Southern Phoenix —

An adaptation of “The Juniper Tree” by The Brothers Grimm

By Henry Alvin

Closed curtain:

( disembodied voice)

Long ago when men and women could live in vessels much smaller than their own there was one much crueler than anyone else.. While there was always a sting left at the end of their granting none was as evil as this one.

They said a close encounter with the ancient evil one forever left a dark smudge upon his soul. For if this is truth we will never know.

As elusive as the morning mist, his form they must forever shift. For if he had chosen to brush with a man named Lee they might have made him from Ash but instead the man he danced with beautiful as he may be.

Instead they chose a coniferous tree for it was Lucifer chosen had he.

Now join us as we focus on a fair lady under the Juniper Tree

Scene 1: curtains open

( woman mid 20’s sits under a tree in a warm southern afternoon)

MOTHER

Dear Heavenly Father, I know I am not supposed to question your wisdom but why have you left me so long wanting a child? You know how much we’ve longed for the laughter of a child to bless the walls of our home. I know you see the way he looks at me longingly but accusingly. God if you would just give me this one wish I should never ask for another and your servant could die a happy woman.

DISEMBODIED VOICE:

A wish you say? For if this isn’t your lucky day. No need to consult the creator for I can be your savior.

MOTHER:

Well I do declaim who’s there?

VOICE:

For you cannot see me. They will not let me be. Unless you give a stick for a drop. Of blood then your vision I will flood.

VOICE:

Why! You’re askin’ for my blood! You despicable vermin, I say show yourself!

VOICE:

My dear you simply cannot see until I have been set free. The dogs have cursed me to live in this tree. For I can not step foot on the ground until a drop of blood these roots have found. A stick a prick, a poke and a squeeze, a flourish and a wafting of the breeze I shall be set free then upon me you shall gaze.

MOTHER:

Why I am not sure… oh dear

VOICE:

( starts speaking in a miffed voice)

VOICE:

Look lady, I’m sure you poke yourself often enough doin your hair trying to look stately or something else lately. Just take a pin from your dress and poke yourself or this conversation we shall shelf. Just a tiny drop on the ground will do. Then I can help you with your problems too. ( voice raises in volume and pitch with each word) I am a genie! I can grant your wish for a child my dear I just need a drop of blood on the ground to call me from the confines of this bloody tree, no pun intended and my form shall be rescinded.

MOTHER:

Oh joy! Well why didn’t you say so!(pricks her finger and squeezes out a drop of blood onto the ground) well there mister and I suppose a breeze would be just an absolute delight.

( whooshing sound and a man appears dressed in middle eastern clothing with a pointed soul patch upon his face)

GENIE:

And now I am here to formally greet you my dear. Pleased to meet such a beautiful southern bell. Fortune has shined and now I have a dream to you I can sell.

MOTHER:

Sell… a dream… what are you talking about? Speak plainly you rascal!

GENIE:

Why a simple agreement between us friends and a new life begins. All that is needed is your yes and we can sort through this and a deal we shall confess. One more drop of blood and a feeling of joy will flood. Your happiness will be so great when your baby meets your eye, you will just want to die. A prick, a poke, and a squeeze, then your dreams you shall seize.

Scene two: dark claustrophobic room lite by candles

( woman in child labor)

MOTHER:

Grr God. Lord save me! ( lots of screaming and sounds of woman giving birth)

Husband: Ashlee a mid 30’s clean cut gentleman

ASHLEE:

I’m right here ma’. You can do this, you’re going to pull through. The good Lord wouldn’t bless us with a child only to break our family apart.

MOTHER:

Don’t you worry Ashlee my dear but I want you to promise me one thing. Now promis me!

ASHLEE:

Anything for my love.

MOTHER:

Should I die burry me beneath the Juniper tree where you first made love to me.

ASHLEE:

Now mother there is no reason for such a promise at this time. You and I both know there is no reason to worry.

MOTHER:

Promise me Ashlee!

ASHLEE:

Okay mother I promise. Now here don’t you want to see our beautiful baby boy?

MOTHER:

Why yes my sweetest Ashlee. ( Huge smile comes across her face then realization as her words fade) Gen….

Close curtains

( sounds of baby crying and man screaming)

Twelve years later scene three:

( Ashlee walks into the mill. MILLER a Irish man in mid 40’s who has obviously worked hard most of his life)

MILLER:

Why hello Ashlee, it’s good to see you today. How is the farm and crops coming?

