The McKenna family gathers at their remote west of

Ireland holiday home to mark the twenty-first birthday of

their late son Gene.
?,
Cousin Bridget appears along the causeway, inviting z
herself for birthday cake and conversation, ready to expose
a family secret. Even the powerful personalities
of Gene's parents can't hold things together in the face of
an unexpected visit from the past.

There Game iz Gypsy Riding premiered at the Almcida

Theatre, London, in January 2007.

:4;
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 Cover photograph 0 Arthur Tress/Photonica/
Getty Images

www.faber.co.uk

ex £8.99 ieu, ISBN 9 7 8 -0 - 57 1-23303-8

ALMEIDA 1111111111111111111111111 Frank McGuinness

There Came a Gypsy Riding was first performed at the
Almeida Theatre, London, on i i January 2.007. The cast,
in order of appearance, was as follows:

Bridget Eileen Atkins Louise Elaine

Cassidy Simon Aidan McArdle
Margaret Imelda Staunton Leo Ian
McElhinney

Directed by Michael
Attenborough Designed by Robert
Jones Lighting Paul Pyant Sound
Paul Arditti
 Characters

Leo McKenna
a husband
Margaret
his wife
Louise
their daughter
Simon
their son
Bridget
a distant cousin

The McKennas have a younger son, Gene,

who is dead. He would have been twenty-one
the weekend they gather here in the play.
The play is set in the west of Ireland.
The time is now.
 Act One

Morning.
The magnificent early light of the west of Ireland. It
shines brilliantly on the causeway.
Inside the house the light is more subdued, but it is
still alive, more threatening, more revealing than electric
light could ever be.
There are two loft beds with a ladder up to them at
one side of the kitchen.
There is a bedroom and bathroom not seen onstage.
There is a summer seat on the causeway.
The light catches Simon turning in his sleep, in his loft
bed, his arm reaching out as if to catch something.
He relaxes, curling into a foetal position, his sheet
tossed aside.
Louise irons on the kitchen table.
She puts the finishing touches to a man's shirt.
From offstage Bridget's voice is heard singing.
Bridget
There came a gypsy riding, riding, riding,
There came a gypsy riding e-i-o.
What are you riding here for, here for, here for,
What are you riding here for, e-i-o?
Louise quietly joins in the song.
Louise Riding here to marry, marry, marry -
Louise stops singing.
Bridget resumes the song.

3
Bridget Bridget Are they not here yet — Margaret and Leo?
Riding here to marry, marry, marry -
Riding here to marry, e-i-o. Louise They'll be here soon. They left Dublin at the
break of day.
Bridget appears on the causeway.
She pushes a child's empty buggy. Bridget Is Margaret driving?
She is dressed as a woman of her age and her place would Louise Yes, Ma's driving. She goes slow.
be dressed although she does wear worn, pale pink
"wellingtons. Bridget So they've not arrived, Louise?
She continues singing as she slowly pushes the buggy Louise No, Bridget — they'll be here soon.
along the causeway.
Bridget Are you ironing? Jesus, I hope you never do
Who are you going to marry, marry, marry, that on a Sunday. If you do and you die, the mark of a
Who are you going to marry, e-i-o? hot iron will be burnt on your back. Can you imagine
Marry all your children, children, children, the agony of that? It's why I never learned to do it —
Marry all your children, e-i-o. ironing. I'm like your mother in that way. Lazy about a
Simon wakes up in his bed. house. Maybe she's just slow. That's why she drives the
way she does.
Here's your sixpence, here's your ring,
Goodbye, children, goodbye. Louise Ma's many things, Bridget, but she's not lazy.

Bridget, Louise and Simon sing together. Bridget But she hates ironing, though — do you know
why? Your father told me. In her grandparents' house,
Trio years ago, somebody left one heating on a chair. Your
Here's your sixpence, here's your ring, mother — she would have been seven years old — she sat
Goodbye, children, goodbye. on it. Scalded her arse red. Took the flesh from her left
Bridget is now visible to Louise through the open door. Louise buttock. The poor bitch was purple. They all laughed at
continues ironing. the wee fucker. All she could do was cry when they'd
Simon rises slowly. roar at her, 'Hi Margaret, how's your bum?' Imagine
He pulls a pair of jeans over his boxers. sitting on a hot iron, imagine being that stupid.
As the scene progresses he wears a T-shirt and Bridget points to the buggy.
trainers.
What do you make of this contraption?
Louise Jesus, that's an old one, Bridget. I've not heard The
Gypsy Riding' since we were kids. Louise leaves the ironing and looks at the buggy.
Bridget What time is it? I found it abandoned down on the shore. Somebody must
have thrown it away. People are rotten with money these
Louise It's nearly three o'clock, Bridget. days. Waste not, want not — forget that philosophy.

4 5
People spend money like water. But am I not the explain this sorry state of affairs. Do you know why this
lucky woman that they do? Isn't this grand for me? happened?
Look I can just lean on it. It makes my walking far
Louise Tell me why.
easier. Look -
Bridget The girl can't help it. This girl can't help it. Had
She wheels the buggy along the causeway.
you looked at me forty years ago, you would have seen
Do you see the speed of me? the future of rock and roll. Nobody did so. They missed
out. But I didn't. That is why I always have a big laugh
Louise Very handy, Bridget. on my face and it far ahead of the rest of my body. I can
Bridget Amn't I the right Stirling Moss? only describe this in one of two ways. Either it's a
miracle or I'm completely mad. God's never blessed me
Louise I don't know who Stirling Moss is, Bridget. particularly. So I rule out the miracles. That leaves
Bridget Do you know, pet, neither do I. He must have madness. I'll have to plump for that, and it's very much
been somebody sometime. Isn't it desperate to forget against my will. I've no sympathy for ladies who go ga-
things? I'm going to tell you this, Louise. I have to ga. I find it very suspicious the way they're always
remind myself to remember that I'm waiting for the car. throwing up their skirts and wearing no drawers. If I
When I don't see it, I have to come here and tell you that want to attract a man, I'll use more than my bare arse.
I'm watching out for Margaret and Leo. I have to make Louise That's a useful tip — I'll remember.
sure I know they haven't arrived. You've to tell me
they're coming. Because I forget — I would forget my Bridget You could do worse. Yes, madness — it has to be.
own head if it weren't attached to my shoulders. And I know when it dates from. The day and hour I found
him.
Louise You're lucky it is, then.
Silence.
Bridget No, dear, occasionally it's not. Isn't that strange?
I can be merrily walking along these roads. Mile upon Stretched out cold — on the shore. The White Strand. An
mile, to and fro from my house. I look in front of me - Tra Ban, as we say in Gaelic. The empty shore. But it
there's my head half a mile in the distance, chatting wasn't empty, it wasn't white — it was red, he was there,
nineteen to the dozen. I get the shock of my life. your brother. I was never the same. Never will be. Never
again.
Louise Aye — you must.
Simon speaks in the bedroom above.
Bridget The best of it is — I'm always smiling. The good
time girl who lost her head. I tell you, I'm visibly shaken. Simon Bridget, for the love of Christ, please, don't be
Who could have predicted this would have been my end? A there to greet them with this.
woman decapitated — I tell you, I'm the new Jayne Bridget And his wrists — that's what were red -
Mansfield. And unlike that poor unfortunate I can
Louise Bridget, I can't —

6 7
Bridget Jesus, the red on the white strand — my cousin Bridget Who gives a fuck what you called him? It does not
had taken his own life - matter now. The poor child — he's gone. I'll be on my way.
I'll call down to see them when they're settled. Was the house
Louise Bridget, I beg you, please - warm enough?
Bridget What am I thinking of? Louise It was perfect as always, Bridget -
Silence. Bridget Could you not have called up to tell me -
You don't want to see it. Of course not. Your poor, poor Louise You always get it ready — you spoil us -
brother. The youngest of you all.
Bridget I thought you might have called to my house -
Silence.
Louise This is not the easiest of times -
The mistake. That's what me and your mother used to
Bridget Thanks — that's all I wanted you to say.
joke. I called him the last of the name. Yes, the last of
the litter. We would laugh at him in his carry-cot. They Louise You know we thank you.
bought this place for half-nothing the year before he was Bridget I do my best. What more can I do?
born. I helped them buy it. Jesus, I found it for them.
They were family. Is that — how long is that? It must be She moves on, wheeling the buggy, patting it.
twenty years or more?
This is a wonderful find for me. Isn't it great the way
Louise and Simon speak in duet. you can depend on the sea? Who knows what it will
throw up next? I believe it invented the wheel. I
Duet Twenty-two.
begrudge it that. I wish I had. Ah well, if wishes were
Bridget Refresh my memory. You and Simon were barely granted, beggars would be horses.
walking. So he would be - She looks at Louise.
Louise Twenty-one. This weekend. Well remembered, Do you know, I'd love to be a horse? I would have been
cousin. happy as a horse. Why am I talking like this? It's down to the
Bridget Don't honour me with that close connection. So he weather. Give your mother my compliments of the Christmas
would have been — season.

