burying him after the memorial ceremonies. He was a soldier so he’s getting full military honors. In fact if I don’t get a move on, I’m gonna be late ‘Tim – come on. We have to go!’
JOE: Would you mind sharing the name of your grandfather with a stranger you just met? Could be we knew each other
BETH: Percy… Percy Albertson
JOE: Can’t be…not possible… This is too much. Percy was my best friend in war and in peace. In fact, me and the last of our platoon buddies are gonna be at his funeral. You’re – Percy’s granddaughter? Never even knew he had a daughter ‘til I read his obit in the paper. Is your mother here? Would be great to meet Percy's old lady and I’m sure the others would, too
BETH: She passed a year ago of a heart attack. Lived in a small apartment and kept it like a shrine devoted to gramps. Funny thing is they rarely spoke to each other. Some kind of stupid fued or the other and then they separated. Sad. I never had the chance to meet him.
JOE: Old Perce was a stubborn and proud man. He should’a gone t’live in the VA hospital years ago but he always refused them. Instead he existed from hand-to-mouth and never enough money to pay for medication. I mean, what are the odds that you and me should meet?
BETH: Now I remember where we met. At the pub a long time ago, when I was a little girl! I visited the place a couple of times with my grand-dad. Listen – if you’re alone here, why don’t we attend the funeral together? I know my son would be happy and so would my grand-dad for sure
JOE: Thanks for the invite but I…got plans…hav’ta do something…for Percy…
BETH: Please – it would make me so happy and my grandparents would have wanted this. I’d like that we get to know each other and maybe you have some photos you could share of him and you during the war. It would be nice if my son got to know his great-grandfather through you
JOE: Perhaps we could meet there, after … You’ll have to excuse me. Got an important appointment
TIM: What do you have to do?
BOY’S MOM: Stop asking him so many questions, Timmy. The man has to go and. that’s that. Maybe we’ll see him later
TIM: Can I thank you
JOE: Thank me - for?
TIM: My mom says we should thank old soldiers for fighting to help us stay free. Didn’t you tell me that, mom?
BETH: I did say that – and I meant it. Not only old soldiers – all soldiers. Thank you from me and my son…you never told me your name
JOE: Joe. Joe McKenna
BETH: You’re “the” Joe? My grandfather spoke fondly of you, all the time! Fate must have arranged for our meeting
JOE: Wouldn’t put it past Old Percy to arrange this. I really gotta leave now.
TIM: Look – I can salute! I practiced at home.
JOE: You do that well. You take good care of your son
BETH: Listen – if you have nothing planned after the funeral, perhaps you’d at least join us for a bite to eat?
JOE: Maybe another time…
BETH: Of course. I’m just being selfish. Here – let me give you my phone and cell numbers. Give me a call if you’d like to join us
JOE: I’m really running late now…Nice meeting you both…
TIM: Have a good day! I’m going to salute all the soldiers at the ceramo…cerrro…
JOE: …ceremonies
