Anything Goes When Among Poems, Plays and Essays: Emotional Outcomes Remain the Best of Life’s Games

By Maurice Siegel

Anything Goes is a compilation of my feelings and observations of the world around me by the use of poems, plays, and essays. It expresses my personal views of what is, what should be, and what is wished for to come about.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jul 22, 2021
• ISBN: 9781664186668

Maurice Siegel

After living long enough to suspect everything and enjoy the experiences of people rushing off into every possible direction and also being cynical enough to wonder what’s going on around me, I’m not likely ever to get my sought after answers to the biggest of the thoughts I wonder about. Me and most of humankind, and maybe some animal here or there not as yet understood by us, remain endlessly curious. What remains true, I’m not able to crack open the big answer into any of the unknown we are all staring at. My only destiny, along with centuries of others like me, is to make every attempt to handle the job of being one more of the strange species that have to be perplexed and by writing about it. —Maurice Siegel

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Copyright © 2021 by Maurice Siegel.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 07/22/2021

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CONTENTS

Introduction

1. Putting down my reasons for preferring poetry with rhyming as that of free verse, poetry is a sound that stays inside the brain. Continuity of feelings, like a slide to the bottom is a special and deeper emotional state. Not the same as logic workings of the mind seeking information. The third part, tying both together is the phrasings that stay in the mind if rhymed or not as free verse.

2. Rhyming is a form of music without limitation to close sound of notes to each other, poetry is free of this restriction. Words can jump by sound except at the rhyming when the come close to each other. It is music deep contact with silent emotion under the meanings to the words.

LIFE"S DREAMS

Play In Thirteen Scenes

Characters

The Three Fates (Also three sisters)

Past is Asty (Also Electra) ’

Present is Senty (Also Clytaemestra)

Future is Tury (Also hand maiden)

   Director

   Bernie (Also Orestes) - ’

   Playwright

   Allen (Also Agamemnon and Aegisthus)

Time is of the times from the long past, the near past, the very present, and into that of a waiting future.

Life’s Dreams

Preamble

The cast of characters are milling about a stage in

a theatre. Allan, Bernie, Playwright are sitting. Director,

Asty, Senty and Tury are standing in a non-defining

setting, almost mystically timeless. They, each and

together, recite in unison or individually, breaking

into sing-song manner and sometimes pushing at

each other to upstage as fun. A bolt of lightening and

loud thunderous roars are heard from overhead.

(Together) Uh oh! Hear that? So gather round.

This is a story or is it imagined to be hoped and found.

Yes, it is also adding from life’s endlessly dreaming.

Not just the favored for some of the happy seeming.

Age old, all dreams kept by a hunger in every land.

To compete with those past and forgotten piled high and grand.

How sparkling the idea when eyes shut so the dreams are felt.

Best is belief of sacred shapes refusing to melt.

Ready to lead on so we can die brave by war without the why.

As it was long told of leaders with their most favorite lie.

But then the years came and wisdom just grew.

(Each smiles, shaking hands with each other)

At last,.wondrous belief was to be the newest true.

Some from those huddled together of gone many gods in yore.

And until today, the lonely, bitter god asking to hear or what the hell for.

Of the people to listen, some took guesses what that ‘for’ is.

All the while, with careful watch to talk to any such wiz.

Century by century has gone. Guesses secretly made.

Only to have dreaming keep growing and some into silence fade.

Listen too me! Two somethings would not.

(They hold up two fingers) Name them each. Tell it, oh what?

Love is but one. Everyone seeking a newest desire.

How delicious feasting upon their special acquire.

With that, ah that other, of desire to taste what is power.

Held only for the leader with that terrifying glower.

Called as kings of old, they by wars did take heavy toll.

Till another came to seize a much bigger goal.

And while the gods created common man with common fate

To die in battle while centuries had common wishes to wait.

From this arose politicians for roles with every possible shrug.

Knowing how to step on any annoying bug.

(They point to each other) Yes, that is power, deadly at gathering more.

Each by ages, collecting the means from victims lost galore.

Between was that bitter love to keep calm within endless rage.

Brought for a price by nature, protected in nature’s unseen cage.

(Restless stirring) As to love, ah, in that of long ago, was only used to give it away.