Louise Twenty-one. This weekend. Gene - Louise This is not December, woman, we're in the
middle of July.
Bridget I see. That's why you're here. Dear Jesus, and I
Bridget Dear God, isn't it all go? Time — time — I can't
am rabbiting on about finding the poor boy. Poor
keep up with it. No, I was never the same. Since I found
Eugene.
him. It was the red wrists. Red as a robin, a June robin.
Louise Poor Gene — we called him — But no, no — he was dead. Suicide. He'd be twenty-one

8 9

cAVINV,,3ii,aetrWtaig
this weekend. My God, you'll shed some tears. You Louise goes back to the ironing. Is
shouldn't. He didn't for you. Don't mind me, I'm an old fool.
it a deal?
Look after Mammy and Daddy. Bye-bye.
She wheels off the buggy. She does not answer.
There is a piercing cry of seagulls. It's why I wanted to come down a few days earlier. Just you
Louise starts in fear. and me. If you want to give off, do it to me.
Simon has climbed down the ladder to the kitchen.
Louise I will not indulge -
Simon Has she left the scene of the crime?
Simon It is not indulgence -
Louise She has, yes.
Louise To wallow -
Simon Did she go on about it?
Simon It is not -
Louise She did. And could you blame her? The poor
Louise This weekend is wallowing, no matter what we say.
woman. The shock of it, finding him. Fuck him.
I indulge in it for their sake.
Simon You're not being very nice -
She sings.
Louise About my poor brother -
Twenty-one today,
Simon Your poor, dead brother. Twenty-one today,
Louise I'm sick of my poor, dead brother. Sick of having to Never been twenty-one before,
watch my mouth. I'm already sick of this weekend. Not He'll get the key to the door.
allowed to speak my mind. Not allowed one drink. Why Silence.
punish us -
Well, he'll get no key. He is not twenty-one. He is dead
Simon Not just us. They're punishing themselves. Can in his grave. We may fool ourselves with some fanta sy
you believe it? Ma and Da on the wagon for nearly two he can hear us. He cannot. But we'll play the game. I
years? will get through it, because you ask me. I will do as you
Louise A glass of wine might poison us. It might bring on wish. Keep the peace.
the waterworks - Simon You have to, Louise. Still fragile — very fragile -
Simon And they might not stop. both of them.

Louise Mine have stopped, Simon. She stops ironing.

Simon Let's get through it, Loui — just that alone, keep Louise They're getting there. They're getting over it. She's
the peace. settled well back in college. Dominating the English
Department. He's recovered enough to keep expanding

I 0 II

-"7'77:.;433,p,mTlf-,W***:0Y,IVtIFIALTt,05%.0034M,Yognat
the empire. Jesus, I pity any poor bastard who tried to cross Louise I was thinking more of you and him. Sister and
him during his mourning. As if any who worked for him brother — old hat. I was imagining a spot of queer sex. We
would try — can put it all down to an excess of brotherly love.
Everything neat and tidy.
Simon The man's heart was broken -
Simon Sister, you have the mind of a sewer.
Louise His heart, yes, no denying that. But I know my
father. A tear in one eye and a laser at the other ready to Louise That is true. I do hope you are queer. I want no
blast you away. Ready to decimate anyone who'd step woman coming between us. And I would take such delight
out of line. in seducing your boyfriend.
Simon He's a fair man. You saw the way they comforted him Margaret has entered the causeway.
— She looks about the place.
Louise At the funeral? From the bar managers down to Simon I think I may disappoint you there, lady. I like to
the girls who collect the glasses? They were there in hang out -
multitudes. They must really be terrified of him. Louise With girls — I know.
Simon Of Da? Don't be - Margaret sits on one of the seats.
Louise When he's wounded, he might be at his worst. Margaret Well, we've avoided Bridget.
Who knows where he'd bite next? That's what links our
mammy and daddy. Their great strength — they are Louise And you never tried out my clothes. Gene did.
decidedly unpredictable. And they are tough as rock. Well, once he did.
Simon The rock breaks, Louise. Margaret That's a good omen.
She embraces him. Simon He dressed up as a woman?
Louise How do you survive us all? How are you a Louise Not quite. I dressed him up. He was seven.
brother to this hardhearted Hannah? What have I done Simon Why did you do it?
to deserve you, you soft lump of shite?
Simon No funny business, sister. He Louise It was raining. Do you think it affected him? I
doubt it. At least he spared us that sight. He wasn't
disengages himself. stretched out in Mummy's chiffon.
Louise Wouldn't it be great if it was as simple as that? A wee Simon Can you see our mother in chiffon?
bit of incest. That's why he did it.
Louise Ma is more the tar-and-feather type. She goes for the
Simon You and Gene — primitive look. I remember once getting into a fight

I2. 13
at school. I was battered. She saw my black eye and Margaret Of course I am. Yes, Simon — it's you.
thought it was mascara. She said it suited me.
Louise And me, Louise.
Simon What's keeping them? Margaret Of course it's Louise. Who else would it be?
Louise They'll be on time. Louise Who indeed?
Simon You're right not to cook anything. Louise
Simon gives her a warning look.
You must remember — I can't boil an egg. Louise pulls a face back at him.
Margaret enters the cottage.
Margaret rises from the seat.
They start to imitate her voice. Margaret I am roasted. That car was like an oven. There
was not a breath of air from here to Dublin. The heat of
Simon A perfectly boiled egg.
the day. Your father offered to drive for me. I ate the
Louise Four and a half minutes. face off him. We didn't speak since we hit Mayo. I was
dying to open a window, but he made no move to open
Simon Not five minutes.
his, so I wouldn't give him the satisfaction of air blowing
Louise Not four. through mine. Let him stew.
Simon Four and a half minutes. She turns to Louise.
Louise For a perfect boiled egg. I know you can hardly boil an egg, but do you think you
could rise to a cup of tea?
Simon Perfect.
Louise I might. Would you like some Earl
Margaret Children, I hear you all.
Grey? Margaret Would you like some vomit?
Louise Hi ya, Ma, welcome.
Louise What's wrong with Earl Grey?
Simon You drove here safe?
Margaret Its distinctively smoky aroma. Jesus, it's like
Margaret Are you three pups mocking your mother?
drinking an ashtray. If I liked Earl Grey, I would hardly
Silence. have quit the cigarettes. Just an ordinary cup of tea,
Louise puts a finger to Simon's lips. please.
Louise Just me and Simon, Ma, acting the eejit, the two of Louise I'll make your tea.
us.
Simon Where's Da?
Margaret registers shock at her forgetfulness.
Margaret Getting stuff from the car.
Simon Are you all right, Ma?
Simon Will I give him a hand?

14 15

•
Margaret Am I stopping you?
Louise I thought you loved teaching Ben Jonson.
Simon No, Mama Bear, you are not, and I hope Margaret He's left me.
Goldilocks is in better temper.
Louise Da?
Margaret Goldilocks — is that how you refer to your
father? Louise pours tea.
Simon I'll stop calling him - Margaret Ben Jonson. I just don't seem to have — to
Margaret You will continue calling him Goldilocks. have the skill for it any more. I once had the energy that
Especially when I am there. I know how much it will nothing daunted me, but now — let me forget about
annoy him. Go out and give him a hand, Simon. He'll college this weekend. Louise, where is the tea?
be all day. Louise There you go -
Simon goes out. She hands her the tea.
What kind of form is he in — Simon? Margaret tastes it.
Louise OK. Margaret Grand — all right.
Margaret Has he come down here to blubber? Is that why Louise Not perfect.
you came down earlier than us? I want no weeping
this weekend. That goes for all of us. Margaret What?

Louise Mother — we'll do as you command. Don't we Louise All right — grand. I'll have one myself.
always? She pours herself a cup of tea and they drink in
Margaret No, you don't, Louise. I'm afraid you don't. silence.
Leo and Simon enter the causeway.
Louise How is Da? Leo carries a suitcase and a black plastic bag full of
Margaret Saying nothing. Not one word. Weren't you food.
listening to me? Saving all his shite jokes for the two of Simon carries another heavy rucksack.
you. Breaking your hearts laughing. Jesus, your father - Simon Jesus, what has she packed in here?
which is he worse as? The Silent Woman or Bartholomew
Fair? Leo That woman carries the contents of the Titanic
every time we come down here. I swear to Christ, she
Louise What - goes down diving through the cold Atlantic every time
Margaret Plays by Ben Jonson. Fuck Ben Jonson. Too my back is turned.
hard for students now. The effort of getting them to read
Simon She can't even swim, Da.
him. Even the good ones.

16 17
Leo She probably threatens some poor merman to carry her She pours it into her own cup.
on his back.
I'm so sorry — were you gasping for a cup of tea? Well,
Simon How would you threaten a merman? you know where the tap is. Make it yourself. Or better still
— have a long drink of water. Like yourself.
Leo With a very big fish-knife. She's had plenty of
practice on me. Leo How did I first fall for your mother?
Simon Poor old ball-less fucker. Simon Looks?
Leo I wouldn't bank on that, boyo. I could still fix you. Margaret Personality?
Simon Quit complaining. Leo No — it was her way of opening bottles with her
They enter the cottage. breath.
Margaret You would know — you've opened a fair few in
Leo I'll complain in my own house — which it is.
your pubs.
Margaret I might have some say in that.
Leo I've never drunk the profits.
Leo I'm sure you might. Here, now -
Margaret Something I've always admired — how careful
He dumps down what he's carrying. with money you are. Some might even say miserly. In fact,
Are you happy? isn't that your nickname? Mean — mean dog.
She howls like a dog.
Margaret Happy — happy — would someone remind me
of what that word means? Leo Who dares to call me that?
Leo Have you forgotten? Why's that? Have you Margaret Me — your loving wife of many years standing.
Alzheimer's?
Leo Aye, standing when you're sober enough.
Margaret I might have. You could be landed with me
Margaret I do my bit for the family business. I've never
dribbling at the mouth and peeing myself.
asked you for a free drink, and I've never been offered.
Leo You do that already — you've been doing it for Mean — mean dog.
years. So, I'll cope.
Louise I'll make more tea.
Margaret That's nice to know.
Simon I'll help you.
Leo Louise, is there any tea? Would you pour your
Margaret How does it take two people to make a pot
father a cup?
of tea?
Margaret I think there's only one cup left. Leo When one is more useless than the other.

