07 - Sorry Your Highness

Scene Seven

(In the Gallery, later that night. COOK serves them all bowls of slop, the dinner they are used to.)

COOK.
(spoken)
Here it is boys, eat it before it rots.

ANDREW.
(spoken)
You look scared, brother!

JOHN.
(spoken)
I expected the food to be... better than this...

COOK.
(spoken)
What's better than THIS?

THE CREW.
(laughs)

ANDREW.
(spoken)
And where would we get these gourmet meals out here?

THE CREW.
(laughs)

JOHN.
(spoken)
We've had a good catch so far.

THE CREW.
(whoa!)

ANDREW.
(spoken)
Ha! We'd be eating our money! Don't worry, you'll get used to it.

COOK
(singing)
We're sorry, noble highness!

SOLOS.
Your forgiveness, we implore!
     Though you deserve the finest
We'd eat slop off the floor.
     They say beggars can't be choosers
See, we all choose to beg

THE CREW.
On the social ladder, we are all the bottom peg!

We're sorry your highness, how could we forget?

COOK.
The kind of food you're used, well you SHOULD be upset!

THE CREW.
Forgive low'ly sailors
For takin' the piss
You deserve much better than this!

You deserve it, you deserve it!
Though we don't have supplies!
You deserve much better
We apologize!

JOHN.
(spoken)
Alright, alright, I get it. I'm sorry.

CREW.
(spoken)
No, WE'RE sorry!

ANDREW.
(spoken)
Time to get some sleep, we've a big day tomorrow.

(a beat, the Gallery turns into Bunks)

ANDREW
(spoken)
Rise and shine ladies! Hope you slept well.

JOHN
(spoken)
What? Already! I couldn't fall asleep this was so uncomfortable.

SOLOS.
We're sorry, gentle highness!
     How could we be so dumb!
We're all so freakin' spineless
     Our lower backs are numb
We aren't used to pillows
     But when we're on the bunk

THE CREW.
Most of us just fall asleep drunk

JOHN.
(spoken)
Ok, I get it.

SOLOS.
We're sorry your highness, for the way that we live!
With everything that's wrong here, there's tons to forgive!
I once jacked off a pony
I always fucking cuss!

THE CREW.
Ya shouldn't hang around with guys like us

Not with us! Not with us!
Not with these here guys
Not with us!
We apologize!

(a beat)

ANDREW
(spoken)
Pay day, fellas! Good haul!

(Andrew hands out some change, John is clearly disappointed but doesn't say anything... everyone looks to him, he draws a breath)

THE CREW.
We're sorry your highness, your forgiveness we implore!

SOLOS.
You clearly work the hardest, you deserve so much more!
     We are who are here
What are we to do?

THE CREW.
It's us who are the problem, not you!

JOHN.
(spoken)
I didn't say anything!

SOLOS.
I'm the problem, I'm a bastard!
I'm the problem, I'm a jew!
I'm the problem, always plastered
I'm the problem, I sniff glue!
I'm the problem, I have to gamble
I'm the problem, wanna bet?
I'm the problem, I fuckin' ramble
I'm the problem, I'm in debt!

THE CREW.
We're sorry your highness, it isn't our fault
Our lives are piss and vinegar we don't need the salt
We're sorry your highness, for causing you woe
But maybe you're more like us than you know!

06 - Shoulder That Wheel

Scene Six

(At the docks, Andrew and his men ready the ship. John approaches.)

ANDREW
Who's this?
This stranger, with a twinkle in his eye?
Has he woken with desire, does he seek a chance to shine?
Who's this?
Arriving, ere our newest journey starts?
I'm glad to see you've had a change of heart! 

(The hug, Andrew throws John's bag to a worker. They get back to preparing the ship.)

THE CREW.
Heave, heave!
Shoulder that wheel
Shoulder that wheel
Heave, heave!
Hoist the sail, and draw the keel
My boys, heave ho!
The sea she calls us home!
Shoulder that wheel!
Shoulder that wheel!

