Eurydice Monologue

Chunk 1

Eurydice! Before I go down there, I won’t practice my music. Some say practice. But practice is a word invented by cowards. The animals don’t have a word for practice. A gazelle doesn’t run for practice. He runs because he is hungry or scared. A bird don’t sing for practice. She sings because she is hungry or sad. So I say: Store it up. The music sounds better in my head than it does in the world. When songs are pressing against my throat, then, only then, I will go down and sing for the devils and they will cry through their parched throats.

Chunk 2

Eurydice, don’t kiss a dead man, Their lips look red and tempting but put your tongue in their mouths and it tastes like oatmeal. I know how much you hate oatmeal.

Chunk 3

I’m going the way of death. Here is my plan; Tonight, when i go to bed, I will turn off the light and put a straw in my mouth. When i fall asleep, I will crawl through the straw and my breath will push me like a great wind into the darkness and i will sing your name and I will arrive.

Chunk 4

I have consulted the almanacs, the footstools, and the architects, and everyone agrees. Wait for me. Love, Orpheus