r8 19
Margaret You have them as you rear them. She nearly breaks down as she returns to her own
Louise Sometimes you don't have them, even though you voice.
reared them. They're not there any more. Are they? He would not have known what he was doing -
Silence. Margaret I said I wanted no weeping this weekend. I'm
Stop it now. Stop it immediately. I will not put up with this going in for a rest, Leo, you do as you want.
one minute longer. She goes into the bedroom, carrying a suitcase.
Leo What are you talking about? Louise whispers.
Louise You always run away, Ma.
Louise Do you not know what I'm talking about? I
think you do. I'm nipping this performance in the bud. Simon What in fuck brought that on?
Because it is all a pretence. I'm not playing, Da. Louise I wanted to be sure we know why we're here. He
Leo Playing what? was sure what he was doing. To make sure he would die,
my brother poisoned himself with drink and cut open his
Louise Pretending this is happy families. Don't dare do
wrists. That's how he was found. Bled red. We assemble
that. Don't dare act as if nothing's happened. As if
here in his name, to do what? Remember his death, or
nothing's changed. We can sit here and listen to the
banter between our loud but loving parents. One word remember his birth? Twenty-one years ago he came into
our world. Two years ago he left it. His choice. His way.
borrowing another, but sure it's all only our way — our
His will. Neat and tidy. Everything neat and tidy.
way of saying nothing. I will no longer listen to that. I
will not do it. That's my way of keeping the peace, Leo's cup falls from his hand.
Simon. I'm going out for a walk now. Down to the
Well done, Gene. You're shutting me up. But I don't
shore.
believe you're listening. I'm not afraid of you.
Margaret Louise, that's enough. Simon You're speaking out of turn, Loui. I think you're
Louise Down to where my brother Gene died. overtired. Do what Ma's doing. Go for a sleep.
Margaret I said, enough. Leo Do what your brother tells you -
Louise Dead at his own hand. He had downed every Louise Which brother? I think the dead brother wants
drop of alcohol he could find in this house. Consumed me to do what he tells me. Go for a walk down to where
a fierce amount of alcohol. That's what the coroner's he died. All right, I will do as I am told — will we all
report says. I can hear his Galway voice. do as he tells us, our dead brother, your dead son?
She mimics a Galway accent. She leaves the cottage.

A fierce amount of drink. A mountain of drink. Leo Louise, don't stray too far. We might have a long hike
later in the afternoon.

2.0 2. 1
 She calls back, exiting.
I'll do what you want, Da, whatever you want. Act Two

Leo So it's started.

Simon As it has to.
Leo We'll get through it, won't we? In the kitchen, Margaret prepares a chicken for cooking. It
There is a fierce cry of seabirds. is already cut into pieces.
Fade. Simon peels potatoes.
On the table are two lemons, carrots, broccoli and a
cauliflower.
Margaret I presume you know better than I do — is that one
still on medication?
Simon Louise — no, she gave it up six months ago. She's
still seeing a counsellor now and again.
Margaret Grief counsellor?
Simon That's what they're called.
Margaret I gave up on them when I heard the racket one
was doing with a medium, God forgive me saying the
word. They were recommending each other to poor
innocents. Then they'd exchange information and
convince people they knew how to get through the
mourning.
Simon Vultures.
Margaret I told you about the one waiting for me
outside my office.
Simon You did.
Margaret Running up to tell me my son was happy -
she'd been talking to him the night before. You can
imagine my answer back to her.
Simon She deserved it, I'm sure.

2.3
Margaret A good day's hiking down that mountain will be Margaret You never told me that, Simon.
good for the two of them.
Simon I didn't think I'd need to, so I'm telling you now.
Simon hums 'Climb Every Mountain'. We all have our ways of coping. Sobriety — that's how
you and Dad manage. I hand it to you — you've kept it
The Sound of Music — Julie Andrews warbling through the
up for nearly two years. I don't know how you do it.
streets of Salzburg — watching it I knew why we invented
the nuclear bomb. Margaret I had to. I nearly had a breakdown. When I was
Simon Jesus, poor Julie Andrews. lecturing one morning last year, I nearly went under. I did, in
fact --
Margaret Fuck her. What did she ever do for Ireland?
Simon You said nothing to me -
Simon She's an Englishwoman.
Margaret To no one. It only lasted one morning. I was in
Margaret I rest my case. that big barn of a theatre — first year, five hundred
Simon How long till they're here? students. There I was, pontificating to them about John
Keats. And it dawned on me how young — so very young
Margaret When hunger hits them. They're like two he was when he died -
goats, the way they can scale safely down that path. My
Simon Jesus, Ma, that was close to the bone. Could
heart was in my mouth the days I was trying it. I was
someone else not have taught that?
always a mile behind them. You weren't much better
than me. They never ever waited for us. Marching on Margaret I'd never realised how young — it never
ahead, regardless. Why are you saying nothing? dawned on me until I had begun that lecture.
Simon Have I had a chance to say anything? She stops preparing the chicken.
Margaret Who's stopping you? She takes the potatoes Simon has peeled.
She washes them in a basin of cold water.
Simon You've barely taken time to breathe.
I was saying the intensity of his letters — his late poems -
Margaret Give my head peace. Have you enough spuds and the letters are poetry in their own way — it was due
peeled? to him dying, knowing he was dying too soon, a young
Simon Not yet. man. When I said the words, I lost my voice. Lost it
completely. Stopped speaking. The students twigged it.
Margaret You would have thought I'd lose weight giving up They knew about Gene, your brother. What they didn't
drink. Not a sign of a difference. I'm eating more. Food know was I could see his face in every one of them. Boys,
tastes better. Do you find that? girls, my son's face. And I stood there, thinking, this is no
Simon No, I don't drink in your house or in your good. Everything I've said this day, everything I've said in
every lecture, it's no good. I'm no good. I just stood there
company. Elsewhere, I do. So does Louise.
seeing my child — my child repeated in row

2
.4 2.5
after row of students I'd let down. I could feel them that department. All is buried and done for. Marked and
panicking. I think they believed I was going to collapse. corrected. The best way to work together. I did so. But it
To die in front of them. I said you will have to excuse was close. Closer than I'd like to admit. For it was in
me. I am not well. This is pointless. All pointless. Keats - public. Not smart, my lad.
his poetry is all fear, fear of dying, dying young.
Simon Why didn't you tell me?
The potatoes are all washed.
Margaret I thought you might have had enough to deal
I understand that now. I understand why he wrote, with.
`When I have fears that I may cease to be Before Simon Did Da know?
my pen has glean'd my teeming brain —'
Margaret He believed what I told him. A heavy flu,
`My teeming brain —' that's what I had.
Silence. She points to the lemon.
What comes next? Cut one lemon in half and slice the other. He
Simon does so.
`Before high-piled books in charactery Hold
like rich garners the full-ripen'd grain; When Give me the two halves.
I behold upon the night's starr'd face Huge
She squeezes the juice over the chicken.
cloudy symbols of a high romance, And She places the pieces in a roasting tin.
think that I may never live to trace Their She squirts olive oil over the chicken.
shadows with the magic hand of chance; And
Simon hands her the slices of lemon.
when I feel, fair creature of an hour, That I
She places them over the chicken, together with
shall never look at thee more —'
some bay leaves.
Margaret 'Never look upon thee more —' Yes, I I wonder is your father going to leave me?
remember. I stopped there. I told them — the lecture
was over. I must have lasted no more than ten minutes - Simon Why would he do that?
quarter of an hour. I don't recall how I got back to my
Margaret I'm ancient. Well past childbearing. He's a rich old
office. Someone kind gave me a lift home. I was three
fool. Men are all eejits. They fall for young whores.
days in bed. Sick as a dog. I really believed I'd never
face another lecture again. Simon Is he that rich?
Simon But you did. Margaret If you stepped out of your bookshop job and went
Margaret I faced it the following Monday. As if nothing into his business you'd know there's plenty salted away.
happened. Quickly forgotten. That's the way we work in Maybe you do know that. Anyway, that's not the

2.6 27

6,
point. The first thing you should have pointed out is that I am Simon Was he not the same? Cruel, hurtful, doing what he
not an ancient old cow. did?
Simon Who called you an ancient old cow? Margaret When did this come into your head?
Margaret I did. Just now. Contradict me. Simon When does it not? Are you telling me it never
enters yours?
Simon No.
Margaret fiercely prepares vegetables, segmenting
Margaret Why not? broccoli, chopping carrots, dicing the cauliflower.
Simon I like cows. Margaret Do you know what I'm going to tell you, sir?
Margaret Good for you. Simon Tell me — do you not ever -
Simon Good for me. How much is he worth anyway? Margaret I tell you that beneath that lackadaisical
Margaret I'm not sure — a fair whack. manner you share one great fault with your father -
Simon What would that be, Mother?
Simon What's a fair whack?
Margaret Deeply — very deeply inside both — you two
Margaret Simon, I know next to nothing about money. believe money is really all that matters. You don't have
It's all fucking figures to me. I'm not great at numbers. to worry about money, that's why you don't talk about it.
We have enough. We have more than enough. We You know how much you'll inherit. Why push yourself
educated you and we could well have afforded you do now when it's waiting for you later? Your da makes
doctorates, but you finish your master's and go to work money — hand-over-fist money — he hoards money,
in a bookshop. Louise does her degree and wants to more and more money. Where's it got him? He has no
teach primary school. That's what you want to do. Do it.
more learned what you have never thought of learning. It
But you are in a very lucky position, the two of you. If
does not buy you everything, money. There are times
you each want to buy a house, we'll give you a deposit.
when it's for fuck all. It can't -
You can afford to buy somewhere in Dublin. There are
few your age in your choice of employment who can do Simon Bring back the dead. I never thought it could. Did
that. That's how much - he? Did you?
Simon If Gene had lived, would you still be able to Silence.
afford that? How do you bring back the dead, Ma?
Margaret Jesus, what kind of question is that? Margaret Work, Simon. I work — hard. What do you do,
Silence. son?
Simon I let the dead stay buried.
Is that all you think of your dead brother? Is that what you
ask me? It is cruel, it is hurtful — Margaret That's sensible.

z8 29
Simon And I'm still Simon You're very proud of your native county.
here. Margaret So am I. Margaret I am indeed — fiercely so.
Simon Smart lady. Simon That's why you rarely go back?
Margaret Smelly lady — that's what I am right now. Margaret It's home. Love it — leave it.
Very smelly lady. A shower — that's what I need. You
Simon When will I start cooking?
and Louise will be preening yourselves tonight. I need to
use it now. That trickle of water takes an age to get clean Margaret Now — they'll be back soon, hungry as wolves.
under. I need to wash myself. Why did he not leave a
Simon Are we inviting cousin Bridget?
note? Your brother -
Margaret Bridget — I should, but Jesus, I don't think I can
Simon I don't know.
face her.
Margaret That might have made it a bit easier. What
would he have said in it? Simon The constant interrogation?
Margaret Yes. Maybe lunch tomorrow. Not tonight.
Silence.
Simon On your own head be it.
`When I have fears that I may cease to be —'
Simon But he didn't have those fears. He places the chicken in the oven.
Margaret Don't I know it.
Margaret I suppose he didn't. He had some kind of
courage. That's some consolation. He wasn't afraid. He places the pot of spuds on the cooker.
Simon Go in and take your shower, Ma. Thanks, Simon — for the 'help — with the dinner.
Margaret Jesus, it's far from showers I was reared. I'll Simon Of course — with the dinner.
never forget when a neighbour got the first fridge in the
town. We all trooped round to watch it open and close. She eyes him carefully.
She exits to the shower.
Simon It's a wonder you survived - Simon hums 'Climb Every Mountain'.
Margaret The Donegal winters? He finishes the vegetables.
During this Louise enters.
Simon I was thinking more of the Donegal summers. She throws herself onto one of the seats.
What difference is there between -
Louise Jesus, my very arse is aching.
Margaret The rain is warmer in summer. You don't tan —
Simon calls from the house.
you rust. We don't need fancy swimming pools. We have
roads. We can swim down them. Simon Are you back?

