Pools of Glory
Pools of Glory
A Wander’s Compelling Journey Through Transformation and Heartfelt Change
A Theatrical Play
Set design:
On center stage are three pools of sparkling blue water. The highest pool spilling into the next lower, and then that into the last. The last giving way to a small stream, flowing off to the right. With one pool behind the front two, each at descending heights, from back, to front, to side, in a triangular fashion.
Around these pools are long, lush green grasses, among which are beautiful purple flowers. These pools are to be set about one and a half to two feet higher than the stage.
Around the back side of these pools, are a unique variety of trees, which the little bird (main character) can, and will knock down the branches, to hide the pools from the other animals.
There shall be other forest vegetation, spread sporadically throughout the rest of the stage.
Have a trickling water sound before, and possibly during the performance, as the flow of water from the pools is constant.
Cast:
Narrator:
The narrator should not be seen, only heard. Can be male or female.
Little Bird:
Since he/she is to be little, and flown around on a cord, have a younger child play the part.
Other Cast Members:
Have ten other animals, such as playful looking tigers, monkeys, foxes, bears, etc. These can be a little older, but still young actors/actresses.
Stage Direction:
There needs to be a time when the day turns to night, with the moon’s glow, and the night to day, with lighting effects.
When morning dawns, the other animals have already begun to search for the pools of water, as is a routine for them every morning. At not finding the pools, they are very confused as to its location.
It is important to have the other animals speak throughout the play, using language not outlined in the script as verbatim.
Do this in terms such as, “What happened?! Where are our pools of water?” And other such interactions as seems good to the director.
As the animals cannot find the pools, the little bird then sings his/her heartfelt song, to which the animals reply.
I will leave the directing of characters, and the movement of such, to the discretion of the director.
Play:
Narrator:
As the evening takes pace, in a corner of space,
There are three pools of freshest water,
Being fed by God's grace.
It is evening now, so the moon shows its glow,
Down on the pool's face, down below.
It helps all things to grow.
It sets up above, the ground all around,
With trickling water, as the only sound.
It's the most peaceful place, for miles around.
The very best, hidden from the world's frown.
Around the pool's lovely edges,
Are lush green grasses found.
Then among this green, there can be seen,
Beautiful flowers, of the most purple dream.
Not a creature does stir, this great happy place,
For at night they all leave, without leaving a trace.
Then up from above, comes a wandering soul,
Who without device, tries to take control.
This bird darts through the air, very unaware,
Of the shining shimmering pools below,
Not really knowing which way to go.
Then at a glance, he is caught in a trance,
And selfishly says,
Little Bird:
“What's this I see?
Can it truly be, a place for me?
A place where only I can be?
I'll dive straight down, and guaranteed,
I'll hide this spot, from those who might see,
And make this place, just for me.”
Narrator:
So ignoring the words of the wise,
He flies down to claim his prize.
With pride in his eyes, darkness begins to arise,
Hardening his heart, with a cloaked disguise.
All night long, instead of swimming around,
This selfish little bird, goes knocking things down.
He makes such a mess, and stirs quit a noise,
That this sick little bird, finds devilish joys.
He takes pride in control, and joys in things temporal,
Until finally at dawn, his mess is anything, but simple.
Little Bird:
“Well now, those creatures who bug me,
Will now not see me.
I'll be out of sight, and won't have to fight.
Now everything, is going to be alright.
All those meddlesome creatures, who go around biting,
Will have not the chance, ‘cause I'm in here, just hiding!
I've found what life's about,
It's eating and drinking, a life of ease,
To get what I want, no need to say please.
I've got it all here, now there's nothing to fear.
In just a short while, those creatures who harass me,
Will be nothing less, than most unhappy.
They will look and look, for their inhabitance of mine,
But only I will enjoy, this waterside sunshine!
With my solitude and serenity, I'll be fine,
And this is what it's about, every time!”
Narrator:
Well, in a day of bliss, his sick little wish,
Did make him pleased for then,
But he did not have much fun, in the days that did come.
All alone did he feel, with no friends who were real.
Yet by himself, he did declare,
Little Bird:
“I'll never go back,
And bear all that yak, and that's a fact.”
Narrator:
So, the nights were so long, and the days seemed so wrong,
But this stubborn little bird, dared not to come on.
With lowering spirits, as life prolonged,
He started to sing, a heartfelt song.
First out of boredom, but then his soul started to yearn,
For something much deeper, than he had ever known.
Little Bird:
“Where is my peace, my piece of love?
I can't find it out, all on my own,
Not even in the nicest place or home,
I need others, to help me grow.”
Narrator:
Then as the others heard it,
Inside they felt a quiet moan.
This too they had desired,
But had sought it on their own.
Then said they,
Other Cast Members (in unison):
“We can all share this love,
In this life today.
Why do we need, to create
Such strife this way?
Let's start to obey, our Creator this day,
And from now on, do it His way.”
Narrator:
So they all gathered around,
To find the soul who, may be of some help,
To help them get through.
And when this little bird,
Heard their cry, he let out a sigh,
And began to ask himself,
Little Bird:
“Why? Why did it have to come this way?
Why could not this bliss, come so easy, I say?”
Narrator:
Then came the animal's reply,
Other Cast Members (in unison):
“We all hunger, but don't know why,
So how can we even, start to fly?
All we can do is try.
Without a wish, or even a beg,
We couldn't even get it, into our head.
But when you started to sing,
A bell started to ring,
And we know now, that we must learn how,
To dance and to sing.
So please come on out, from where you are,
We very much hope, you're not very far.
Come be with us, and you will see,
We will try to live, more peaceably.”
Narrator:
So with love in his heart, he came over the top,
And said to them all,
Little Bird:
“Help me make this wall fall.”
Narrator:
So they all gathered around,
All working side by side,
Every one of them together, losing their pride.
They all went to work, and when it was through,
They wondered, "What next to do?"
Little Bird:
“Let's play in the water, and even talk some too!”
Narrator:
Well, it wasn't yet perfect, but far from where they once were,
And each of them felt, a little more sure.
All Cast Members (In Unison):
“This is good, so let's spread the word,
It's safe in this place, to come and belong,
And to think it all started, with one little song.
We will fight for the right, and vanquish the wrong!”
Narrator:
Yes, there in those pools, they came and they went,
But as for the little bird who once claimed it,
He was there night and day, for whomever,
Wanted to play.
All Cast Members (In Unison):
We know the power of love is strong,
And in it, we can all belong, so let's come together,
And be better, and to think it all started, with one little song.
Finale:
At this point, the characters have all lined up with the little bird behind them, a little above them (suspended), when they give these final words. Then they give a delightful bow, holding momentarily, then wave to everyone, and dance playfully off the stage.
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