Vignette 9.
Costah: “Why are you so angry, Pilzatar?
You know she’s out of your league.
Be happy. Just float above it all.”
Pilzatar: “Easy for you to say, Mistah Costah.
Always chirping.”
Costah: “Yeah, it’s a gift.”
Marie Elena: “What are you boys fighting about?
Costah, it’s sweet of you to have a crush
on me.
But Pilzatar,
get a grip.
It’s sweet of you too,
but I already have a boyfriend.”
Greenie: “Hey, over here! over your shoulder, Marie Elena.
What happened to your cheek?
When I stop boinging, let me have
a closer look.”
Marie Elena:
“You’re the first person who asked me.
Greenie, do you think
I intimidate people?
Is it the purple hair?
I’ve been told to smile more.
I hate smiling on command like
some compliant American chick.
I am non-compliant without explanation.
I guess I just answered my own question.”
Greenie:
“Softly, Marie Elena,
you’ll wake him up.”
Costah: “Who?”
Pilzatar: “Who?”
Marie Elena: “Where?”
Greenie: “The guy who’s sleeping on the lawn
right beneath us.
That’s who.
More consideration, please.
Unless you want to be like
Bobo
with his perpetual doggy Oh, boy!
Less mindless merriment, Costah.
Less sour griping, Pilzatar.
Less image maintenance, Marie Elena.
Ay ! Descúlpame.
Once again, I’ve lost a chance to shut up.
Back to boinging.”
