[Editor’s note: We thought a lot about what to post for 4th of July given the frequent sense of , well, pessimism in the country. As such, we thought this ode to often arbitrary and capricious divisions might fit the bill and offer, perhaps, a cautionary note reminding us of the value of overcoming our differences - especially on days like today. Happy Independence Day - you’ve earned it. Now go eat a hot dog or three! (And if you’re in Cornwall and want to have some laughs, come see us at the 4th of July Pageant at 6:30pm tonight).]
Because the Dinka, because the Neur, Because of the water, because of the slur, Because I am young, because I am bold, Because I am poor or lazy or old Because of my colors, because you defer, Because it is baseless, because you’re secure Because I am restless, chafing and right Because you are gentle and sleeping tonight Because I turn left while you die right Because you wear masks, while I learn to fight Because you said this, I will say that Because we are brothers, because we can spat Because I’m afraid, because you are not, Because I believe, because there is rot I sing and I dance, I rattle, I shake, I gleefully pounce on your every mistake I troll and I probe, I poke and I prod, Until you respond, until you will nod, And then we can battle and then we can fume, And because we lack cause, our evils consume.
Isaac Mars is a former US soldier. Follow him here.
What’s happening at VetRep…
Join us in front of Town Hall tonight at 6:30pm immediately following the parade for the annual 4th of July Pageant in Cornwall, NY!
Listen to our interview this week with Army Ranger and Author, Jason Kasper on the Savage Wonder Podcast.
VetRep is thrilled to present seven veteran-authored 10-minute plays each Saturday night during July. Denis Meadows’ poignantly thrilling A Brush Against the Indifference of the Universe, Arianna Rose’s funny Sex, Lies & Syrofoam, Richard Fouts’ madcap comedy Fast-Moving Consumer Goods, Jack Rushton’s provocative George’s Radio, Terry Glaser’s Greek myth-turned-film noir The Big Dark, Donald Ranard’s thoughtful Elbow.Apple.Carpet.Saddle.Bubble, and VetRep Artist-in-Residence Daniel Guyton’s absurdist Service for None. Get your tickets here before they sell out!
We are currently offering multiple dates for our online and in-person Playwriting for Veterans classes, and our Acting for Beginners class is now being offered weekly every Saturday from 10am-12pm. Scholarships for qualifying veterans, as well as multi-class passes are available. Registration details can be found here.