30 3
Louise I said my arse is aching. Louise A beer would be nice.
Simon There are people who pay good money for that kind of Simon Lovely.
pleasure.
Louise Or a cider. I remember the lovely cider in
Louise I am not into that perversion. Yet. I'm gasping Brittany. That summer I spent learning French in Lorient,
for a cold drink. Is there water in the fridge? Bring us out a the bottle frozen at your lips. I can smell the apples
glass. souring into sweet alcohol — a miracle.
He pours water. She sings.
Simon May I offer my commiserations and enquire Ces sont les fines de Lorient jolies,
about the sad passing of your late domestic servant? Ces sont les fines de Lorient,
Louise What? Mon dieu, qu'elles sont jolies, mon dieu,
Mon dieu, qu'elles sont jolies, Ion-la.
Simon What did your last maid die of?
Louise Shut up, Simon. I'm in agony.
Simon You do need a drink.
31682
Louise I know the rules. Leo
Simon Does Dad want one?
enters.
Louise He's not here. He went down to the beach.
Leo I was having a look at that old currach abandoned on the
Silence.
shore.
Simon He is all right? Simon There's little left of it.
Louise He's fine. Leo The sea's eaten it away nearly. I'm sorry I didn't do
Simon I'll pour him some water. what I'd once planned. Try to put it together again. We
could have learned to use it. All of us.
Louise Where's Mum?
Louise Can you see my mother setting foot on a
Simon She's having a shower. currach?
Simon comes out of the house with two glasses of Leo I was thinking of the boys. Three of us. I always
water.
think it mad to be surrounded by water and have no kind
He gives one to Louise. of boat. Would you have enjoyed it, Simon? Would he
Cheers. — Gene?
Louise I wish it was something stronger. Simon I don't know.
Simon You know the rules. Leo You never asked him — should we get a boat? He
never said anything to you, did he? It's just dawned on

3. 33
me that if he knew how to sail, say, or just take a boat out Louise Which of the two of you wanted to come here for
into the water, he might have loved to do it. this?
Louise I don't think Ma would have let him, Daddy. Leo It was the two of us. We're glad you came with us.
Leo He would not have had to tell her. He could have Simon We wanted to come.
got up early. Even late at night, when we were asleep,
Leo Just for this year. His twenty-first. She's getting -
he could have been alone, drifting through the darkness,
getting more used — she's not bought a present. She still
calm,. calming himself, away from us, in control of the
did up to last Christmas. I knew it was for him. A pair of
boat. Would he have liked that, do you think?
shoes in his size. I confronted her. She said she'd
Simon He might have. forgotten he was dead. It slipped her mind when she was
hassled shopping. I told her I didn't believe her. I said,
Leo But you don't know. Neither do I. That's a new one,
Margaret, that's a lie. This carry-on has to stop, lady.
isn't it? Another excuse. If we'd had a boat, my son
would have lived. Am I listening to myself? Am I going And stop it has. There's no birthday presents. We'll just
mad? eat together tonight.
Louise Are we inviting Bridget?
Simon I poured you a glass of iced water.
Leo takes it and drinks. Simon Herself says no — not tonight.
Louise She'll expect to be asked.
Leo How long is your mother going to keep us on an
alcohol-free diet? Simon She's not asked.
Simon You never break out - Louise She'll have a face on her.
Louise When she's not there? Leo She can take it off her. We want nobody but
ourselves tonight.
Leo Alarmous Kate — your mother — the woman is
always there, fretting. Louise She's just like a child, Da -
Simon She told me today about the breakdown. Leo Then you deal with her, teacher — it's what you do -
Louise What breakdown? Louise I'd face fifty crying kids rather than one hell-bent
Bridget -
Simon Near breakdown — she passed it off as a bad flu.
Did you know? Simon You were her favourite when we were youngsters.
Leo I made a guess. I did nothing. She went back to Louise Face it — I was nobody's favourite. You were
work. We keep working. That's our way of coping. always the prodigy and were going to write masterpieces.
Might not be the best way, but so far — so far it's got us Gene was great at maths and science. Muggins here was
through. the eejit stuck in the middle, going to end up —

34 35
Leo Would you like to buy a house? Leo You didn't enjoy it?
Silence. Louise I really missed Gene.
Each of you, a house — money down, no mortgage? Silence.
Simon You're talking a fortune. Simon He loved the mountain.
Leo Maybe so. I've my finger in a fair few pubs. The Silence.
Irish drink. We're pissing our prosperity into the wind.
They're lining my pockets nicely. It's all honestly got. That's why he died here.
It's natural I should share it with my children. Fuck Leo We do know that, Simon. Keep your mouth shut.
waiting till I'm dead. No pockets in the shroud.
Simon We're not supposed to mention it still? Jesus, isn't
Simon Have you run this by Mother? this why we came here this weekend? Are we going to be
allowed to remember him, me and Louise? Or are you
Leo How can she stop me giving you what's going to be
and Ma going to be the sole mourners?
yours? How is either of you going to get a deposit -
Louise By our own efforts — me teaching kids, him Margaret enters the causeway.
selling books - Margaret How have we put a stop to your mourning?
Leo You've done what you want to do. I've not stood in Louise As you never tire to remind us, we're in your house.
your way. I don't need to. I know what's going to happen In there your rules reign.
when it comes to the crunch. The two of you will take
over the business. Margaret And you know why? They work.

Louise I don't think so - Simon Ma, sometimes it might be better -

Margaret We give way? We give in? We start to wonder out
Leo I do. You know why — your mother. Do you
imagine that hard-headed Donegal woman will let a loud why he did it? Sorry, no, Simon, not my way. Do the
goldmine slip through our fingers? I doubt it. So do you. wondering elsewhere.
Where is she anyway? Silence.
Simon She went in for a shower a while ago. She sits on a seat.

Leo That was a nice climb, wasn't it, pet? I've had my shower. I've left enough water. Your da will
surely be a gentleman and let the lady refresh herself.
Louise It was not, Da, no. Louise, do you stink after your physical exertions?
Margaret enters the kitchen. Louise A lady never stinks, Mama. My very farts are
Silence. perfume.

36 37
Margaret Really? I wish you'd told me that when I was Bridget That was hours ago. Not a sign of you since
cleaning your ass as an infant. You weren't much better, my then. I remembered the old saying. If the mountain
big son. won't go to the mountain, then Mohammed must go to
She pulls Simon onto her knee and ruffles his hair. Mohammed. What in Jesus does that mean? Has it
something to do with cooking? Now that's a lovely smell
Don't cross your old mother. Her bark is worse than her from the kitchen. What is it?
bite.
Simon It is chicken, Bridget.
She kisses his hand.
Bridget Dear me, very swanky, chicken and it not even
Louise I see a visitor approaching. Christmas, so Louise reminded me. Do you know, I would
Margaret and Simon stand. not thank you for chicken. I would not thank you.

Margaret Bridget? What is she pushing in front of her? Margaret Why is that, Bridget?

Louise A child's buggy. She found it somewhere. She's Bridget They're disgusting. Rolling in the muck,
using it as a walking frame. grunting, the smell of their dung would knock you
down. Some people won't touch their flesh for religious
Margaret Is she getting shaky on her pins? reasons. I've heard tell of one eating an infant -
Louise Compliment her on it. She thinks it's great. Leo That's pigs, woman.
Simon Wait for the pressure to be asked tonight. Are you Bridget In these parts, it's chicken. Revolting. What are you
going to relent, Ma? having with it?
Margaret I'll ask her to lunch tomorrow before we Simon Potatoes.
leave.
Bridget My God, no. Very unlucky. I wouldn't put a
Louise How are you going to fend her off? potato in my mouth. Do you know that years ago -
Margaret By saying nothing. The rest of you, do the centuries ago — around here people were poisoned
same. eating potatoes? They were lying by the side of the road
foaming at the mouth, seeing things from too much of
Leo You're a brave woman if you succeed. the accursed vegetable. They had a name for it -
Bridget enters wheeling the buggy. Louise The Famine — the Irish Famine?
Here comes the stranger. How are you, cousin? Bridget How in fuck was it a Famine? They were eating
Margaret I was about to call up to see you. spuds like savages. No, if I remember correctly, it was
called the Feed. The Dirty Feed. Do you know what I'm
Louise I told her you'd been down to see if they'd going to tell you? Ireland never recovered from it. The
arrived — potato. Filthy creatures. Have you ever tasted snake?