SOLO.
The folks on land
Are poor and bland
You know what, I don't need 'em.
Give me a ship
And a beer at my lip
And I'll show you a life of freedom

THE CREW.
Heave, heave!
Shoulder that wheel
Shoulder that wheel
Heave, heave!
Hoist the sail, and draw the keel
My boys, heave ho!
The sea she calls us home!
Shoulder that wheel!
Shoulder that wheel!

SOLO.
In town, police
Are looking for me
So I'll ship out for a while
With mates on board
And money scored
Why should I stand trial?

THE CREW.
She's calling me home,

SOLO.
I'm beckoned to the sea, my boys

THE CREW.
She's calling me home

SOLO.
Where the life is wide and free, my boys

THE CREW.
Put the boom to the bow of the old marquis
Turn the sail to the sun, put the shore to lee
We will sup tonight in the gallery
She's calling me home, my boys

Heave, heave!
Shoulder that wheel
Shoulder that wheel
Heave, heave!
Hoist the sail, and draw the keel
My boys, heave ho!
The sea she calls us home!
Shoulder that wheel!
Shoulder that wheel!

(By the end of the song they're already at sea after a hard day's work.)

05 - What Is There

Scene Five

(Later that night)

DOCK WORKER
(spoken)
And by the time you try to pull the weeds out, it's too late. They've taken root all over the garden.

JOHN.
What is there that’s calling?
Whispering through the night
Telling me some secret
That I've kept locked inside

Do I feel the need to go?
Do I feel the pull from far?
What is there that's calling me to where you are.

What is there so tempting?
A beacon through the clouds
A thing I wasn't searching for
Longing to be found

Do I dream of salty air?
Do I dream of opened sea?
What is there so tempting just for me.

What is there that beckons?
Like mystery in the dark
Things I feared forbidden
Tugging at my heart

Stay I hear your calling
In my candle's tiny flame
I won't ignore your calling
You speak to me by name
You speak to me by name

Will you understand, my love?
Will you wait here as you swore?
I can't ignore your calling any more.

(John leaves Anna alone in bed. Packs his things.)

(He goes.)

JOHN
When the first green leaves of Spring come through
I'll be back upon the tide.
When the first green leaves of Spring come through
I'll return to you, my bride.

The end will justify the means
A better life for me and you
You're strong enough for a few short months
Until the leaves of Spring come through

A better life for me and you
I'll be back
Before the first green leaves of Spring come through.

04 - Isn't It Enough

Scene Four

(JOHN and ANNA are working on their home-stead. The dock workers are still telling the tale.)

DOCK WORKER
(spoken)
Such an idea is like a weed, once planted it grows and grows...

ANNA
John, you already watered those.

JOHN
I'm sorry.

ANNA
It's ok. John, you already planted there.

JOHN
I'm sorry.

ANNA
It's OK.
So... down the list.
And on we go.

The beets will be up by the end of the month
We can plant the spinach by the bunch
We'll have rhubarb here and radishes
Turnips, peas and cabbages
And that will do for vegetables
So down the list.

JOHN
So down the list.

ANNA.
And on we go.

JOHN.
And on we go.
Wait! What about the Turnips?

ANNA
John, the Turnips go right here.

JOHN.
And did we mention fava beans?

ANNA
We're not planting those this year.

JOHN
I'm sorry.

ANNA.
You're distracted

JOHN.
I'm sorry.

ANNA.
John, what's wrong?
We've talked about this garden for so long.

JOHN
What if this little hole I feel can easily be filled?

ANNA
I'm sorry?

JOHN
What if we had the means to fix this home that we rebuild?
Just think of Andrew's offer, and by the time the cold winds blow
Imagine all that money, the luxury we'd know...

JOHN
(spoken)
It's a fair offer.

ANNA
(spoken)
Not again, John.

ANNA

We have a nice little house

With a nice little yard

Why this need to roam?

So the roof might leak

And the floor boards creak

Its our home

It's our home

Isn't it enough we have each other?

Isn't it enough our simple life?

Isn't it enough our little homestead

And your deeply loving wife?

