Playwright: Rumble Rumble

This assignment was a one act playwright. I enjoyed writing this because it allowed me to turn a real life dilemma into a creative story/play. This piece illustrates my ability to write quality plays.

Rumble Rumble

Characters

Joe- A teenage boy, just older than 16 who’s daily routine consists of school, hours of football, and quality family time. On the weekends he is often away at some sporting event with his father while his sisters are off at college or visiting home.

Meatloaf- The hardy, zesty piece of meatloaf was not created but a few short days ago. Its contents consist of hamburger meat, sweet onions, ketchup, and other assorted spice. To be honest no family recipe book is complete without this delectable item. Just about once every two months he gets served for dinner, and then casually resides on the shelf as a left over for the week.

Barbecue Steak- Like most steaks are, this steak is from deep south and flown in just for the welcome home dinner for Joe’s oldest sister. This steak is nothing but pure masculinity dipped in decadent barbecue sauce. He is an item much more rare than the meatloaf but a special item for special occasions.

            Scene 1

It was a cold gloomy day. The clouds had just rolled in and the rain began to come down outside of the old ranch house in a town called Santa Rita. There was a musky scent blowing in through the blinds, and only the howl of the soft wind outside could be heard. At the window are Joe and his dog gazing outside as the drops of water bounce of the asphalt.

NARRATOR: The day had been long, and Joe had just gotten home from a hard football practice. It suddenly hit him as his stomach rumbled under his shirt.

JOE: Jeepers! (Grabbing his stomach in agony)

NARRATOR: That instant hunger settled in, and he needs food quickly. Deciding it would take too long to make a meal; he picked up his keys and was out the door to his car. As he turned the key…. Nothing.

JOE: You have got to be kidding me!!! (Hitting his steering wheel with frustration) Why must this happen in a moment of such hunger, my battery was fine yesterday.

As he slowly does the walk of shame back into the house hanging his head low with his hands held above trying to block the rain. Joe walks straight to the kitchen with the orange counter tops that seem to be straight from the 60’s. Joe opens the fridge and takes a deep breath as he stares at the countless items in the fridge that he has seen many times before.

JOE: I feel so dizzy, I must be starving, but I have no idea what I am craving. (He begins to look through the shelves hoping for something to call out his name)

MEATLOAF: How about you eat some of me Joe? I was only cooked the other night.

NARRATOR: Joe could not believe his ears, was he hallucinating or is the meatloaf really speaking to her? While pondering what reality is, he finds himself responding.

JOE: HMMM, no no no, not today. You do not seem to be what I want, maybe tomorrow though. Then, a much raspier voice comes from the shelf below.

BARBECUE STEAK: Well hello there, perhaps your taste buds would like some medium rare steak today. I feel might fresh if I must say so myself.

JOE: Maybe but I think I am going to keep looking until I find something that will surely hit the spot.

NARRATOR: Looking around, Joe spots a bag of salami hidden in the drawer of shredded cheese and lunch meat. His stomach growls in some sort of agreement to what he has seen, so he grabs it out.

JOE: Yes! That is a start.

NARRATOR: You can see his eyes scanning back and forth, up and down, and behind each and every item in the fridge, like a mouse in a maze.

JOE: Mustard! (He grabs the yellow container and sets it next to the salami) I will need this. LETTUCE! SLICED CHEDDAR CHEESE! CHICKEN! (A smile begins to grow on his face)

NARRATOR: The day seemed to get better as Joe places all of her chosen items on the counter and analyzes them. Something is missing, not from the fridge but…

JOE: Bread! Of course, how could I forget? (Grabbing the bread roll from on top of the fridge) Two slices of white bread should do the trick. All I need now is a paper plate to begin the construction of a masterpiece.

NARRATOR: Joe lays the bread next to each other on the plate and carefully places four pieces  of salami on each piece of bread, and then atop the salami a piece of American cheese.

JOE: I know!!! (Looking at the toaster oven on the other side of the kitchen)

NARRATOR: Joe knew that a toasted sandwich is much better than a cold one. Joe places the pieces of bread into the toaster and set it to medium for a nice warm crisp. Cutting up slices of the chicken to toss in the microwave for a little would be the next step.

JOE: I cannot wait to devour this beauty.

NARRATOR: He then delicately placed the warmed chicken on top of the salami and cheese, and then a layer of lettuce, finished off with some mustard.

JOE: Something is still missing… (He gazes up with a concentrated look on his face)

NARRATOR: Joe was in a deep ponder and new something else was needed, but couldn’t quite but his finger on it.

JOE: Chips! No true sandwich is complete without a topping of nacho Doritos inside.

NARRATOR: With that he brought his sandwich to the big comfy black couch and turned on the basketball playoff game. As he took the first bite he was able to let go of the troubles of his day. The dilemma had been solved and he had created the most delicious sandwich ever!

