Pipeline Monologue Project

*On phone with her granddaughter. *

*Sighing* Hmph, I remember when I was young. You know, the good old days, where the hills and rivers were alive? Well maybe YOU don’t, but I do. My best friend was a duck. I know, I know, kind of stupid right? Every morning I would take cereal out of my own breakfast and save it for her. She’d come out of her resting spot and spend the entire day with me. One day, these big guys came knockin’ on our door. They started talking, talking about building houses and tall buildings around our way. Apparently, the entire neighborhood had signed this lease thing, saying they agree to this idea. Well, my father was so angry, I could see the veins in his neck popping out. The man left with his paper unsigned and a frown on his face. Two weeks later, I stood waiting for her, only to find out that those same men destroyed her home. They started building a huge apartment complex. It was then I realized how unfair this world was. Our ancestors were ridiculed and even now in this modern world we are seen as inferior.

Now, enough talk from me, what’s new in your life? A new man, huh? Well, he better be a looker and smart too! You make me proud to call myself your grandmother. You always did take after your mother, she was a good woman. I never had trouble raising her, even when her father was away. Yes I know you miss her, I miss her too.

*Tears swell in her eyes. She looks for a way to change the subject*

Tell me about that job you mentioned last time. You don’t want to talk about it? Why not? Come on, tell me, it can’t be that bad. It isn’t illegal or immoral right?

*Chuckles*

Then keep on talking. What is the company called again? TransCanada, and they’re building a pipeline that runs from Canada and spills into the Gulf of Mexico? Now, what kind of oil is being used in this project? If the crude oil is to spill into the water don’t they realize they are ruining what little is left of the fresh water we have!?

*Starts to yell with anger*

Don’t ‘freak out’, tell me this Anna, how is this benefiting to the country if we’re ruining the earth while doing it? We get what we give An. This earth is as much alive as you and I, if you were to give me poison I would die. That is what they are doing to the earth.No I am not overreacting. Goodbye Anna, I have to go.

*Hangs up phone and slams phone down in an angry manner*

‘Don’t overreact’. Don’t overreact?! This earth has been abused by us humans so much, yet still, she gives us shelter. Is it worth it? Is destroying a world worth a few years of economic growth?

(Talking to wife) Wow, don’t you look tired sweetheart? (Hold her hand and helps her sit down) Waitressing and working at hotel must be draining. Why don’t you sit down and let me take care of that, I don’t need you to strain yourself even more darlin’. Do you want me to warm something up for you? No? You want a massage or something? No? How about--Oh. You don’t need my help?

(Gets up with his fists clenched tight.)

That’s all right, it’s not like anybody ever needs me anymore. No, no, don’t feel bad sweety, I’ll just take a walk or something. You know, clear my mind, might even find me a job.Sit down!  

(Speaks through his teeth)

I said I’m fine!

(Walks to car, turns on radio and sits there. Starts to mutter to himself)

Don’t need my help for anything anymore. Maybe if I had something to do, anything, just something to do. I don’t want my wife to do everything. Providing the money, paying bills. This damn sure ain’t right. I’m the man. I have to be providing for her, not the other way around.

(Man on radio begin talking) What the hell is he talking about? A pipeline is to be built? Now that’s stupid, don’t we already get oil from those foreign countries? What is the point of doing all of this extra work? I mean, those countries already despise us and earn near nothing for all of the fortunes they provide us, but it has to count for something right? Whatever, I don’t need to hear this, doesn’t concern me or my needs.