It's all we ever wanted, we two

Isn't it enough for you?

JOHN

(spoken)

With that kind of money we could have the house fixed for us. Just enjoy our days...

ANNA

(spoken)

Aren't you enjoying our days?

We've been doing the work

We've been making repairs

It gets better every day

We have wood for our heat

All the food we can eat

We're OK

We're OK

Do you feel the need to leave me?

Do you feel the need to go?

We've been building this life together

And been happy doing so

Suddenly you don't want to see it through?

John, what changed in you?

There's nothing you'll say

To make me OK

With you leaving for months on the sea

I don't want to stay with you gone

Just to work all alone

Are you not happy here with me?

I was so happy that I found you

I was so happy when we wed

And I'm happy every morning

For the days we have ahead

JOHN

(spoken)

You're right, my love. I'm sorry.

03 - Andrew's Return

Scene Three

(JOHN and ANNA are working on their homestead, when ANDREW arrives unannounced.)

ANDREW

Who's this?

This man, who has flourished on his own?

Can this be my little brother? Has he fin'ly up and grown?

Who's this?

And has it really been so long?

Can this be my own dear brother, John!

JOHN.
(spoken)
Andrew! You're back!  

ANDREW.
(spoken)
Hello brother!

JOHN.
(spoken)
Andrew, this is-

ANDREW.

Who's this?

This face? So pretty... can it be

The girl from all the letters that I've read across the sea?

Who's this?

This lovely mademoiselle?

Can this be your lovely Annabelle?

ANNA.

So this is he?

The captain? It's a pleasure, I've heard tales

Of your advent'rous exploits my husband so regales.

JOHN.

I can't believe it!

ANNA.

You'll sup with us tonight?

ANDREW.

It would be a pleasure and delight!

(ANNA goes inside, leaving JOHN and ANDREW.)

The Brothers Catch Up

JOHN.

(spoken)

How long are you back?

ANDREW.

(spoken)

Only a few days. I have a room in town while we resupply.

JOHN.

(spoken)

Has it been a good season?

ANDREW.

We were hours through the midnight moon

When the storm had given way,

To the calmest seas you've ever seen

North of glacier bay.

We thought our lines were goners,

That the whales had stole our catch,

And when we tried to wheel 'em in

We thought we met our match!

The load tipped the boat so low

We nearly bought the farm.

But every last cod we reeled on board

Was bigger than my arm!

The payout was crazy, I wish you were there!

Dad would'a been proud, we would make quite a pair!

Oh, Johnny come back.

Come back to the sea.

Oh Johnny, dear Johnny,

Come back with me.

Come sail with your brother,

What a pair we'd be!

Think of the fun and tons of mon-ey!

Oh, Johnny come back with me!

JOHN.
(spoken)

It sounds like fun, Andrew. But my life is here.

ANDREW.

We had barely dropped our anchor

By a tiny Russian town,

Full of sprawling golden towers,

And so much liquor you could drown!

I met two lovely ladies...

Both masseuses, so they'd tell,

Neither could take their eyes off me

And both were named Michelle!

We hit it off and hit it hard

Best weekend of my life.

We shipped away, I said farewell,

And went home to my wife.

The girls were amazing, I wish you'da seen it.

Just come back one season, they'll love you, I mean it!

Oh, Johnny come back.

Come back to the sea.

Oh Johnny, dear Johnny,

Come back with me.

Come sail with your brother,

What a pair we'd be!

Think of the fun and tons of mon-ey!

Oh, Johnny come back with me!

JOHN.
(spoken)

What of my wife? My house? 

ANDREW.

You're right!

Forgive me... look at the life you made! 

I bet it's exciting,

Forgive me... you've no use getting paid...

Chopping wood, 

Planting onions,

Fixing your roof...

Such thrills on land

I can't understand

Forgive me if I'm aloof.

Just think on it, Johnny.

Think on the sea.

Oh Johnny, dear Johnny.

One season with me.

Just think what you'd do

If you had the mon-ey

To fix up your home and your garden stress free.

