Oedipus

This is the beginning of a play I wrote in 2012. Oedipus stands in the middle of the apartment with a bloody knife wound in his leg; blood drips on the floor. He is breathing hard. He wears nothing more than his underwear. Jocasta lies in bed asleep.

Oedipus: Jocasta? JOCASTA!

Jocasta sits up in bed. She is half asleep.

Oedipus: Hey! JOCASTA!

Jocasta (asleep): It’s coming. I don’t want it. I don’t. Please!

Oedipus: Wake up. Wake up!

Jocasta: It’s coming.

Oedipus: You’re dreaming. Wake up! Why did you– you’re dreaming. Wake up.

Jocasta: Help me! It’s so cold. Help me, please. It’s coming!

Oedipus: WAKE UP! Of course you’re cold!

Jocasta brandishes a bloodied knife at Oedipus.

Jocasta (sleepy): What? Why am I… What’s going on?

Oedipus: Yeah, honey, I will take that whiskey, after all. On the rocks, and bring the bottle so I CAN DOWSE MY LEG IN THE STUFF, TOO!

Jocasta: What’re you doing? Why are–you’re bleeding. You’re bleeding!

Oedipus: Just shut up and bring the whiskey.

Jocasta: What’s going on! Oh, my god!

Oedipus: Stay where you are!

Jocasta: Who did this!

Oedipus: PUT THE KNIFE DOWN!

Jocasta: What knife? Ah!

Jocasta tosses the knife on the floor and wipes her hands on the bed clothes.

The end.

Published by Mink

The amazing writer, husband, father, traveler, and in general a uniquely amazing person named Jared Mink.