ASHLEE:

Why hello Miller. I do say they are coming along nicely, just wish I could say the same for my family.

MILLER:

Oh and what makes you say that? Why you have such a beautiful family.

ASHLEE:

Being frank, Deedra I feel hates Gene. I can see it in her eyes she doesn’t trust him nor does she like being around him. Maggie the sweet girl is just as precious as a diamond and as sweet as honeysuckle. Gene is growing like a weed and I feel Deedra is effecting him in a bad way.

MILLER:

Oh? How do you mean?

ASHLEE:

Well, the most blaring is Gene seems to grow darker and more reserved with every passing day. I would take him with me but you know he can’t take the light. It’s almost like it sets him on fire if he is out in the sunlight for even a few minutes and I can’t have my son walking all over the plantation with a parasol like he’s one of the women. People would talk and think he isn’t right or too feminine.

MILLER:

That surprises me out of Deedra, she always seemed like a good hearted woman who loves the Lord. Why Ive seen her give the last amount of money she had to feed the children of slaves. Why most people around here don’t even bother with thinking of other families wellbeing unless they know them much less the children of slaves owned by a family they don’t know. Why I’ve watched her be so loving and kind to everyone. Mmm mmm mmm, you just can’t tell about folk can ya’? So what are you going to do?

ASHLEE:

Well my old friend, I rightly don’t know. On one hand he’s my boy and on the other she’s my second chance. His mother who’s name I can’t bring myself to say, I thought she was it. If it wasn’t for Gene I don’t think I could have went on living. Sure I survived for the sake of Gene. Why the boy needed a father and someone to raise him; but when Deedra came along I started to live again. She brought color back into the grey inhabitance of my life. Then she blessed me with a little girl. Maggie is the piece of my heart I never knew was missing. She is so much like me, well I don’t need to tell you. Gene, well like I said he’s my boy. Yep, he’s my boy I just wish… there’s no point to wishing. Anyways I’ve taken enough of your time, just keep this to yourself.

Scene 4: interior/ plantation at lunchtime

( Deedra fixing lunch and Maggie is sitting at table humming)

DEEDRA:

Maggie what is that tune you’re humming? I declare it is the prettiest thing I’ve heard.

MAGGIE:

I don’t know mommy, it’s just something I made up I think.( begins humming again) hmm hmm hmm under the juniper treeeee tweet tweet tweet. Under the juniper tree

(Deedra has a reflective look and gets lost in her thoughts.)

MAGGIE:

Mommy. Mommy, (draws out the last) mommy!

DEDRA:

What!? Sorry dear, I started day dreaming and lost myself. When you was humming that song I got the most clear picture of that juniper tree in the back. ( puts back of hand on forehead)

Why I had the most frightful vision. I say the heat must be getting to me.

(Maggie keeps humming and playing at the table paying no attention to her mother)

MAGGIE:

Mommy I don’t want you to go away.

DEEDRA:

Who said I was going away? You know mommy would never go anywhere without my jewel.

MAGGIE:

The birdie told me you was going away to live under a dark stone.

DEEDRA:

What bird you silly girl. ( has a fond smile grow) you have such a wonderful imagination my child. Perhaps you should be a story teller.

MAGGIE:

No mommy! A birdie really did tell me you was going away with a stone forever on your head! ( becomes distraught) I’m telling you the truth, I don’t want you to die!

DEEDRA:

Honey, honey, shh, shh, shh. Don’t you cry my little pearl.

(Gene enters the room. He is a slender, grim looking child who is ghost white)

GENE:

I need me a sweet treat. Bum bump da bump what shall I eat? I hear the pitter patter of birdie feet. Tweet, tweet, tweet.

(Gene is digging in a pantry. Deedra stares coldly at Gene’s back deep in thought)

GENE:

It’s not nice to stare ( emphasis on the word step) Step-mother. For I am your son, not some other.

Aren’t there birds in the trees? Why must you choose to stare at me’s?

MAGGIE:

Mmm hmm mmm under the juniper tree. Tweet, tweet, tweet.

( look of absolute evil washes over Deedra)

DEEDRA:

Out! Outside now! Gene you on the front porch and Maggie on the back! Maggie start reading your Bible.

MAGGIE:

Oh mom.

DEEDRA:

You heard me little missy!

