Improvisation in a High School Drama Class for Troubled Teens

You are dogs waiting to see the vet
I tell the two girls best known
for their skimpy skirts and combat boots
and for the many days they take the bus to the beach
to hustle military guys.

The girls squat on chairs
their hands drooping under their chins
to represent paws.

Are you scared? The first dog asks
and the other growls
then lunges as if to nip.
I'm always scared here, she continues.
They hurt me.

The brown vet isn't so bad
the second dog says at last.
Gave me dried liver after a shot.
The brown vet, the first dog says,
hurt me when I was just a puppy.
The other draws back her lips
reaches around to chew at fleas
on her flank.

Well, is your master nice? the first dog asks
and the other shakes her floppy ears.
He tells me to do things and when I'm slow
he yells.
I had a nicer one before
but he gave me away.
She scratches her neck.

My master gives commands,
the first dog says,
and if I don't understand
he slaps me on the snout with a slipper.
Her wet, black nose twitches.
Oh, they just called my name, she says.
Throws back her head
and begins to howl.

copyright 2004 Rafaella Del Bourgo
bio
Contents 04