Wild Card: Burning House

This assignment is my burning house project. For this project we needed to select at least ten items that we would grab on our way out. The items are not necessarily the most valuable items, but are items that are significant to me and symbolize who I am.

Name: Zack Fulks

Age: 15

Location: Walnut Creek, California

Occupation: Student, Athlete, Family Member

Website: cusati97.blogspot.com

List:

• White vans- my favorite pair of shoes that I wear everyday
• Green moose- my stuffed animal from when I was a baby
• White hat- my grandfather’s hat from air force who has passed away
• Picture frame- my favorite picture of my other passed away grandpa and I
• Inhaler- I have asthma so during a fire this will be important
• Wallet- has my money, id card, and permit
• Red beats- so I can listen to some good music in high quality
• Keys- allow me to get into my other house and drive away
• Backpack- has my school stuff, allow me to stay on track
• Jersey- symbolizes my love for sports, and how I wont let it go
• Koda (dog)- the best dog in the whole wide world
• Blue and white blanket- softest blanket ever from my sister, named tuckee.

Wild Card: That Place

 This assignment started as a short four minute writing assignment based on the type of music that we were listening to. The idea was to see how different music influenced our thinking. I took my favorite short write out of eight, and turned it into a story with both conflict and resolution. What I like most about this piece of writing is how I was able to keep almost exactly what I started with, and add to it without changing the idea of it. 

That Place

            It was a warm summer night in San Diego. Tony was on his way home from work to grab his girlfriend and take her out to dinner for their three year anniversary. Tony had a special night planned, and if all went well, he would leave dinner with a fiancé.

            Three years ago to the day, Tony walked out of the coffee shop delirious of his surroundings and bumped into Lauren. His coffee went all over the two of them, and this was sure to be the start of a very bad day. When they both looked up, they made eye contact that would not let go. Tony asked how he could make it up to the beautiful girl that he wished to continue conversation wish. A simple purchase of her coffee, and an hour spent talking in the shop kindled what seemed to be such a strong flame.

            “I love you so much” Tony said as he reached his hand across the table to grab hers. The dinner arrived and the wonderful aroma of the succulent filet mignon being placed in front of the two.

            “Tony, I love you too but we need to talk, I need to explain where I stand.” Lauren replied.

            In his eyes, you could see Tony’s pain and worry grow as he began to think the worst. Lauren proceeded to explain how she had no longer maintained the same feelings in which she had before, and found herself falling for another man. Tony’s heart was an anchor, and seemed to sink deeper and deeper into his chest. He asked who, and pleaded to know what this new guy had that he didn’t, but no answer was given that he wanted to hear. In no time his voice had escalated from the sweet tone, to a loud yell. Tony and Lauren, forgetting about their presence in an elegant restaurant, began to scream back and forth at each other as if the explanation would come from the pain in the other person.

Knowing that his love of his live was no longer going to be in his life, he pulled the ring box out of his pocket and set it on the table. Lauren’s eyes and face dropped in an unknown mix of emotion; she had realized just how much pain she had caused him. Tony walked away, tears running down his face. He knew he needed to get away, and he knew it needed to be fast.

Tony bought the first ticket he could find to the Bahamas, and flew down. Although his heart was still broken, he felt that being in this new place, it allowed him to heal. The first time was the most important and influential.

Tony gazed out to an endless horizon. With no city lights, bustling cars, or worries of plans, he was able to be at one with himself and this place. Resting on the beach, with his back up against a coconut tree, Tony watched the falling sun begin to touch the ocean. In an instant the sky was filled with a beautiful mix of pink, orange, and yellow all being reflected off the sea like a mirror. This was where Tony figured out that he would be able to move on and love again.

Revision: The two stood face to face

This assignment was originally an in class writing assignment where we had to start our story with, "The two stood face to face" and end with, "and then there was one." I then revised this story by adding on roughly 200 words and correcting any grammar issues I found. When I added the 200 words, I was able to create a much happier and enjoyable ending.

The two stood face to face

            The two stood face to face, separated only by the thing caged fence. Two different species were brought together by one deep and lasting eye contact that seemed to be held for a lifetime. Jake gazed at the small baby dog in its kennel. From that moment, Jake knew he had gained a life friend, and memories to never forget. At the young age of seven, a puppy was all he wanted, and he had found one.

            “This one mommy” Jake shouted at his mother who was at the other end of the pet shop. That day was the start of a new friendship, the gain of a new family member, and someone who would love Jake just as much as he loved him. After a week, the dog was finally named Rufus. Jake and Rufus grew closer than imagined or expected. Jake was tailed everywhere he went in or out of the house, with a wet nose often bumping into the back of his leg. He would slip Rufus all the snacks he wanted, which only strengthened the bond between them. Jake would also sneak Rufus all his unwanted vegetables of off his plate when his parents weren’t looking.