MAGGIE:

Where do you want me to read?

DEEDRA:

The beginning is a good place to start. Start where it says “In the beginning God created the Heavens and the earth” and don’t stop until either I come get you or you reach “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all amen.”

MAGGIE:

Yes ma’am.

GENE:

I shall retire to the porch, I hope for your sake I don’t scorch.

( room clears and Deedra falls to her knee’s and clasps her hands together)

DEEDRA:

Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive me of my trespasses against that boy. I know he is one of your creatures but I hate him. He just drives me mad. Give your humble servant the strength to love him.

Scene five: late afternoon interior study

( Deedra sits amidst a stack of aged books feverishly pouring over them.)

DEEDRA:

That’s it! He has to be a genie! That would explain so much and she wasn’t naming him Gene. Oh Lord this makes so much, oh I just have to tell Ashlee but no he will never believe me… oh dear what shall I do? I wish I knew.

( book falls and opens to page titled “capturing a genie”)

DEEDRA:

What’s this? How to capture a Genie. Why would anyone want to keep such a vile creature? Hang on, how to rid yourself of a genie.

( Deedra continues to thumb through the pages and reading under her breath to a seemingly empty room)

Scene flashes to Gene on Porch:

( Gene develops broad devilish grin)

GENE:

Under the juniper tree. Tweet, tweet, tweet. Like a bird’s wings beat, an end she will surely meet.

( curtains close)

Scene Six: Interior at dusk family room

( dark outer edges of room, center lite by candles and a warm fire from the hearth. Ashlee sits in an armchair reading, gene by fire reading, Maggie next to Gene playing with a doll and Deedra looking pensively between Maggie, Gene and Ashlee)

DEEDRA:

Why you know it’s just the damnedest thing, I have been reading since this afternoon and I don’t think I could turn another page. ( tone becomes slightly seductive) you know Ashlee, we could send the kids off to bed and we (fake coughs) go to bed early ourselves.

ASHLEE:

Why would we go to bed this early? Why I’m not tired and there’s only two things you do in bed, one is sleep and the other is… oh. ( voice raises in pitch) oh! I see my sweet summer flower. Why, that sounds Devine. Kids! Off to bed.

GENE & MAGGIE IN UNISON:

Oh dad!

ASHLEE:

You heard me and not another word.

( Deedra leaves the room, Maggie follows behind and Gene lingers at the threshold glancing at Ashlee)

ASHLEE:

What is it son?

GENE:

May I have a word father? I promise not to be much of a bother.

ASHLEE:

Sure my boy, what can daddy do for you? Are you wanting one kiss or two?

(Gene hops in Ashlee’s lap)

GENE:

Oh daddy you’re so silly, will you hear me now, I mean really?

ASHLEE:

Okay my boy, what can I do to bring you joy?

( Gene fidgets in Ashlee’s lap and develops a hesitant look)

ASHLEE:

Tell me son, what is bothering you? ( drops smile and grows concerned ) you can tell dad anything. You know that don’t you?

GENE:

Well… I don’t want to cause problems nor am I sure you can solve them.

ASHLEE:

If I hold a breath in my lungs I will do my best.

GENE:

Well… I guess I can tell. Step-mommy Deedra won’t let me be. I can tell when she looks at me hate is all she sees.

ASHLEE:

Son. ( exhales deeply and shrinks down into his self) look, I know that you know Deedra isn’t your birth mother. That doesn’t mean she’s not your mother. She loves you dearly and loved you before she loved me. She doesn’t hate you.

GENE:

She didn’t love me first,

For you she put up with me,

Gone does she wish me.

ASHLEE:

Son why do you always speak in riddles? Why can’t you speak plainly?

GENE:

I don’t always speak in riddles, sometimes my words dance like a fiddle. Some times they rhyme and others they dance to their own time. But if I’m your boy and you love I shouldn’t this be fine?

(Ashlee sighs deeply and a wave of stress and hopelessness washes over him)

( curtain close)

Scene seven: interior morning Kitchen at breakfast

(Deedra at the stove cooking breakfast, Maggie doodling at the table and Gene is staring awkwardly at Deedra as she prepares breakfast)

MAGGIE:

Hmm hmm hmm, hmm hmm hmm. Under the juniper tree. ( repletes in a sing song then again as melody)

GENE:

Tweet, tweet, tweet.