38 39
Margaret I haven't. Leo No, you don't.
Bridget Neither have I. Wasn't St Patrick a gobshite to Bridget Why do you think he did it?
expel them from this country? What harm were they
Margaret If we could answer that, Bridget, maybe he
doing? Rearing their young — minding their own business
— doing their best — scaring the shite out of priests and might not have done it.
bishops. Why didn't the bollocks show chickens the road Bridget Very wise, Margaret. What kind of cake is it?
instead of the snakes?
Margaret Lemon cake — his favourite. Don't tell me
Margaret Maybe he liked the bit - you've something against lemons?
Bridget Of chicken? What's wrong with you, woman? St Bridget A sour taste. They leave your mouth numb. His
Patrick would only eat weeds and flowers. Where do lips were numb. I tried to rub life into them. I did try to
you think he got the attachment to the shamrock? He get him breathing. But he was dead. The ambulance men
was a dreadful man for roses, daffodils, a little dish of said I could have done nothing. Nothing whatsoever.
daisies, bluebells, buttercups. He could go through a
Simon We do know that, Bridget.
bunch of fuchsia in a single sitting. Come winter the
poor man fasted. He had to. But he could of course talk Bridget If one of you smart young ones — even you,
to birds. So can I. They don't listen. They sing and tell Margaret — if you had been a doctor -
you to piss off. Lonely — it is, terrible to be lonely,
talking to birds. Pitying snakes. Putting flowers at your Margaret None of us are doctors, Bridget -
door for bastarding St Patrick. What are you having for Bridget You might have saved him, if you had been.
your sweet? Why didn't you become a doctor?
Margaret Cake. Leo Because we were like yourself, Bridget — too stupid.
Bridget Cake — of course. For his birthday. Your dead Louise We didn't get into medicine.
son's. Gene. Poor Eugene.
Bridget Then you should have done what I do. Insist.
Silence. Simply insist. No, I won't have a slice of cake. I know
I can still see him. how generous you are and you'll offer. It would sit like a
rock in my stomach. Lovely smell, lemons. Pity about the
Louise So can we all, Bridget. taste. Do you think it's lucky to have lemon cake at a
Bridget But I found him. He was all cold. He was red. You birthday?
must miss him. Louise What would you want at yours?
Silence. Bridget An old woman like me doesn't need birthdays.
She should be looking forward to her funeral. Do you
You never know the day nor hour.
know what I'd like served at mine? Trifle — sherry trifle.

40 4'
Margaret You like sherry trifle? Out of the buggy she takes a letter.
Bridget I fucking hate it. And I hope it chokes the lot of I thought I would save this for when nobody else was
them. Why should they be enjoying themselves when about. Just ourselves. I wanted to keep it until you were
I'm lying dead? If anyone feels pleasure at my wake, I over the big shock. You know what it is, don't you?
swear I'll come back and haunt them. They can, you
know, come back — the dead. If they want to. You can't Silence.
bring them back just because you miss them or you want I found it — in his coat pocket.
them back, Or you have money. No amount of money
can bring back the dead, no amount of making it. That's She leaves it on the seat.
a valuable lesson. Don't forget it. I won't eat with you I hope you're not angry with me, keeping it secret till
tonight. This should be a family occasion. Have a close now. I just think this is the right time. You can see now
family occasion. I'll leave you and love you and I'll why I'm not asking to stay. I would hate to intrude, even
close with a song. This is an old one we used to sing in if you were going to ask me.
these wild parts to cheer ourselves up.
She starts to wheel the buggy, stops, looks back at
She starts to sing and do a crazy dance. them.
Margaret joins in the song.
Leo starts to dance with Bridget. He's glad to be gone. Don't cry tonight. He would not like
that. I should know. I cradled him in my arms. I comforted
She's a little crazy, him. He was like my baby. My beautiful baby. Silent —
People say she's lazy, not crying — in my arms.
And her life's a mystery,
But love grows where my Rosemary goes She sings as she exits. ,
And nobody knows like me. There came a gypsy riding — riding — riding -
I'm a lucky fella, Riding here to marry — to marry — marry -
And I just gotta tell her They stand, shell-shocked.
That I love her endlessly,
For love grows where my Rosemary goes Simon What the hell made her do that?
And nobody knows like me. Louise I know she's a bit touched, but that was Simon
She stops, breathless. How could she have kept that back from Louise Did
I love that one. I used to dance the feet off myself. It was all she know what she was doing? Is she mad -
the rage. Weddings, christenings, birthdays. Are you giving
presents? No, you wouldn't be. It's not Christmas. Still and Margaret Mad as a fox. She knew what she was doing.
all, I have something for you. Badness, a bad bitch. She knows how to hurt us. She didn't
want to see the harm done. It was enough to pull

42 43
the letter out. Enough to see our faces. It was as if she'd Louise Then we'll get on with it. Come on, I'll give you a
found him again, but we were here this time to see it. hand. Don't worry — I'm not going to poison you. I can
set the table and serve.
Simon Why are you saying nothing, Da? Leo I'm not sure
Louise and Simon go in to prepare dinner.
why she did that to us. Silence.
Leo You can tear it up, you know. Throw it away — into
I would like to see the letter. Open it and read what it says. the sea. Bury it on the beach where they found his body.
Margaret No. We will do no such thing. We will carry it Margaret Was he a coward?
inside our house. We will read it in our own good time.
Silence.
Look, I can see her watching us. I will not allow her to
witness how we receive this letter. I have a meal Why did he do it?
arranged for tonight. It is my son's birthday. His twenty-
Leo It might tell us, the
first. And my dead son, in his way, has left a gift to be
delivered to us. Thank you, Bridget, for doing so. We letter. Margaret Will we read
will open it as we have always opened gifts. After we
it Leo When we're ready.
have lit and blown out the candles on the cake. We will
do things as we've always done. We have to. That is the Margaret Yes.
only way I know how to deal with this — this. He left a
note. He did leave a note. How could she hold it back Leo Come in — we'll eat soon.
from me — his mother? Margaret Go in to them. Comfort them. Give them time
to prepare. That's why I hold back reading it. You have
She nearly cracks, but recovers.
to make them understand that. Go in to them.
Am I wrong in asking we wait to read this? Leo enters the house.
Simon I'll do what you want, Ma. Louise Water, Da?
Louise Whatever pleases you and Da. Leo Jesus, what I'd give for a large whiskey.
Margaret What do you say, Leo? Simon We know.
Leo Is anybody else starving? Louise Would you like some Fanta?
Louise Is the dinner ready? Leo Fuck Fanta. Double -fuck Fanta.
Simon Very nearly. Simon Da, fetch Ma inside.
Leo goes back to the garden.
44 Margaret is still standing, listening in silence.

45

_
4
,
7
-
Mle.510g8541EWERREWMTMTWOlero7,,,,,,,m,o,r,*.q.;m107
Margaret
`Thou wast not born for death, immortal bird.' Act Three
Leo Who are you talking to?
Margaret Nightingale. Keats — his 'Ode to a Nightingale'. He
calls it 'immortal bird'.
Leo You'll not hear much of them in these parts. Night.
After the meal.
Margaret I've never heard an actual nightingale — only The table has been cleared.
recordings. I never knew what's the fuss. Maybe they There are bottles of soft drinks, juices and mineral
sound better out in the fields. My grandmother worked water around the kitchen.
on a farm. A big, strong woman — she could do anything The birthday cake has been cut.
a man could do, even the sorest work. Would I have been Margaret toys with a slice, cutting it smaller and
better off if I'd never read a book? Stuck to where I smaller.
belong down in the dirty clay, roughing it with the rest of Leo does not eat his.
my breed? Answer me that. Simon and Louise eat their cake.
Leo I know better. Louise Does anyone mind if I help myself to another bit of
Margaret I asked Eugene that once. He told me I would cake?
have been happier if I'd stayed put. He didn't tell me Leo I'm not a great man for the sweet things. You know that.
why, though. Maybe he'll tell me in this. Have this, you.
She looks at the letter. Louise Are you not mad,about it either, Ma? You've
`Now, more than ever, seems it rich to die, To barely —
cease upon the midnight —' Margai et Louise, pet, would you just stuff your face and not
Leo Are you back talking to that fucking nightingale? Will watch me -
you get in here to the house? If Bridget finds out you've
Louise It's hard not to -
gone with the birds in this garden, she'll call the police.
Hasn't she done enough harm for one evening? Margaret In my good time I will open the letter.
Margaret We'll see. Simon Jesus, Ma, why won't you open it?
She looks at the letter. Silence.
We'll have patience and we'll see. If you can't, will you let one of us do it? Sitting here -
She puts the letter into her pocket. Margaret There is nothing to stop you leaving, Simon. Get
Fade. into the car. Drive up to the pub. The three of you,

46 47

TaNg3,4307SNEWNWALWAMM*40fili$M4..K:',.:'.!r.&,','
go on. Douse yourself with drink. It's what you want to do. Louise Ma, you're a mean Donegal bitch, no soft touch
Don't let me stop you.
Margaret He stole it from me. Eugene thieved it Leo
Simon If we did, would you come with us?
You never have that big a sum -
Margaret Then we can crawl back here, reeking of drink,
open another bottle and have a good old cry together, Margaret I kept foreign currency in a certain book. He
recalling our beloved Gene, sweet, soft boy, too beautiful knew that, he'd seen me do it. He started to take it and
to live. Would that be the plan? I'll pass. You may be in change into Irish money. I knew he was thieving. Eugene
the mood for carousing, but me - was a thief.
Leo You — what kind of mood are you in? Leo How much was he stealing?
Margaret I don't know. Don't want to know. Leo Margaret As much as I could afford.
Know what? Louise You gave him -
Margaret What's in this letter. I cannot face it. Leo Margaret He took what I left him.
You have to. Simon Why did you -
Silence. Margaret Aid and abet my thief of a son? To stop him
Louise Six months ago or so, an autistic child was sent stealing outside the house. I knew the word for it is
to my class to see if she could be taught with ordinary `enabling'. I prefer to call myself a coward. A frightened
kids. The girl was beautiful. Golden hair. Magnificent woman watching her son get worse, not able to talk to
eyes. From the minute she arrived, she began to scream. him, not able to do anything, hoping the rest of her
She never stopped the entire morning. And I hear her family are noticing something is not right — hoping her
again right now. That bloody letter pains me the way husband, her older son, her daughter -
that child does. Put me out of my misery. Read what he Simon We did not give him money.
says or else tear it to bits.
Margaret Well, bully for you — aren't you great? Big pats
Leo One thing's always puzzled me. Who gave him the on the back for all of you. It's all down to my fault. The
load of cash he had on him? Was it one of you? Bank of Ireland here dished out the dough and now she
Louise and Simon shake their heads. reaps her reward. My son is dead and it's due to me.
Margaret I know where he got the money from. He had Leo Do you know what you're doing now, Margaret?
four hundred euro in his pocket. Nobody knew where he Margaret I'm sure you'll tell me, Leo.
got that amount from. I did know, but I told nobody.
Leo Where did he get it? Leo I think in some way you're showing off. You're
acting the martyr. How often have I listened to that tune?
Margaret Me. If I had a penny for every time —

