The World Is My Oyster - Part 2

(Geoffrey and The Mark girl enter together and sit on the floor off-center. The relationship seems more than mutual, but it is imaginary.)
The Mark
Aaaah…the cool grass always feels good.
Geoffrey
Ah, yes. But it is a little cloudy today.
The Mark
But there is still plenty of blue sky above, lots of warmth, activity everywhere…. Isn't it peaceful?
Geoffrey
I could try to make it peaceful. The crowd still makes me nervous.
The Mark
Why should they make you nervous?
Geoffrey
Well…I'm just never good with people…you know. I never seem to connect with most others around here. (Pause.) I mean, it isn't a terrible problem. Most people just go about their business and work work work with no time to stop and think. They're too busy to deal with me.
The Mark
They don't know how great it is to be with you then. (She smiles.)
Geoffrey
What?
The Mark
(Laughing) Why don't you take those ears off? Maybe you could hear me better.
Geoffrey
No! I don't need to take them off. I was only caught off guard at what you said, that's all.
The Mark
Well, in any case, we're talking too much. We should go do something!
Geoffrey
I don't know anywhere that we could go that would be all that interesting.
The Mark
Oh, Geoffrey, just relax. You spend all that time huddling up in your room. You're so quiet. If you had a heart attack in there no one would know for days.
Geoffrey
Oh, it's not that bad in there. Besides, the chance of me having a heart attack anytime soon is very slim.
The Mark
Good. I would be very sad if you had a heart attack.
Geoffrey
You would?
The Mark
(Nods.) Of course. You're my best friend. How would you feel if your best friend died?
Geoffrey
Well, you're not just my best friend. You're the girl of my dreams. I would scarcely be able to live if you died.
(Pause. The Mark looks at the ground in silence.)
Geoffrey
I'm sorry. Was I not supposed to mention that?
The Mark
(After a small pause.) Oh, it's fine. I know how you feel.
Geoffrey
And that's alright with you?
(Without answering, The Mark rises and runs offstage. Geoffrey starts to rise but decides against going after her. The footage of the park goes to black.)
Geoffrey
She is just like my sister. Beautiful, restless, and absolutely out of reach. (Pause.) If I were a king, I would work with all the doctors and scientists to cure any disease. Even disorders, and syndromes…and mental sickness. (In the background, the song Twisted Logic by Coldplay begins playing.)  Those who are plagued with learning disabilities would be allowed to gain all the knowledge in the world. And those who were confined to chairs would be allowed to get up and dance….But I could never save everyone. And I'll never be a real king. Kings aren't what anyone wants anymore. But I could be a poet, and scribe history in a beautiful language. Then, even if I wrote about wars, people wouldn't be heavy-hearted when they learned history…. No, I would make it into songs. Songs that would move people's spirit and allow their imaginations to feel the history. And then, they would understand all the events in their own personal way, and the things they learned would matter to them. And I would find more people who shared my idea, so I didn't have to work alone. Then the functions of the world would be more than just going through the motions, and learning for the sake of being stuffed with knowledge…. If only other people understood… but I don't know anyone who thinks like me. (Gets up and begins pacing.) I would be as simple as a bumblebee, and tranquil as gossamer. I could lie like a thief and run like a hawk. And the moon would shine like an owl's eyes, large and wise. (Sways with the music.) I want to be a leader! To be free in making other people free! Let the grass grow green and tall, with daisies and dandelions and clovers in between! Roots deeper than the oldest trees, interconnected between all species. I could mingle with ladybugs and basilisks. Riding horses, fuel myself with words and sounds and motions. Drown myself with paper. Driven with notes in my veins and time in my pulse. Learn the languages of the world with one piece of string. Live with the hearts of everyone around me, and feel truly alive! Alive and running. Running forward like a waterfall…a stampeding waterfall. Forward and forward and forward and forward! Create movement in this world, movement that was unlike anything else anyone ever discovered! The only direction would be upwards, in all aspects. And we would dance on the way! Sing and dance and celebrate the being of man! I know I sound crazy, and I know I sound strange. Most people don't just talk of their dreams wherever they are. My dreams are too loud and big to stay kept inside. There are so many things to do and learn and make happen! Humans can't just stay in one place on the ground. It isn't our nature. Forward and forward and upward and upward! I want to make it all!
(The Mark enters in the form of the man.)
The Mark
Geoffrey! There you are! I've been looking for you.
Geoffrey
You have? What for?
The Mark
There's this really great party at my friend's place down town. Come on, I know some hot girls are going to be there!
Geoffrey
You know, I really don't like the term 'hot' for women. I see it as very derogatory  toward them.
The Mark
Well, jeez man, you don't need to get at me for language.
Geoffrey
I don't mean to 'get at you' or anything. I am simply stating that I have a different sense of respect for girls. Besides, I'm not sure that kind of party is really any place for me.
The Mark
You're turning this down? Man, you're never going to get anywhere. You've been wearing those ears too long.
Geoffrey
There is nothing wrong with them! They don't do anything.
The Mark
It's no use explaining to you. I've tried before, you know I have. Always turns into an argument.
Geoffrey
You know I hate to argue. Please don't start.
The Mark
You're asking for one bud.
Geoffrey
Please, can you leave me alone? I have better things to do.
The Mark
(Mocking) I have better things to do! Dude, some day you're gonna grow up. Everyone else is out there doing things, and having the time of their life. You stick in your little corner with your little nose in your little books. You recite poetry nobody knows or even cares about like a Shakespearean girl on a balcony. You listen to most of your music from a crappy record player, watch movies from a VCR, dance like an African with severe scoliosis, and sing like Snow White sweeping the kitchen. And you tell me you have more important things to do! Come on, dude, get a life!
Geoffrey
You only have a problem with my behavior because it's different.
The Mark
Oh, different doesn't even cover it…
Geoffrey
I still wonder why anyone would want to spend their time drinking until they can't think straight anymore, puking all over their friends and waking up the next morning feeling utterly terrible. I don't think the fun is worth it if I can't act like myself.
The Mark
Jeez, dude, you sound like my father. Please, go teach a middle school health class, for Pete's sake.
Geoffrey
I need a teaching degree to do that first. Haven't earned it yet.
The Mark
You little—! (Throws up his hands, exasperated.) Okay, never mind. It's a hopeless case. You're missing out man, but I guess the rest of the world isn't missing out on you. (Begins to exit. Mutters last word just before disappearing.) Freak….