( Deedra visibly becomes disturbed from the children singing and Gene’s look)

GENE:

Hmm, hmm, buried me.

Hmm, hmm, hmm, hmm, hmm, hmm, Under the juniper tree.

MAGGIE:

Tweet, tweet, tweet.

(Deedra has a terrified look wash all over her body, turns and snaps out)

DEEDRA:

Stop it now!

(Both children turn in unison and look at Deedra and say)

MAGGIE AND GENE:

Stop what mommy? You don’t like us singing to you?

DEEDRA:

No! And I mean quit right now damn it!

GENE:

How about this mommy?

(Maggie gets up, moves to a drawer and pulls a knife and holds to her throat with a hollow glassy eyed stare)

(Deedra gasps and heads towards Maggie)

GENE:

At!

(Gene cocks his head and fixes an evil gaze upon Deedra)

(Maggie slightly moves knife across her neck slicing it a little as her face remains a stone mask)

(Deedra stops mid-step at this sight and lets loose a whimper)

GENE:

Now get back to fixing our food or you will be missing one from your brood. (Snaps the word with venom dripping from his voice) Mommy!

(Deedra whimpers again, hesitates and resumes food prep while glancing over her shoulder at Maggie)

(Gene watches with an amused look before his childish looks return)

(Maggie mechanically returns knife to drawer and sits back at the table as if nothing happened)

(Curtains close)

Scene 8: interior late at night while everyone is sleeping- illuminated by a single lantern

(Deedra sits feverishly pouring over books with a frantic disposition.

*Bible is clearly visible

(Curtains close)

Scene: afternoon around 3 – interior kitchen

(Maggie sits at table drawing)

(Deedra feverishly moving throughout the kitchen and keeps peering out the window)

DEEDRA:

Honey would you go up stairs and get mommy’s Bible for me? It’s in the study.

MAGGIE:

But I want an apple.

DEEDRA:

Mommy will get you an apple when you get down. Your brother should be here by then and I’ll have him give you one.

MAGGIE:

Okay… where is your Bible?

DEEDRA:

In the study, you’ll have to move a few books.

(Maggie leaves the kitchen humming)

(Moments later gene enters the kitchen)

DEEDRA:

(Tone drips with fake sweetness) Hello Gene dear, how was your day?

GENE:

Well…(tone changes to an evil voice full of grit and gravel) I know you plan on getting rid of the big. Bad. Evil. Genie possessing your step-son. So all in all I’d say it was a wash. That look on your face, oh! My! Gosh!

(Deedra is taken aback by this statement and shrinks back a little)

GENE:

What to do, what to do? How shall I deal with the busy body shrew? Why look at you fret and stew. Ah, I know what to do, lets have a taboo.

(Gene begins circling the kitchen staring at objects with a quizzical look)

GENE:

Now that you know all this is a sham for you have figured out who I really am.two became one to make three and all of this started from a tree. The three became two and along came a shrew. Four became three and you couldn’t be happy with just me. Why the new little whore just had to have one more. The busy body couldn’t stop and now through the hoops I must hop. Why what better way to rid me of you then what I’m about to do?

(Gene picks up a meat cleaver and swings it towards his neck)

(Curtains close and then you hear a thump followed by a loud gasp)

((Curtains open to the study with Maggie looking for the Bible)

MAGGIE:

Where is it mom?

DEEDRA:

( hear distantly yelling) In the study like I told you. It may be under some books.

MAGGIE:

What was that thump mom?

DEEDRA:

(Distant sound) nothing dear, I dropped a pan…

MAGGIE:

(Muttering) Under some books she says…

(Curtains close)

(Curtains open to Deedra in the kitchen wrapping a scarf around Genes neck)

(Gene is sitting motionless at the table)

(Hear Maggie coming down the stairs)

(Deedra rushes to finish wrapping the scarf around Gene and places an apple in his hand)

(Maggie enters the kitchen)

(Deedra grabs a basket of laundry and heads out the back door)

DEEDRA:

Just put mommy’s Bible on the table sweetie, mommy’s got to put the laundry out for Prissy to do. Umm Gene’s got your apple dear.

MAGGIE:

(Draws out the word) Okay… Can I have my apple please?

(Maggie stares at Gene who is unmoving)

MAGGIE:

Gene! Give me my apple!

