Monday, April 30, 2012

"The Healer in Darkness" by Westward Ho

            (THE HEALER lies in a cold, dark room, arms folded across his chest, as in
            death.  Tentatively, a SUPPLICANT enters.)

THE SUPPLICANT
Holy one? . . . Holy one?

THE HEALER
            (Not rising, barely moving)
I am not holy, only he who made me . . .

THE SUPPLICANT
Ah! are you well?

THE HEALER
I live.

THE SUPPLICANT
Will you heal me?  I hear that you have power; and I have had an oozing sore for twelve years.

THE HEALER
I will heal you.

THE SUPPLICANT
            (Waits a bit, then)
Will you rise to do it?

THE HEALER
            (Silence, then)
Yes, I will rise.

            (Creakily, THE HEALER sits up.  He is veiled in blankets and darkness.  He
            holds out his hand and makes a magic sign.)

                   THE HEALER (Continued)
You are healed.

THE SUPPLICANT
Am I?  Am I really?  Oh, master, is it true?  Thank the Lord!  Thank the Lord!  I’m healed!  I’m healed!

            (THE SUPPLICANT runs off shouting.  After he is gone, THE HEALER sighs
            like all the world.)

THE HEALER
Ah, I am so tired . . .

            (He lies back down and folds his arms across his chest, as in death.)

            THE END