RALPH & MAISIE

An Absurdist Meditation for Beginners

part 1

Ralph and Maisie* lie in a room lit by “Galaxy Projector.” Maisie is on a lower-bunk mattress; Ralph lies on a folded, mold-stained camping foam (his preference). The top bunk remains empty. Between Ralph and Maisie lies a large, bruised banana**, who is hoping they will go to sleep.

*Names changed to protect identities

**Identity changed to change identity

RALPH: Africa will bring me new starlight.

BANANA: You mean Ithaca?

RALPH: Yeah, Africa.

MAISIE: One day, I will wear a white coat, and hold your heart and lungs.

RALPH: Do you hear the thumping? Through the stethoscope, that is your heart.

MAISIE: Does this hurt? (Grabs the banana around the neck)