Helped far back then, once upon a time, so they say.

Before once upon a time with very few to dine.

Solemn sorrows, leaders of then and the et al kept one tight rigid line.

(Asty, Senty, Tury pointing to themselves) Ah, but the Fates, ah, Fates of yore.

Punishing all around, often not knowing what the hell for.

(They giggle lightly) The Fates be of messengers from deities into life.

Frightened by an old Zeus, each to add of their ever more strife.

(Fates point at Director) Of today, The Director, it was to find the way.

(Director merely nods his head. They point at Playwright) Playwright to mark his say.

(Playwright smiles broadly) Now where were we to tell

Of the life lived inside every human spell?

(They each bow)

One story is for everyone.

Born daughter or son.

Each to playas if fool even in sight of glory.

Believing it must be their only story.

(Pointing) There. Of the Playwright. Filled by kindness to claim.

For the Director, oh him, so like the gods desperate to find fame.

(The actors speak to each other with one line at a time as if in conversation)

People feel to be best if have lived before.

When still having no power but gave their dreams free to soar.

And add of dreams after death for a weary climb.

Seeing history to dance beyond the edge of time.

(Shrug and smile) Thank goodness we were made from gods who bestow

Upon only humans the desire to know.

No matter. What is the past but dreams not having to wait.

And the now of life, is our chance before it must have a turn to hate.

(All together) So it comes to this.

Away with the mist!

Love and power is all.

Each drives the other’s fall.

And so without other fuss,

Let’s look close as if not us.

(One at a time) Bring my kindness to keep love alive.

It’s why and how hard I strive.

Let it be told.

No cringing if bold.

(They hug each other round robin)

Scene 1

The long ago past before time announced being present.

Asty is weaving a long rope out of differently colored

strands of thread. Sometimes furiously fast. Senty

is examining the rope and curling it into a large box,

sometimes appearing to put the rope to her ear to listen.

Tury occasionally glances into the box and shaking her

head. The room is shadowy and misty along the ground

and shimmering along the walls. Periodic and distant

rumbling of thunder heard as if in annoyance. .

Senty

(Walks away from the box) Keeps me alert. Always that same call.

Tiresomely praying after each one down there has their fall.

Oh give us back the present time once more.

Otherwise, what was any life for?

Asty

(Sarcastic. To Senty) For me, what is past has come and stays done.

I keep it neatly collected. For me it’s my fun.

Tury

(Waves off their remarks) The best they try, complaints nothing new.

And busy from old Zeus leaves us work to do.

(Holding up the rope to her ear again)

How quickly it grows from your ever busy past,

Those sounds of screaming. When comes the last?

Asty

(To Tury. Keeps making new rope. Stretching) Don’t know. Tired of your ever sighs.

Will humans discover the future disfavors tiresome lies.

(Tury nods. The three dance together a few steps)

Dreary Senty, with the present all of it yours.

To you, the given pain can’t justify what it’s for.

Tury and Asty laugh, slapping hands together.

Tury

(Holds up rope) These are mortal sounds. Enter only to die away.

Wishing someone to feel what each moan had to say.

Asty

Dearest sister, much too sweet our Tury.

Do ask ever angered Zeus to end the fury.

We the Fates must obey, punish, turn aghast.

Then to the wrongdoers give harm and harass.

Asty

When selfish by intent to such, we are never coy

Dropping upon them anguish in place of joy.

(They high five each other) Oh, we three have our ways to be in sight.

Do our best work for the gods’ fearsome might.

Senty

(Bows) To be Sent--y for the present is not always so bad.

Tury

(Bows) As Tur--y, I don’t want the future start too sad.

Asty

But for Ast--y, ah, it’s the toughest warning about what is sin.

And I’m lucky as closest to Zeus, I’m busiest of his kin.

Rumbling of thunder heard. They look up.

Tury

(To Asty) Always to make it bigger, Zeus is losing our trust.

Senty

The other acolyte gods argue what is to stay for a must.

Tury

Have to admit, I do lose ground showing how I win.

Maybe because there is some fun watching new sin.

Asty

(To Tury) Not so loud! We adore it so doing this.

Senty

And I do admit, I like watching an illicit kiss.

