Summer Nights

When I go out at night to do whatever it is

I do

I hope you don't worry that green little head of yours

The trees of light will be my guiding

light

back to your arms of willpower

Sometimes I wish my life was like a TV

show

I hope it wouldn't get cancelled

My life is already fake enough as

it is anyway

I guess this really is reality television

I feel trapped during the night unless I'm with someone who

knows how to have

a good time

Hopefully we can just go to the movies and watch things we have already

witnessed

in years past

Life is the rewinder I had as a kid that played back my VHS tapes so I could

watch them again from the

beginning

When the velvet leaves of winter come crashing down through our vortex of

intimacy

I'll keep my hands at my side

If time is time and your time is measured in music, then will you

drown

in the sidewalk's enticing collection of wines?

I know you have more resolve than that to fall for such folly

When I come back late that night and you are quietly

asleep

I promise not to wake you I won't make one sound

Your hair won't even be able to hear me (or whisper for that matter)

You won't regret letting me stay out late because I haven't

done anything that bad

Your sheets will stay warm and your mind will stay precariously between

sailors and the Jets

I love you, and don't worry about anything

I'll leave the light off

Thoughts in the Rainstorm

CHARACTERS:

Isaac: a mid-twenties grad student

Annie: Isaac's girlfriend

SETTING: Isaac's and Annie's room

Thoughts in the Rainstorm

Isaac: Do we really have to go to this party tonight?

Annie: Of course we do. The author always shows up for her own book launching.

Isaac: Yeah but all those stuffed-shirt phonies are going to be there. You know I can't stand to hear that psudeo-intellectual babble they spew out about modes of alienation in contemporary society or whatever.

Annie: This is my first novel released by a publisher and I really want to make a good impression. Can you act charming for one night please?

Isaac: What? Do I never act charming?

Annie: Why are you so hostile tonight?

Isaac: Because the Yankees are playing the Red Sox on TV.

Annie: Oh come on Isaac they play, like, 200 games a season right?

Isaac: No. Not 200. And this is the biggest rivalry in the history of sports. It's America's pastime. It represents a younger United States that could sit back and relax and enjoy a slow game of baseball all afternoon. Now everyone is just bored by it.

Annie: Maybe because it's boring?

Isaac: You've just been bombarded by too much MTV and Michael Bay movies to appreciate a slower, more methodical game.

Annie: And you don't think you talk like an elitist intellectual?

Isaac: I just don't like making fake insights with people discussing the decay of the modern man or the myth of the American Dream or something like that.

Annie: Well a lot of them are professors you know. Some of yours might even be at the party tonight.

Isaac: And yet another reason to go...

Annie: What? You don't like any of your professors?

Isaac: My professors are cool. But they're like any other professors. You might talk and philosophize with them during class, but you never want to see them outside the class.

Annie: Why not?

Isaac: Because then your bubble of freedom is burst the moment they start talking. You're like, "Oh yeah I have a paper to write in his class," or "I can't believed I failed her test last week".

Annie: Oh come on Isaac it can't be that bad.

Isaac: Well it's not fun either.

Annie: Why do you always reduce every situation to it's worst possible outcome?

Isaac: Annie, we've been dating three years, you know it's how I function.

Annie: Yeah I know, but I don't think like that.

Isaac: Opposites attract.

Annie: Somehow.

Isaac: ... so are we really going to the party tonight?

Annie: Of course we are, Isaac.

Isaac: Well do they have a television there?

Annie: No. Remember? Jason and Mary don't own one.

Isaac: Of couse they don't. And I assume they only buy organic food at farmer's markets or Whole Foods right?

Annie: What is that supposed to mean?

Isaac: You know... after they're done shopping they put the food in the back of their hybrid car and drive home to read The Onion or something because they don't have a TV.

Annie: I don't know that much about my publisher.

Isaac: Just your typical upper-middle class, city-dwelling hipster probably.

Annie: We have to leave in 30 minutes Isaac. You should put on something nicer.

Isaac: What my blue jeans aren't formal enough?

Annie: Are you serious?

Isaac: I thought informal was the new formal.

Annie: Yeah and Blu-Ray's the new DVD.

Isaac: Hey it's going to happen someday. When they lower the prices and movies start to be only released on Blu-Ray, I'll say I told you so.

Annie: Ok, but while we're waiting can you get dressed?

Isaac: Ok... so you don't like the jeans?

Annie: Just get some nice clothes on!

Isaac: (laughs) Ok ok.

Annie: Do you think this book's going to make me famous?

Isaac: I never try to over-analyze a situation that's reliant on variables.

Annie: Just humor me then.

Isaac: I honestly don't know. I think it's good enough to get you recognized, but I can't predict the patterns of the fickle American public.

Annie: Thanks for the confidence.

Isaac: You know I try my hardest never to lie.

Annie: Well there's a fine line between lying and encouragement.

Isaac: Yeah a non-existant one.

Annie: Isaac. Please get ready.

Isaac: I am getting ready. I'm building a protective shield around my brain to guard me against the philosophical rambling of your compatriots.

Annie: Well they are very knowledgeable.

Isaac: With great knowledge, comes great hubris.

Annie: (laughs) I'm not going to deny that.

Isaac: (after getting dressed). You know, I think you are going to be famous.

Annie: Really?

Isaac: Yeah of course. It's a great book, especially for a debut.

Annie: Aw thanks Isaac. I knew there was a reason I'm in love with you. (laughs)

Isaac: (laughs) Only one reason?

Annie: No way.

Isaac: Yep, we're going to hit the big time when your book comes out.

Annie: I hope so. Why don't you share your "insights" with the stuffed-shirts at the party?

Isaac: You think they would care?

Annie: Well they better, because I sure do.

Isaac: (smiles) Thanks Annie.