(Maggie growing visibly frustrated at being ignored)

MAGGIE:

It’s my apple and I want it now ( starts singing) you have my red apple and I need it now! Genie Wettworth. Someone has my apple and I want it now! Genie Wetworth! It’s my apple and I want it now! Eight, seven right now! (Smacks Gene with one hand and snatches the apple with the other)

(Gene’s head falls off and rolls across the table into the floor with a thump)

(Maggie has a horrified look wash across her face, gasps, drops apple and screams)

(Curtains close)

Scene 9: closed curtain- Dialog only

(Hear thumping, sobbing and chopping sounds)

MAGGIE:

Mommy I didn’t mean to hit him that hard. I really didn’t he was just making me mad by ignoring me and not giving me my apple.

DEEDRA:

Now Maggie May, I know you didn’t honey and that’s why mommy is helping you hide this from your daddy. I understand how Gene can get under your skin at times. Lord have you heard how I’ve been talkin’ lately? Why I do declare, I’m glad no one has come callin’ upon any of us. Why, we haudly been talkin’ like prau-puh ladies worthy of livin’ on the Wettworth Plantation.

MAGGIE:

I’m really sorry mommy… I (starts softly crying) I didn’t ( sniffs ) mean it…

DEEDRA:

Why, (voice brightens) you know it’s lovely not having all that rhymin’ goings on naw more.now honey in order to pull this off mommy’s gonna need a few things. Now here’s the list of spices I need from the garden. Bring ‘em here. Secrets in the sauce.

Scene 10: Maggie covering up a hole under an evergreen tree

( pats the ground with shovel and flops onto the ground sniffling)

MAGGIE:

Oh Lord, please forgive me… I really didn’t mean ta knock his head off. Really I didn’t! I just wish there was some way I had another chance to be a nicer sister to Gene. (Starts humming) hum hum hum. Hum, hum, hum ( voice cracking) Under the Juniper tree, tweet, tweet, tweet.

( As curtains begins to close Maggie whips her head up tracking something moving unseen across stage)

(As curtains fully close you can hear a bird singing)

Scene 11: Maggie and Deedra sitting in rocking chairs outside on porch:

DEEDRA:

Why ‘tis shore nice ta’day.

(Maggie starts humming as she rocks)

DEEDRA:

Why, don’t naw the last time I felt sa’ good. Why, the sun is a shining, cool breeze a blowing… those sweet flowers smelling up tha yawd. Birds a singing, well a bird is…

( Maggie starts to brighten as the lone bird’s singing grows louder)

(Deedra starts looking concerned and troubled as the bird gets louder)

(Maggie starts humming louder and more melodic)

MAGGIE:

Tweet, tweet, tweet. Under the juniper tree

(White bird lands on a table between Maggie and Deedra)

BIRD:

Tweet, tweet, tweet.

( Deedra startled by the bird jumps to her feet)

(Maggie unflinching keeps rocking and has an Erie smile come across her face)

(Bird takes flight)

(Curtains close)

Scene 12: opens to a bird sitting on a windowsill of a jewelers workshop.

( a man sits staring at a ring in one hand and what looks like tweezers in the other)

BIRD:

JEWLER:

Why what a fascinating bird and a pretty song.

( bird and jeweler just stare at each other for a few moments)

(JEWLER seems to be waiting for the bird to keeps singing but grows frustrated)

JEWLER:

Well little birdie are you gonna sing or not?

BIRD:

Not for free will you get anything more from me.

( jeweler visibly shaken and knocks stuff over)

JEWELER:

( voice raises to high pitched feminine sounding voice that breaks) Jumping Jehoshaphat ! A damn talkin’ bird!

BIRD:

Well did you expect me to stay mute or your seed stores should I loot?

JEWELER:

Well… ( chuckles) no, I suppose I did ask a question didn’t I?

BIRD:

Yes you did query, do I need to answer the obvious? For this game I grow weary.

JEWELER:

Why, no you do not. (A warm smile grows on his face) well what does a bird require for payment of a song?

BIRD:

Why what do all of beauty behold more precious than silver or gold?

(Jeweler has a crestfallen look come upon his face then brightens)

(Turns and fumbles in a drawer bringing out a black velvet box.)

JEWELER:

Why here is a beautiful golden ring for a beautiful birds song. It is the finest piece of work I have ever made of rose gold.

(jeweler pulls ring from box and puts it around the birds leg)

BIRD:

(Bird flys off)

( sounds of crashing items)

(Someone screams “ There’s been a murder!)