Three Together

(Exaggerated) Ohhh! But we are the Fates!

We are to punish clowns becoming human greats!

Never to forget we are watching gathered abuse.

Without being the Fates we are of no known use!

They laugh hysterically until they flop down. Tury

puts her hand into the box and pulls out yellow dust.

Asty

Hey, be careful with that. Mortal souls I’m told.

Their hopes were to look the same as pure gold.

They laugh until another rumble of thunder

The Three Together

Always lurking.

Is he shirking?

Thunder keeps us ready.

(They call out above them) Tell Zeus we are steady!

Asty

I do worry for what keeps piling up on me from the past.

Senty

And you move it through the present much too fast.

Tury

The future waits to enter, so eager of intent to last.

Senty

Stop! What if we could go down there, show how it’s better done.

Asty

(Points down) There?! With their past how each life could be wiser won?

Senty and Tury nod.

Senty

Why not? Then what comes, we made it be the first.

Since the past is always seeing the worst,

The fitire is the least cursed.

Tury

Better it be me to go upon the Earth

To show them of my mirth.

Senty gives Tury a poke and a big foolish smile.

Each pushes at the other.

Tury

With me they can find comfort with a future they never met.

Mine is a best when time hasn’t come by yet.

They laugh at each other and pointing at each other

but suddenly stop with a burst of lightening and thunder.

They rush back helping with making more of the rope.

A moment then darkness slowly.

Scene 2

Interior of a small theatre. The seats near stage

and the full stage. To the side are three stairs

between the seating area and the stage. Playwright

is seated on a chair at the back of the stage looking

over a script. The three sisters enter from the back

of the seating area and walk down the aisle. They

smile to someone entering behind them. Director

walks down the aisle from behind them, passing them,

and walking up the stairs on to the stage. He hardly

responds to the sisters being there.

Asty

(To Director) Hey. We never would have noticed this theatre here.

That first time when we came for the reading with a tight stomach fear.

So thank you, calling us back from the necessary weeding out,

(Quick smile) Am I being too bold? Am I adding doubt?

Bernie enters the theatre, standing behind the sisters.

He waves to the Director and to the Playwright.

Director points to the seats indicating for them to sit

down. They sit and wait as he turns to look down at

the sisters and Bernie.

Director

In this world so close to New York City.

We are never given any of their pity.

(Actors awkwardly laugh)

But I am here to change all the doubt.

You, the chosen, will come to possess a clout.

Yes, and those who pay to sit in those seats, they will feel thrill.

Just to have been here even against their will.

The sisters and Bernie lightly clap. Senty taps

Asty on her arm.

Senty

(Whispers) He can accomplish what sounds like a guess?

Asty

(Whispers) There is a no for every yes.

Director

This theatre is a world all of my own.

(Using both his hands intertwined)

Actors to play roles must be intimately inter-sown.

Senty

(Whispers)For this is only Long Island City.

Should he add more of being witty?

Asty signals to shut up.. Allan enters, sitting

behind the three sisters.

Allan

(Calls out to Director) Got here a little late, sir. Apologize.

I’m Allan Allenson in an unemployed disguise.

Light laughter. Playwright hands each a script.

Director

I did like what I had seen of your work from a way back time.

Anything to tell me about yourself? Dreaming of your climb?

Allan

I have now dedicated entirely to an acting life

And so far been done without a wife.

(Sisters and playwright laugh)

My mother started my first declaiming event.

Never knew if I’m best fitted to play god or devil sent.

(Awkward laughter with smiles all around)

I get happy when far from of whom I was born.

I’m ready for approval from, (Points at seats) looking up forlorn.

I can be most everyone waiting inside me.

When I say other’s words, I’m finally free.

The sisters clap. Allan takes a bow. Director points

at Bernie.

Bernie

I’m Bernie T. Benjamin. I’m good at what I do.

Director

And that’s it from you?

Bernie

Have I really got it, the part? (Director nods) Damn good choice.

Today I’ll be the fool with a raspy voice.

Tomorrow, (Shrugs) I could be famous at the very least.

Of course, by hiding away my inner beast.

(He laughs).

Oh, I’ve played some living their lives with a hex.

