numa ementa

Exercises

Edward Albee

1.

Take your head off.

Hold it in front of you with both hands

- eye level so to speak -

Then throw it as high as you can

- as high as you dare the first time -

Straight up!

Don't panic!

Keep your eyes closed!

Think about watching TV

Tumbling and spinning,

Keep your eyes closed!

Coming to rest for that dancer's instant

Plummeting...

Catch it, you fool!

There;

Now put it back on,

Right side up, eyes front.

Sit down

And rest for a minute.

2.

Take your head off again.

Hold it in front of you with both hands

- eye level so to speak -

Then throw it as high as you can

- even higher than before -

Straight up!

Don't panic!
Keep your eyes open this time!

Watch yourself down there

In all the tumbling and spinning

- keep your eyes open, for God's sake -

Come to rest for that dancer's instant...

Plummet!

Make your hands catch you!

There,

Now make them put your head

back on,

Right side up, eyes front.

Sit down

And rest again.

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(via Fernando)