(Jeweler turns and rushes out)

(Curtains close)

Scene 13: horse barn — a man mid-50’s stands brushing down a horse

( sounds of a bird)

(Man looks up at the sound)

(Man pauses mid brush)

MAN:

Why what a pretty bird. Don’t naw the last time I saw ‘Ern so pretty.

BIRD:

MAN:

Why Lordy a talkin’ buhd. Would you sing that ‘gain fur me?

BIRD:

I will do nothing else’s for free, a gift you must give to me.

MAN:

Why’s I dunt own nuttin’ why sumin’ owns me.

BIRD:

Why just a gift made of a lock of hair from that there mare. The meaning is enough, one offering closer to my alter being stuffed.

MAN:

O’tay lil’ buhd.

(Man ties a piece of string around hair he pulls from brush)

(Man offers lock of horse hair to bird)

(Man stands with arm held toward bird unseen)

BIRD:

Should I fetch my own gift? Does seeds ones self it sift? Bring it to me or off shall I be.

( man walks out of scene for a second and then returns)

BIRD:

(Sounds of bird flying off)

(Sounds of mob heard off stage)

(Curtains close)

( whooshing sound)

MAN:

Beeyelluhzz a bud!! Lawdy lawdy lawdy! Naws tawt ‘ave I duhh-unz?

Scene 14: Millers General Store:

( Rustic looking storefront with a middle aged Irish man milling around)

(Miller moves to table and lifts basket)

( moved basket reveals the white bird perched on the table)

(Miller gives a startled shout and drops basket)

(Apples roll across the floor)

(Miller stares at the spilled apples then the bird)

VIRD:

Tweet, tweet.

MILLER:

Shoe ya’ dam-huh-did buh-Er-dud! ‘An’t ‘ave ya messin’ in hear-ra-uh!

BIRD:

Tweet, tweet, tweet. You’re not very sweet! Why not even proper English can you speak, why out of a potato field did you peak?

MILLER:

Why!? (Reaches for an unseen shotgun) I’ll send tuh strait to (yells) “ell!

BIRD:

Why that’s not very nice, why your actions should suffice. With Morrígan,‘s call and a flap of my wing should her judgment fall.

(Miller stops dead visibly shaken)

(Miller remains frozen holding breath)

(Miller lets out a long deep breath and wilts)

MILLER:

How dare ye’ speek of the Beautiful Red. W’o ye’ to speek of dee’ Morrígan,?

BIRD:

Why should you ask what ye’ already know? Of the Red should I show?

MILLER:

No!

BIRD:I’ll be plain with you, for I aim to rid myself of a shrew. For if you give an offering of grain I will leave you sane. Why if a gift you offer for me to hold, why I promise you shall never grow old.

MILLER:

What? I shall never grow old?

BIRD:

Yes, yes put me to the test.

MILLER:

What doo I ‘ave tuh doo?

BIRD:

Why nothing much, just some grain from the miller who did touch. A prick of the finger so a part of you shall linger. Give on bended knee and old you shall never be.

(Miller pokes finger and grabs a handful of grain from a sack)

(Miller gets on one knee and puts grain before the bird)

VIRD:

Why are you asking to marry me? An offering is done on both knees.

(Miller hesitates looking angered slightly)

(Miller visibly battling with pride and greed but gives in and puts other knee down)

BIRD:

Tweet, tweet, tweet, for I have someone you should meet. I’ll be short with my meal, like a thief who’s life someone he steals. I’ll even leave you with a song. Many have paid money for and held dear. An extra verse you shall here.

(Miller looks expectantly)

(Time passes and Miller looks like he’s about to speak but stops as Bird starts in with a song)

BIRD:

A snap, crackle and pop, my head she did chop. With warmth of May by her hand I was laid. A seed eaten by a branch of my family tree, know not did he. A gift you shall give to hear my song, with each received my plan goes further along. Every present received helps me and mankind shall be deceived. Tweet, tweet, tweet. A gift of long life you thought was for sale but you will soon find a sting in the tale. For you bought never growing old and that is what I sold. With your final offering made to me now much suffering I can set free. Why should one man own another? For I will set man against his brother. With thoughts, views and opinions best left in the dumpster a group of men I shall set agains Fort Sumter. Horrible battles will ensue and hatred will I start to brew. A curse and division that will never end pitting North against South dividing black against white, putting hatred in their mouth and their will always be some stirring for a fight. Tweet, tweet, tweet.