48 49
Margaret — you heard it, you would be a rich man. But Simon What?
you are a rich man, a very rich man. Well done. What a
Margaret His date of birth, and the date he died. He knew
pity bad comes with good. You put a child into the grave
so what he was doing. He wanted to die. At least we now
before you go into it. A grown child waiting for you, for
know. He did want to die.
me — I wonder what he'll say to us.
Leo Do you think I've not asked myself— Leo That is answered.
Margaret It's answered all right.
Margaret He will turn his face away from you. Away
from all of us. Do you know why? This will tell us why. Louise Bridget will be broken-hearted. Nothing to tell
She tears open the letter. her.
She reads it. Simon He said nothing.
Louise What does he say? Margaret I think he said plenty. I think he said
Margaret hands Louise the letter: everything he wanted to say to us.
Louise reads it. Louise He just said his name.
Margaret Tell them. Simon And our names.
Silence. Margaret What do you make of that, Leo? How do you read
Tell them what's in the letter. that?

Silence. Leo I leave the reading to you.

Margaret But I'm asking you — how should I read this?
Are you struck dumb? Tell them.
Leo I'm not sure I want to know, Margaret.
Louise He gives his own name. His date of birth. The day
he died. Then he gives your name, Da. Ma's name. Your Margaret I think you need to know. Isn't it a pity we
name, Simon. And my name. didn't invite Bridget tonight? That wise old madwoman
Simon That's it? could read this clear as daylight. No, she wouldn't need
to. She could see through the envelope. She made out
Louise That's it. what he was telling us — what he was doing to us. And
Simon That's all? she passed on his message when the time was right.

Louise All. Simon What are you saying his message is, Ma?
Margaret His date of birth. His death day. His name, our
Simon Nothing else but his name — and our names?
names. We're born — we die. The curse of Adam. Your
Margaret You're forgetting something. brother reminds us. He curses us.

50 51
Louise You should have left that superstition behind you in Simon I choose not to.
Donegal. There's no such thing -
Margaret You cannot say what you've said to me -
Margaret What do you think, Leo? Do you believe me?
Simon I can say what I like to you -
Have I not always read for you — the signs, the secrets,
good luck and bad luck — have I not always been worth Margaret I'm glad to hear it — so elaborate for me -
listening to? Have I not given you excellent advice? Was
that just nonsense, just Donegal superstition? Am I right? Simon Elaborate — explain — analyse — consider —
Is your dead son putting us under his curse? discuss illustrate — refer to at least two texts on your course
piss off, Mother. We're not in one of your seminars.
Leo You must lift that curse.
Margaret That is not fair -
Margaret I can't.
Simon If I want to keep my mouth shut -
Leo Then what are we going to do?
Margaret Why do you not want a child?
Simon We take no notice -
Simon Because I would fail. I would fail as a father. And
Louise I'm with Simon on this. you would waste no time letting me know it. Coaching me,
Margaret Simon, why have you decided not to have advising me, warning me — letting me bask in your
kids? wisdom. Why are you so wise a parent? Why do you know
best? It's actually because of your great loss. YoUr son has
Silence. died. You've suffered the worst. You've survived it. And
Haven't you made up your mind — no children? that makes you — what does it make you, Mother? Perfect.
And fuck you for being so perfect. Louise is here to speak
Simon Who told you? for herself. But may I say on behalf of myself, on behalf of
Margaret Your dead brother, darling. It's his gift to you Eugene, fuck you for being — being -
in death. You're frightened of having any children Margaret Perfect. That was your word. I make no
because of him. apologies for that. It's what has me where I am and what
Silence. I've made of myself. I have rules and I stick to them.
I've needed to. You know where I come from. The back
Leo Is that true, son? of beyond -
Margaret Is it? Louise Not the Donegal lament. The first one from your
Simon If I don't want kids, Ma, maybe that's down to me. council estate to go to college. Living on handouts from
Maybe it's more to do with you than with Gene. the county council and your poor parents who could
afford to give you next to nothing. Having to win
Margaret You'd need to explain yourself there. scholarships to finish off your course. Struggling with
Da to pay rent and put food —

52 53
Leo Stop this mockery - Silence.
Louise That's history, Da, not mockery. We don't mock Leo Does he curse me with a question? Does he ask me a
Nor should you. It's the truth you're laughing at - question? Why was it him and not me who did it?
Simon Ma, look what you started — all this talk about
Margaret Let her laugh. It's what they should do, the
young against the old. Instil that into them. A good curses —
laugh: Maybe if we'd let him laugh louder at us, we Margaret That we all still believe. There's a lump of the
would not be mourning Gene. But we are. Though peasant very deep inside you, Louise. I don't believe
Louise wants to laugh. Here's another laugh. Feel my you'd do what you say you might have done, daughter.
hands — feel them. You belong to the soil. You won't defile it. But I can't
Margaret grabs Louise's hands into her own. answer your question. You'll have to do that.
Are they soft? No, they're rough. They're like sandpaper. Leo Do it soon. That's the way madness works. Asking
How did I get them reading books and marking papers? questions — always asking. Enough to drive anybody off
I'd love you to be able to tell me, because I don't know their head. Drive them daft.
myself. Maybe it's just in my bones. I can't be the genteel Louise I have thought about it before. Thought about it
type. Maybe it's because I clawed my way into that job at since. When did he decide to die, going through what
the university and my hands are indeed claws. Laugh at townland or parish? Somebody must have given him a
this, lady. When I was asked at my interview, did I lift here. Did he tell them what he was going to do?
intend to start a family, I could honestly answer, no, for Nobody's come forward to say they saw him on the
I'd started well before. I make a point of bringing all road. Do they not want to get involved? He's left me all
three of you into my office on my first day. Jesus, the those questions. Do they 'stop me doing it myself?
look on their faces — you'd think I'd given birth on the
corridor. Have a good laugh at that. I paid a tough price Simon No, they don't. You don't want to kill yourself.
to be a teacher. I will let nothing and nobody deny me He did. That's what the note proves. You're different
that. When I was a young one, I made my vow to each of from him.
you. I would not stand before any of you as adults and Margaret Where was all the money going? For once, I
tell you you stopped me doing what I wanted. I have kept want a straight answer. Tell me what you know.
that vow.
Simon He was drinking hard.
She turns to Simon.
Louise He was gambling.
I have kept that vow perfectly.
Simon The boy had the makings of an addict.
Louise Has he cursed me as well? How has he cursed
me? Louise If it wasn't going to the drink, it would be the
harder stuff.

54 55
Simon If it wasn't cocaine, it would have been the gee- Now, Gene, should you be watching us, this is what we do,
gees. as we did with your ashes, we scatter your last will and
Louise It would have been a mixture of all three. Who testament into the air. Dispose of these, your final written
knows what he's been spared? Thanks, Eugene. The words, as you desire.
biggest favour you did this family was your suicide. She throws pieces of paper into the wind.
You've certainly saved me the bother of attempting it.
Confetti, darling, not for your wedding but for your
One victim is enough. Fuck off now. Is that right, Ma?
burial, your last resting place, as is fitting, for my son -
Stand up to the bastard, send him back to the spirit
you loved death, you married her, and so she took your
world with a ringing in his ears? This is how your
life. I never thought this would be the ceremony that
family deal with your ghosts — bog on back -
would separate you from your mother. On this day you
Margaret To where? Back to where? were born — could I have imagined you would lead me
Silence. to this corner of the west of Ireland where I would
reveal your great secret to the winds? What is this
Leo, what did you ask me to do about the curse? secret? You were born for death, my mortal child.
Leo I asked you to lift it. She scatters the remains of the paper.
Margaret What did I answer? We are all born for death, my fragile flesh, my living
Leo You said you can't. I asked then what we'd do. babies. Your brother does more than remind us of that.
He recommends it. It is his preferred way of existing.
Margaret Should we make a start by doing this? And he urges me — he urges his mother — to play his
She tears the envelope in half. game — to join in the fun — to follow my leader.

And the next thing we do is this. She sings.

She tears the sheet of notepaper. Following my leader — my leader — my leader -

Following my leader wherever he may go.
just to make sure we'll do this.
She stops singing.
She tears the envelope and notepaper together.
What's wrong with you? Is nobody going to join in? Leo
And I'd say we'd all feel this is right to continue.
sings, taking her by the arm.
She gathers all the pieces together.
Leo
Let's go outside into the darkening light. Following my leader — my leader — my leader -
She goes out of the house. Following my leader wherever he may go.
They follow her. He tries to steer her into the house.

56 57
 She resists gently, stopping singing, letting go of his ocean — answer me why. I want the ground — the earth
arm. the mountains tell me why. I want the birds of the air to
explain. Why is he not living? Why is he no more?
Margaret No — not a chance — I'm not going back in
there yet. I've something to do. Louise Mammy, I want you back. I want it now.
Simon What can you have to do? Margaret I never leave you. What makes you think I'd
,
Louise It's too late for visiting - leave you? The three of you and your daddy. Sure, you're
the world to me. I have to work hard to look after you. So
Margaret Visiting — that's it - does your father. You must get the best. Better than I got.
Louise Bridget is no night-owl - You see, I cheated. I lied to get the job. I said I have no
children. And it's brought me bad luck. It's why I lost
Margaret Owls — that's it — that's who I need to talk to. Gene. He's very angry with me.
And ravens — the nightingale — all the birds of the air.
They'll tell me what to do. I've been mad living in this Louise He's dead, Ma, dead and gone.
part of the earth, and I've never known or listened to those Simon We're here. We want you to come back to us.
creatures —
Margaret I haven't gone away. I haven't gone anywhere.
Simon Da, you have to do something. What's wrong with them? Why are they asking me this, Leo?
Leo Listen to her. Let her speak. Give them a slap.