              At 10, Jake began to change and so did Rufus, they grew up, got bigger, but were still just as playful at heart. As Jake continued to get older, he began to spend less time at home and more at sport practices, friend’s houses, and once he was 14, girls were introduced into the mix. Rufus was left at home, lucky to have the parents home with him for even half of the day. Rufus would lay by the front door, just waiting for Jakes return so he could have his companion at his side again. Even though Jake was spending more time away, they remained best friends. Rufus was someone that was always there for Jake. Whenever he was sad or needed to tell his secrets, Rufus’ head was on his lap ready to listen. More time passed and Rufus and Jake got older. Jake seemed to disappear, and at 18, they only had so much time left, and they didn’t seem to take advantage. When Jake moved out for college, the two best friends were separated, and then there was one, left behind at home.

Rufus would pace back and forth in the house for days on end, just waiting for Jake to return, but he didn't. Rufus, now 11 years old, lost his playfulness, lost his excitement for dinner time, and most important lost his best friend. Each day now consisted of him lying on the couch for hours, only moving to get food or water. That was until one day he heard a familiar car pull into the drive way, followed by a scent he could never forget. The crisp winter air outside forced Jake to run to the door, decorated with a reef for Christmas. As he pushed open the door, his dog, his companion, his best friend was there to greet him with a wet nose and a sloppy kiss, just as Rufus had done everyday before Jake left for college. Jake grabbed Rufus’ head and pulled him back just a little, and then locked into a deep and lasting eye contact as the two stood face to face.

Memoir: My first new Friend

This genre of writing is memoir style, and the original assignment was the vignette. By writing this story as a vignette, it pushed me to try and be more descriptive than usual. I enjoyed this assignment because it allowed me to remember a moment that I had not thought about for such a long time. 

My first new Friend

           

I walk into the Walnut Knolls pool with my two toy Power Rangers clutched in my tiny hands. Following behind me is my dad and my sister Miranda sporting her pink and white water wings (she isn't the best of swimmers). Across the glistening clear pool, underneath the overhang of the bathroom and changing rooms, protected from the scorching sun, was a little boy he appeared to be my age.

            I run towards that kid, not to hang out, but because the ground is burning like hot coals underneath my feet, and I want to get over to the cool shaded cement.  I sit down and dip my toes beneath the waving water and sigh in relief for the extreme comfort it has brought me.

            “My favorite Power Ranger is the red one.” I hear come from behind me. I turn around to notice that the boy is walking to sit down right next to me and penetrate his toes into the water just as I did. Looking back at my hands, I notice that in between my left hand, gripped tightly is the red Power Ranger. “Here, you can play with it if you’d like.”

            Both our parents took notice to our quick engagement in activity together, and sought out to find who was responsible for the kid. The parents talked about us kids, the neighborhood and much more that is unknown. During this, I continued to sit on the edge of the pool with my new friend and play Power Rangers as we submerged the action figure toys in and out of the water, making the sounds we felt were most likely to be made during an epic battle between the Rangers and the water.

            When my dad called me to leave, I got my toy back and I walked over to the gate. Shouting behind me, the little kid yelled, “My name is Ben!” Knowing I had just made a new friend I reply, “Mine is Zack!”            

Wild Card: One Syllable

This in-class assignment was given to my partner Jake and me. We were supposed to create a story only using one syllable words. This story was fun and expanded more and more as we wrote. I enjoyed how this assignment because it challenged us as writers to expand ourselves out of our comfort zone.

           The blue whale dove deep down in to the dark sea. It had just came up for a breath when it saw a boat. This had a big and sharp spear gun. A man stood and scanned the sea for prey, in whale form. The whale turned back up, swam real fast, and aimed for the man with the spear gun. The whale jumped in to the air, and let out a loud moan. It came down with a thud, and smashed the man and his gun with great force. The boat cracked in two, 'cause of the blue whale's weight. A bright sun hue stream pushed the wreck in the sea.     "Jack, don't pee in the bath tub, I told you to stop that last time!" yelled Ma.     "It won't stop Ma, I just like to play with my toys. I don't mind my pee," said Jack.     Jack got sent to his room 'cause of his bad traits. Jack will not pee in the bath tub for a third time.

Wild Card: Why I am not a Musician

This poem was originally the "why I am not" poem assignment. I Chose to post this piece of work because I enjoy the reality of it, and the slight humor that is incorporated. As a writer, it shows my ability to write poems of this sort, and I am very happy with the final piece.

Why I am not a Musician

I am a musician

HAHA no I am not.

My fingers do not bend

to play a guitar,

they do not glide,

to play a piano

they do not bang,

to play the drums.

I envy my sister,

“You are a waste of talent Miranda,

why don’t you even perform?

You could at least play for the family.”

“But Zack,

I do not think I am good,

or even okay.

You do not understand,

what it is like to have people

watching just you.

They watch your team.”

This is true,

my hands move,

to make a catch

my legs cut,

to get away from a defender,

because I am an athlete.