Never certain who is the more complex.

(Some smiles)

It’s that , hey, nothing is simple so far in my life.

(Crosses his fingers held up to be seen on both hands)

May this be the chance to beat to its death more strife.

They laugh. The sisters clap.

Director

Let’s get serious. With the profession you chose

You know it has some pain laden woes.

Especially waiting that one unforgettable review.

Director points at the stage. Everyone marches up

on the stage. The director follows them while

continuing to talk as he follows them.

I can do that with my capability, I intend for the few.

That is, from this world should I you choose.

You must let my determination to enter and infuse.

(Holding up the script to everyone, pointing to the seats)

Never let it forgotten this is for them a new creation.

Of primal power from gods requiring my interpretation.

I promise, I make most anything to flower.

Yes, from nothing I build for you each, living-dream tower.

At the audition you did well enough.

All the others had too little, no extra stuff.

(To the sisters)

Almost out of money?

(They slowly nod)

Romantic illusion never ends funny.

Actors are selling that same tired standard story.

And so you three sisters seeking your own glory.

(They nod again one after the other)

By getting people into those seats,

Along with hungry dreams as so far your only feats.

(Examines each one carefully)

It’s alright with such hopes to be woven into life.

(A long moment)

But I must and will bring you a coming heartless strife

So I be anointed with one who is great.

(Light laughter) Good. You start relaxed to fate.

Right now you’re my tiresome weight.

Yes, I do hope to place you at the top.

I will work you hard, my newest crop.

(Points to Asty)

You are Asty? The oldest of the three?

(Asty nods, holds up the scrip. To Playwright)

Three sisters in one play sounds a good beginning.

I short prayer is my hell of way for a winning.

A tension reducing laugh all around.

Tury

I’m Tury. Optimistic me.

Tomorrow I can’t wait to see.

Allan

(Pointing to Senty) Senty. I like your name.

Tury

Given by our father. It stuck.

Allan

It may come to bring us luck.

You are from a large town?

Asty

Everyone walks looking down.

It’s the place to be born. Baltimore.

Bernie

Not ta name for unforgettable lore!

Director

(To Asty) You delivered my first smile in much too long.

(To himself) Three sisters, which one fits my apetite song?

Playwright

(To himself) Those three from Baltimore.

Jesus. What else do we have in store?

Allan suddenly jumps up from the chair, tap

dancing and sings.

Allan

Don’t make fun

Where the sun

Rises big and bold.

Over Baltimore when it’s cold.

Any to wonder where it is?

Heck! I forgot with my last piss..

A tension reducing laugh. Allan takes a

bow. Director indicates to stop at once.

Allan

Please, don’t be angry. I do that even in my sleep.

Years of tap dancing in a group as a TV kiddy show creep.

Asty

Laughter. Director sharply brings his hands together.

Director

This is not some playground!

(Points at them) Right now, not a sound.

(Softer tone) Behind my schedule for this day.

I waste no time, so measure everything I say.

If you are planning to get larger than dust,

Then listen or leave to watch yourselves rust.

But now, as I said, work as you never did.

I carry your future. Do as is bid.

(Suddenly slaps his hands together sharply)

(Points at playwright) I have here a newest, with his own tone.

To be worked until it’s his but now fully grown.

Beginning to its end, I want it as I plan.

You’ll be great. I know you can.

This place is where it’s to see the light.

So let’s make it go to its full height.

(He coldly indicates and playwright nods as if a bow)

(To Playwright) I think this bunch we chose will do.

So now each of you be ready with my every cue.

Director points to the Playwright. Playwright stands

up, hands out scripts to those without one.

Playwright

With this reading from your marked parts.

My play begins casting the deepest of darts.

I have very much to say.

Please appreciate my need finding life hardly ever gay.

No one escapes quickly from getting lost and staying there.

Comedy is for fools who try to escape truth when only by a hair.

Bernie claps, tries to smile, nods, then shrugs.

Okay. Ready? This begins when life was hastily lived and done.

This is just the outer shell of a story. (Holds up the script) This one.

Name of Agamemnon of Argos. (Nods) Bell to ring?

Many thousands die in pain, all young, this ending to bring.

They could sing their sweetest song.

When the prince