Louise She's making no sense. Leo We do not raise our hand against our children.

Margaret Excuse me, I am always talking sense. It is my Margaret Give them a hiding. Give them what was done
misfortune. You may think differently. All of you. You to me if I crossed my father or my mother. The hand
may see sitting on my shoulder a dead weight. You are across my face. The belt across my arse. Belt across my
wrong. It is a child perched there. My son. He is like a face. The cane against my cunt. If you do that to me
bird. A raven. An owl. again, I'm going to kill myself. I'm going to kill myself.

Leo A nightingale? Leo takes her in his arms.

She calms down.
Margaret No, Leo, wrong there — not a nightingale. Leo
I'm going to kill myself.
What happened to him?
Leo You didn't.
Margaret The nightingale's dead. The boy who sang baby
Margaret I'm going to kill my father.
songs, the child who loved poetry, the young fellow great
at sums, my gold, my happiness, my hope — Jesus, he is Leo He's dead now and he's buried. As Gene is. You've got
dead. My son is dead. He took his own life. I demand to over your father. You're getting over Gene.
know why. I want the rocks on the shore — the sea in the

58 59
Margaret And I've kept my job? Leo Occasionally. Very occasionally.
Leo No better woman to hold down her job. Margaret He does want us.
Margaret The other two — the wains - Louise You heard — we're not going. None of us.
Leo They're here. Worried about you - Margaret You're very hard, Louise. I can hear him
crying.
Margaret Simon?
Louise I can hear him laughing. That's why I've lost pity.
Simon Present and correct, Mother.
Simon He's lost his life, Louise.
Margaret Louise?
Louise He took his life, Simon. There's a difference. I
Louise Not yet, Ma — don't think it's finished yet. know that now. So should you.
Simon Louise, give her - Margaret Was I mad out here earlier?
Louise We'll finish this tonight. The curse, Ma — his Leo You were grand. Wasn't she?
curse — what did he want of you and Daddy?
Louise Grand.
Silence.
Simon The best.
Come on, you say you can read what he's actually
saying. What was the curse on you and Da? Margaret I have the distinct impression I was mad.

Silence. Leo I've seen you worse.

Margaret It would be nice, wouldn't it, to walk into the Margaret When?
water? Together, all of us. Leo After four bottles of red wine.
Leo Go for a paddle. Margaret I have never in my entire life drank four
bottles -
Margaret No, not a paddle. A swim.
Leo Your cousin Joe's wedding.
Leo At this hour of the night?
Margaret That was in Sligo, for fuck's sake. I had to get
Margaret We could go to him, you know. through it someway. Jesus Christ, do you know I'm
Leo But we're not going to. wrecked.
Margaret Are you sure? Louise Come with me, beddy-byes for us. We'll leave the
men to the moonlight.
Leo I insist we're not, Margaret.
Margaret Right. Early enough start. Bridget wants her
Margaret Then what you say goes. lunch. Forgive her and feed her.

6o 61
 She rises to go into the house. Simon Tool box? You've never changed a lightbulb -
Louise goes with her
Leo I'm learning. Keep your voice down. Go on, do
You boys, don't be too late. It's not that warm. If you what your da tells you.
don't watch yourselves, you'll get a foundering.
Louise gives Margaret the cup of tea.
Simon Foundering? Simon exits.
Margaret Donegal word. Did I never use it to you? It Leo sits alone.
means cold — chill — frozen. It's how we refer to Dublin A blast of wave showers him.
people. The foundered. Nighty-nighty. It's all right — I'm here.
Louise See you in the morning. Louise Do you know what I think we should do
Margaret Aye — the morning. tomorrow?
They go into the house. Leo I know you're lonely.
Leo and Simon sit looking at each other.
Louise We should go down to the beach.
Louise Do you want a cup of tea before you hit the hay?
Margaret And see where -
Margaret I'd like that.
Louise — he was found, yes.
Louise Will I make it weak?
Leo I've not talked to you tonight.
Margaret No, I can take strong. I'll sleep tonight.
Margaret Yes, I'll do it, but put no pressure on anyone.
Louise makes tea.
Leo I will tomorrow.
Leo Do you know what I'm going to say, son, and I want
you to remember this very clearly. Margaret Go up to your bed, Louise. I'm grand.
Simon I will remember, Da. Louise Are you sure?
Leo Can you imagine this night if there had been drink Margaret Yes.
involved?
Louise climbs up to her loft bed.
Simon I don't suppose - Margaret sits alone in the kitchen.
Leo I've come prepared for all emergencies? Leo Mammy had to talk tonight. I will tomorrow,
Simon Have you? darling. I will tomorrow. Bridget will be here. Your old
pal. She'll help me. Have patience.
Leo Back of the car. Half a bottle of Power's whiskey and a
few Guinness. Fetch them, like a good young fella. They're The swell of the sea.
hiding in my tool box. Fade.

6z 63
 Leo Were we ready?
Act Four Bridget You are now. You're over it. That's why you can
sell.
Leo You've very keen to be rid of your nearest and
dearest.
The morning after.
Bridget We're only distant cousins.
Leo sits with Bridget in the kitchen.
Bridget eats a slice of cake. Leo You were a great help when we were first buying.
Margaret, Louise and Simon are on the beach. Bridget The least I could do for my own, even if we're at a far
Bridget I'm still sorry to miss Margaret. remove.
Leo You haven't — they're gone for a walk on the shore. Do Leo Are we that bad neighbours?
you like the lemon cake?
Bridget You've been the best, but you're bad luck. You're
Bridget I didn't, no, but I'll take this last slice. Pity to very kind people, but no harm to you, it would have been
waste it. Do you see this cake? That is my champagne. I better if you never came here. You're decent as any
never drink. Never touch a drop. Gin, whiskey, vodka, creature ever looked over a half-door, but, Jesus, do you
rum, beer, brandy, wine, porter — they all disagreed with get notions. You don't belong here. Fuck off.
me.
Leo Ireland of the welcomes, you'll never die.
Leo You tried them all?
Bridget What would I be doing welcoming anybody?
Bridget Many times. I might be found lying stocious Nobody asked you to come here. You barely land but
under a tree, singing, 'I see the moon, the moon see me.' you're off again. I have to laugh at how you expect me
I gave it up when the tree started to join in the song. Do to mourn your dead son. He was a nice enough boy, but
you think, does the moon see us? I wonder in what way I've no more tears. I've cried my eyes out years ago over
it sees us? I'd love to know. Do you know what I think another death. A very sad death.
you should do? Sell this house. He won't go uncared for.
Leo Whose?
Not while I'm here.
Bridget My own. It was a lovely funeral, though I say so
Leo You gave us all a bad fright — the letter.
myself. I also have to confess I was quite vexed none of you
Bridget It must have been shocking, but don't thank me. Leo attended.
For what? Leo Because it never happened. You're not dead.
Bridget My kindness in keeping it from you, till you were Bridget You're right there. I can't argue with that. But
ready to receive it. you do know what I'm talking about. Dying before your

64 65
time. You've done it yourself, haven't you? Putting your is suicide not better than that fate? If it is, I still don't
child in the earth? That's like dying, isn't it? have the courage to commit it. I too am a coward.
Leo Yes. Leo We're a pair of cowards, then?
Bridget Worse than dying, isn't it? Bridget You're not supposed to say that, Leo.
Compliment me. Tell me I'm getting younger by the
Leo I can't say — I've never died.
year. Remark on the way I've kept my figure. Jesus,
Bridget But you can guess. that's the last time I'm going into a dark depression with
you. You would put years on a body. How does Margaret
Leo I can guess.
stick you?
Bridget What's it like?
Leo Thanks for your sympathy.
Leo Worse than dying. Bridget What good does sympathy do for you?
Silence. Leo It lightens the load.
You have to go on living. Night after night — day
Bridget It does in your hole. I've never felt an ounce of
after day — breath after breath. I started to hear
sympathy in my life. That's how I've kept my looks. If I
myself breathing. I wanted it to stop. Just stop. I
wish anyone well, I wish them a hard heart. Don't tell me
couldn't do that.
you're soft carmels. The poor eejits drinking in your pubs
Silence. — you'd take their last shilling. That's how you built your
mansion in Dublin. This place didn't come cheap when
I've never thought my son a coward, because whatever else it
you finished with it. Don't look at me for sympathy.
took to drive him to do what he did with his life, he had
You'll find none.
courage — great courage — that I lacked to copy him,
Bridget. And I wanted to - Leo You would have made a wonderful reverend mother.
Bridget Did you? Bridget Nuns are brides of Christ. I am a bride of Satan. Leo
Leo There were times I wanted to. You never invited us.
Bridget We've all wanted to. We've all thought of it. Bridget There was no wedding breakfast as such. What
What's in store for me? A lonely old woman, pushing would you serve to the Devil? Hot and cold shite? We've
anyone near her far away. Sell the house — do you know been together some years now. We've been happy in our
why? I don't want to let you see what's coming to me. own way. I don't deny he can be a difficult man, but there
More mad, more malignant, more danger to myself. are many times he's a little dote. I can make him laugh.
Maybe my reason will be maimed and my mind shattered, Jokes, songs, unspeakable things with a burning coal.
me sitting helpless in a hospital starving, dying of thirst no We're a normal Irish couple, the Prince of Darkness and
family to give a tinker's curse if I live or let go. Jesus, his darling wife. Darby and Joan, me and Lucifer.

