What I Believe by Norma Fox Mazer

Author:Norma Fox Mazer
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Open Road Integrated Media

Sara’s Signature-Theory Sestina

In home base, Sara leans toward me. “V., we have to practice

writing badly. All famous people have awful signatures.

It proves they’re important!” She smacks her forehead,

winks, but she’s half serious. “We gotta write our names

big and messy. It’s our preparation for fame,

you as a great lawyer, and me on screen and stage.”

Mr. F. raps for quiet. “We’re now signing up for Winslow Stage’s

A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Sara smiles. “Our first practice

writing famously.” I nod, but Sara’s game of names and fame

is not on my mind. “Sara,” I chatter, “your signature

theory has a fatal flaw. How will fans recognize your name?”

“I’ll be so famous they’ll just know me.” Sara tips her head.

Mr. F. gives us the girls, please! look, and says, “People, heads

up. Who knows the author? Dead white guy. Acted on stage.

Mega genius. Wrote plays, sonnets—anyone know his name?”

“Shakespeare?” Klaera Leesum pipes. Mr. F. smiles. “Bingo! Practice

speaking up, Klaera, okay? Now, how about the man’s signature

play? Anyone?” “Romeo and Juliet?” Sara says. “Nope, his fame

rests on Hamlet, a tragedy. Midsummer Night has its own fame.

A girl-chases-boy-who-chases-girl-who-chases-boy saga! Your heads

around that one? Keep the sign-up sheet going, I want every signature

on it. This is a major treat. Live theater. Real actors on a real stage,

and it’s cheap. Can’t beat that! Plus a chance for you all to practice

being adults. When did Shakespeare live?” Steve Shane, his name

synonymous with sloth and slouch, speaks up. “His first name

was Will, born April 24, and the dude had sixteenth-century fame.”

Steve smirks. “Will and me share a birthday. I don’t need practice

to remember that, but he’s still boring.” Mr. F. shakes his head.

“No, no, no! You’re going to like this play, I guarantee. So no staging

silly protests.” The sign-up sheet comes closer. I can’t put my signature

on it! I can’t ask Mom for money, especially now. But a signature

is required, according to Mr. Franklin. I want to fake a name!

Sara’s signing now with a flourish, as if she’s already a huge stage

star. She’s a great person, but this thing about being famous

sort of wears me out. Wish I could tell her what’s really in my head.

When she hands me the sheet, I take a deep, long breath, practicing

being calm. Messily, I scrawl my name. “Yes!” Sara says. “Fame’s

gotta come your way. Can’t waste that signature.” She taps my head.

“Way better than mine. How’d you stage that? I need practice!”

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.