Improv 1, Week 9

The first riff for this week is from Angie Estes', "Last Words":

Let us cross over
the river and sit in the shade
of the trees. Pardonnez-moi, Monsieur,
wait 'til I have finished
my problem. It's been a long time
since I've had champagne. Too late
for fruit, too soon for
flowers: hold the cross high
so I may see it through
the flames. Get my swan costume
ready. I am about to-or I am
going to-die: either expression
is used. Who is it? Ah, Luisa, you
always arrive just as I am
leaving. Sweet Rosabel, I leave you
the truth: if you can read this,
you've come too close. L.
is doing the rhododendrons,
the boat is going down, and I'm going
into the bathroom to read. More
light. Am I dying
or is this my birthday? I should have
drunk more champage. Either
that wallpaper goes or
I go. What is the answer?
Very well, then, what is the question? Oh why
does it take so long
to come?


I used this poem as a sprinboard and played around with the language a bit. I found the poem tailoring a bit more to things that relate to my personality such as water, my ability to speak spanish, etc. Whereas her poem is more about ones Last Words concerning their death, my new riff seemed to focus more on life time I finished. This is most likely due to the contrast of images that were chosen for the improv of this piece for this week.


To Elope


We must arch under
the hill and stand in the heat
of the sun. Excuse me chico,
your issues are worth less
than mine. Just last
week I smoked a cigarette. I
ate some cucumbers, though it was too late for
honeysuckles: bury the wreath
low so I may watch it ripple beneath
the waves. Prepare my phoenix sub.
Soon I shall…I must retire: What is it
By any other name but the same? Who
is there? Ah, Geoffrey, you
were the late riser I see. Precious, carry
with you this faux: if you hit this sign,
You will hit that bridge. B. is singing
Feres Jacques, the plane is ready, and I am
going to the attic to read. More
dust. Am I sleeping
or is this my wedding day? I should have
Worn mother's gown. Either the paint scheme
changes, or I shall never return. You’ve decided?
Fine…wait, what is your inquiry? It always
takes forever and a day.