66 67
We've never believed in divorce either. In that respect Bridget Bleaker. Especially at the Christmas. Takes very
we're devout Catholics. badly to the drink. Raging that nobody remembers when it's
his birthday.
Leo How come we never see you together?
Leo When was he born?
Bridget He's painfully shy — he dislikes publicity. People
always bring up - Bridget Every day of the year. There at all our shoulders,
She does a downward movement with her the hour, the minute you're born, plotting badness, taking
child from parent, stealing, leading them astray, filling
fingers. You know, the whole heaven thing. them with poison, putting the knife in their hand, cutting
Leo The banishment — the fall - their beautiful flesh, leaving them alone to breathe their
last, to be found dead by an old woman.
Bridget It happened years ago. Why are they obsessed by
Leo I'm glad it was you.
it? We're not keen to talk about it. The other angels the
ones who fell with him — they can shoot their mouths Bridget While I live, I won't forget him.
off. My fella prefers to keep a dignified silence.
Leo Thank you.
Leo Does he know me, Satan?
Bridget You're still a way to go.
Bridget He knows everybody.
Leo I'm near the end.
Leo Does he know my son?
Bridget It will never end. It will only seem like it. Just
Silence. when you think it's stopped, the pain, it starts again.
Does he hear my son cry? Is my boy weeping in hell? Leo How do you know this?
Does the Devil take any pity on him? Will Satan do what Bridget I don't. I'm guessing. Will you sell the house? Leo
God won't do for me? Will he give me back my child?
I don't know yet.
Silence.
Bridget If you decide to sell, you could give it away.
Will you ask him to do that?
Give it to me.
Bridget I have, he can't help. Gene was dead. He, Satan,
Leo You have a house.
did not believe in resurrections. That was the other
boyo's business. Pray to him for miracles of that order. Bridget A wee hovel. I could do with another. A bit
But I explained it was unlikely you believed. He was more spacious.
glad. You would be wasting your time. For nobody's
Leo For you and Satan?
listening.
Bridget You didn't fall for that old shite, did you?
Leo He's as bleak as that?
68 69
Leo Bridget, I always fall for what you tell me. Leo When?
Bridget God, aren't you the right innocent. Just as well you're Bridget Now. Leo
rich, just as well you're lucky.
I'll try. Bridget
Leo Sometimes luck runs out.
You better.
Bridget Run after it. Catch up with it. Who knows what you'll
find. Leo I will.

Leo My son? Bridget Fuck it, I hate crying. Especially my own. My

face looks like a rubber sheet in an orphanage. Now,
Bridget The boy is dead. How often do you have to be have you any food left over you'd like to give me?
told? He won't be coming back. Will you stop torturing
him? Stop torturing yourself. You might never be rid of Leo That's Margaret's department. You'll have to ask
him, but will you let him go from you? Stop haunting her.
him. Set him free. Louise and Simon enter the causeway.
Leo I can't do that. They enter the house.
Bridget Then you'll have no comfort. Bridget Is she speaking to me?
Leo Do I want it? Margaret enters and stays in the causeway.
Bridget No, I see you don't. What do you want? Leo Ask them — they're back.
Leo My son. Bridget Hello, everybody — did you enjoy your stroll?
Silence. Louise Don't talk to me, you.
My son. I've lost my son. My child is dead. Bridget What did I do?
He begins to weep. Simon What did you not do?
Myself, and my son. Bridget I was only trying to do my best -
The weeping is now fierce. Simon Leaving a bomb in the house.
Forgive me. Bridget Bombs — what are you saying — I have nothing
He stops weeping. to do with bombs -
The light's gone out. Louise You're a bad bitch, lady.
Bridget Put it back on again. Simon You knew the havoc you'd cause.

70 71

44WWIIMSOWlainkliMINNAMINAsmiqoyme
Bridget If I caused bother, I'm sorry — forgive me. Your He exits.
father has. He was going to sell the house. I've begged
Bridget Pair of fuckers.
him not to. Can you imagine losing this beautiful place?
He says now he's not going to. It was me forced him. Louise Ring us when you get home.
You owe me for that. We're quits.
Margaret I will.
Simon You're a fucking witch, Bridget.
Louise exits.
Bridget No, I'm not — I'm more of a confused fairy. I Margaret and Simon embrace.
really don't know if I'm coming or going. Simon exits.
Louise We're going — I've had enough of you. The car's Bridget What were they doing, kissing me? I should have
packed. I want to be on the road early. Simon's coming with slapped them round the gob. Children — Jesus, people
me. who lived long ago in the caves had the right idea. Leave
Simon How long till you and Ma - them at the side of the mountain to cry at night and let
the luckiest survive. The rest would be eaten by wild
Leo Set off? Soon. beasts. Personally I feel sorry for the wolves that fed on
Louise You driving? them. They had slim pickings. Is that one outside not
going to venture in?
Leo I think so.
She raises her voice and calls out to Margaret. Are
Louise Right. Bye, Dad.
you not coming in here, or have I got plague?
She kisses him.
Margaret enters the house..
She kisses Bridget.
Goodbye, witch. Margaret We're packed and ready to go. There's food in the
fridge.
She exits to the causeway.
Bridget Do you think I'd eat your leavings?
Simon See you, Dad. Love you.
Margaret Yes, you would. And you kindly offered us
He kisses Leo. yours.
Louise kisses Margaret in the garden.
Bridget My leavings?
Louise She's not too contrite.
Margaret The letter. He left it for you to find. For safe
Margaret Surprise, surprise. keeping. You did a fine job. He was right to trust you
Simon kisses Bridget. with it. EIe knew you'd be first to find him. He did die in
your arms. That must have been his gift to you. I'm proud
Simon Bad woman. that in his last act he did pity you. He knew you'd never

72- 73
have a child alive in your arms. If you couldn't give life, Margaret Not as hard as she deserved.
he'd give you his death. That's how sorry he felt for you.
Leo Do you judge us all -
Opposite to myself. Me, I feel no sorrow — no pity — no
anger at you. What are you? A mad old bitch festering by Margaret As I judge myself? I try to. What about you? How
her fire. That's all you are. All you have is your insanity. do you judge yourself?
Do you know, I envy you. Living in this wilderness, you
Leo I find myself wanting.
have your life ordered. You have everything sewn up.
Yes, I'm jealous of you. So jealous, you should leave my Margaret And Gene — what about him?
house, leave my family, leave my sight. Never contact us
Leo I looked into his coffin the morning of his funeral. I said
again. Goodbye.
something to him that nobody heard. I've not told you nor
Bridget I have only two things to say to you in reply. Simon nor Louise.
First, after all your years in Dublin, isn't it great the way
Margaret What did you tell him?
you never lost the Donegal lilt? What age must you be
now? Well over fifty if you're a day. That's why I've Leo I told him if I were given one wish, I would go back
something else to say. Would you not think your hair in time to before he was born and I would not change
might look a lot better done up in a bun? I hope you him, Gene, I would still choose him. I would not change
don't mind me commenting on your style, but isn't that my child, no matter what.
what a friend does?
Margaret You loved him that much?
Silence.
Leo I did.
Am I not a friend?
Margaret So did I.
Margaret You are not.
They embrace.
Bridget I will not stay where I am not wanted. They kiss.
Margaret Then leave. They help each other to keep standing.

Bridget I am your relation, Leo. Are you going to let her say What is going to become of us?
things like that to me? Leo I don't know.
Leo Leave us for a while, Bridget. Don't go too far. Margaret We have to keep going.
Bridget exits from the house, the buggy before her. She Leo We do.
sits on a seat.
Margaret Are you all right?
Margaret Are you ready to drive back?
Leo Is the car packed?
Leo I know she's a bad bitch, but you were very hard —
Margaret Everything.

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Leo Bridget? Leo That is your gettings. Take it or leave it. I've slipped a
Margaret What about her? few bob in the bag as well.
Bridget Thanks — I'm sure that will keep me in fur coats. Leo
Leo Say something as you leave.
You're an ungrateful fucker, aren't you?
Margaret What?
Leo Anything. Bridget If you want gratitude, look elsewhere. Have you not
learned that much?
She leaves the house and enters the causeway.
Bridget is still sitting there.
Leo The hard way.
Leo fetches food from the fridge. Bridget Then at least he's done you that bit of good.
Margaret goes to Bridget. Run on to swanky Dublin. I'll stay here. I'll mind him.
She runs her fingers through Bridget's hair.
Leo He's not here — he's dead.
Margaret Mind the house for us, you wicked wagon.
Bridget I think that point has been made with sufficient
Bridget I will — I'm sorry. frequency to render it redundant. There is no necessity to
Margaret You should be. Don't let the place burn to the repeat it. I am not deaf. Run on. Put a smile on the sour face
ground. If it does, see that you're in it. of your wife. How much money did you leave me?

Bridget I will. See you soon. Leo What you're worth.

Margaret Soon. Bridget Is that all? God, you're tight. Will I see you soon?
All of yous? Will you come down to visit soon?
Margaret exits.
Leo enters and puts the bag of food in the buggy.
Leo Soon.

Bridget She's not as angry with me, is she? Bridget I miss you. It's lonely.

Leo She's fairly angry, lady. Leo All lonely.

Bridget She's tired. She's not slept right. You do the Bridget Safe journey.
driving. She'll be less crabbit when she gets to Dublin. Leo Aye, safe. I'll lock up. I have the keys. Safe journey.
It has something to do with the street lights. I'm told
Leo exits.
they're very soothing on the nerves. Not that I'd know.
Bridget stands up to look about her, singing.
I've never been asked there to see them.
She looks at the bag of food and lifts it.
Bridget
There came a gypsy riding, riding, riding,
Is that all you've left me? Jesus, you've opened your arse. There came a gypsy riding —

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 She starts to push the buggy.
Marry all your children, children, children,
Marry all your children -
There is a fierce cry of seabirds.
The swell of the sea.
She stands still and speaks.
Don't weep. No need to. Listen to the rain and the wind. They
do the crying. They are your epitaph.
She sings as she stands.
Here's your sixpence, here's your ring,
Goodbye, children, goodbye.
Goodbye, children, goodbye.

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