Just think on it Johnny, for me?

ANDREW.

(spoken)

We'll be in port til Thursday. It's been great seeing you again Johnny!

JOHN.

(spoken)

You too, Andrew.

ANDREW.

(spoken)

Give the missus my love. 

Andrew returned to town.

02 - When the First White Snows of Winter Fall

Scene Two

IN THE ALASKAN FRONTIER

(JOHN and ANNA are working to repair the old homestead they've purchased.)

ANNA.

The sun is hanging lower now

There's a chill upon the wind

The world begins to quiet down

For what tomorrow brings

A calm

A peace

A rest

For the fox it's time to burrow

For the grouse it's time to nest

When first white snows of winter fall

we'll have our fire-side

JOHN.

When the first white snows of winter fall

me and you, my loving bride

ANNA.

Tucked away among the trees

And the morning mountain air

JOHN.

We'll fix our little homestead

For the life we dreamed we'd share

When the first white snows of winter fall

Our working will be done

ANNA.

When the first white snows of winter fall

We'll live our days as one

BOTH.

If a cage is more than iron bars

A house is more than marble walls

We'll build a home for you and I

Before the snow of winter falls

ANNA.

We don't need much to have it all

BOTH.

Together here

When the first white snows of winter fall

When the first white snows of winter fall

01 - The Story of the One-Armed Sailor

Act One

Scene 1

THE DOCKS OF A SMALL FINISHING TOWN

(Dock workers are busy, unloading hauls, coiling ropes, sharing the news of the day. A younger dock-hand approaches the group.)

DOCK-HAND.
(spoken)
Is it true? Is it true what they say?

OLDER SAILOR.
(spoken)
Every word, boy. And we all learned it by heart when we was younger than you.

SOLO.

The story of the one-armed sailor

It's a cautionary tale

SOLO.

Of the dangerous of monotony

SOLO.

In a heart that longs to sail

A FEW.

See monotony's a poison

And it can kill you nice and slow

THE GROUP.

But the sea can kill you quickly

As the sailor'd come to know

SOLO.

What do you smell in the salty air, as you look t'ward the unseen

OLDER SAILOR.
The grass on the distant shore-line is rarely quite so green

THE GROUP.
So heed the tale 
     So heed the tale
Of the one-armed sail-or
     Of the one-armed sail-or
Heed the tale
     Heed the tale
For it is true!

Oh, heed the tale
     Heed the tale
Of the one-armed sail-or
     Of the one-armed sail-or
You might not be so lucky when it happens to you.

SOLO.

The story of the one-armed sailor

Is a tale we've heard before

SOLO.

Of a lesson learned the hard way

SOLO.

Of a life lived best on shore

A COUPLE.

When the news came if of a deadly storm

No one blinked an eye

SOLO.

Not for the shipwreck nor the slavers

A FEW.

Nor the sailor left to die

SOLO.

What do you see where the sun meets the sea in a shiny golden glow

SOLO.

The only sunset we will get, is the darkness deep below

THE GROUP.
So heed the tale 
     So heed the tale
Of the one-armed sail-or
     Of the one-armed sail-or
Heed the tale
     Heed the tale
For it is true!

Oh, heed the tale
     Heed the tale
Of the one-armed sail-or
     Of the one-armed sail-or
You might not be so lucky when it happens to you.

But we feel it

The longing

And it whispers to us all

When routine starts to deafen us

We hear another call

Cause we feel it

The longing

Drawing us to sea

That is where a sailor longs to be

So heed the tale

Heed the tale

The ocean is indifferent

And the best laid plans can fail

Heed the tale

Oh, Heed the tale

When e're your heart is flooding

Your head can be your pail

And heed the tale of the one-armed sailor

OLD SAILOR.
(spoken)
His name was Fitzwallace.

SAILOR.
(spoken)
Brother of captain Andrew Fitzwallace, from the Old Marquis.

OLD SAILOR.
(spoken)
He had a homestead about fifty miles from Teller.

The Poor Sailor

The Poor Sailor

a Maritime Folk Opera