(Sounds of bird flying off)

(Miller looks disturbed and confused)

(Miller rubs forehead and then starts scratching the back of his head in confusion)

(Sounds of bird flapping followed by metal clanging)

(Sounds of metal objects falling)

(Curtains close rapidly)

(Miller screams)

Curtains open to Miller laying dead with pitchfork sticking in his neck)

(Bird is perched on Millers chest staring into his lifeless face)

(Sounds of door opening)

(Curtains close rapidly)

(Wooshing sound)

(Curtains open to the bird being gone and transformed into the stable hand)

(Ashlee walks in seeing who he thinks is the stable hand standing over the lifeless body of the Miller)

(Bird masquerading as stable hand flees from scene)

(Ashlee gives chase as curtains close)

(Sounds of more objects falling and crashing)

Scene 15: a group of irate men yelling with Ashlee talking to the crowd

ASHLEE:

Now I saw it with my own eyes, the Millers stable boy was standing over his dead body and ran out the door when I walked in… We all know that the Miller bought that ignorant slave out of the kindness of his heart and never laid a hand on him when he should have beat that boy from sun up to sun down! Lincoln wants to free them and givin’ us nothin’ in return! Well I think it’s time we let them damn Yanks naw zactly what we think an how we feel. We gonna string up that ungrateful stable boy then we headed to Fort Sumter! It’s time we make a stand!

(Curtains close to the sounds of cheering)

Scene 16: Wettworth Plantation mid day under the Juniper tree:

(Deedra sits under the evergreen reading her Bible)

DEEDRA:

Why Lord I wish I had never wanted harm on that poor boy. I’m sa sorry I did. But that boy was just sa evil and wretched… plus I found proof he was an evil genie didn’t tie? Why, I had naw choice. I do wish it wasn’t weighin’ so heavy on muh mind I didn’t have any choice did I? Naw one would believe he chopped off his own head… hell, I ha’dly ‘lieve it muh self. Though I dun’t naw what possessed me to feed that boy to Ashlee. Mmm umm.

(Sounds of bird flapping above Deedra unseen)

BIRD:

Tweet, tweet, tweet. So it’s a wish you do seek? For a wish under this very tree is what started this mess and it is you who have truly put me to the test. For I had planned so long ago, unseen in the dark walking on tip-toe. I had so many plans but they had been all undone by your hands. You my dear have fallen into the same trap as those from the old part in that book you read, why you miss the forest for the trees. Your life must come to an end, right now here with me under the juniper tree where you buried the.

(Curtains close)

(Wooshing sound)

(Deedra Screams)

(Distant sound of Maggie screaming no)

(Thumping sounds)

(More screams from Maggie)

(Sounds fade out)

Scene 17: Ashlee, Maggie and a boy mid-teens with dark hair stand in front of an empty gallow

MAGGIE:

Daddy why did that man have to die?

ASHLEE:

Well my JEWl, he killed your momma.

MAGGIE:

I don’t see how killin’ another man helps momma bein’ dead.

ASHLEE:

Well honey, if young mister Wilkes hadn’t came by you might of been dead too darlin. It’s by the grace of God he was coming by the house.

DARK HEADED BOY:

Sir, please call me Booth or John, all my friends do and we’re closer than that now. Sir I’d like to come with you to Fort Sumter.

ASHLEE:

John, I’m gonna need you to stay here and watch after Miss Maggie, should something happen to me I need to know she’s taken care of.( with a draining and deflating look his tone turns Solum) should I not come back you have my blessing for her hand when she turns fourteen. I fear this war we’re fixing to start is going to cost more than any of us realize. I’m just glad Gene isn’t hear to suffer through it or his mother Katie God rest her soul. why, I’m not sure I’m comin’ back even if I live… just can’t get t’over my Deedra killin’ muh-eye lil’ Gene. Hell, if that crazy slave hadn’t a went wild they never would have found Gene’s bones.

(Ashlee looks ragged, empty and defeated)

BOOTH:

Oh( has a sinister look spread across his face) I’m sure they would have landed back on their feet after the tribulation they did meet.

MAGGIE:

Tweet, tweet, tweet.

(Maggie grabs Booth’s hand and has a sinister smile grow on her face)

(Curtains Close)

(The end)

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