Marc Ellis an xcerpt from the play: The Asylum Hearing
feb. 2000

"My Son Chip" from (The Asylum Hearing)
copyright 2000 Marc Ellis
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Judge (To Lawyers in Courtroom during recess)

I think you all have heard me speak about my son Chip.

Trial Attorneys

(Nod among themselves)

Asylum-seeker in the dock

(Dumfounded...terrified)

Lead Attorney for INS

How is Chip anyway? Fine young man, your honor...

Judge

I'm afraid Chip is no longer with us.

(A stunned silence descends on the court-room)

INS Attorney

My God, what happened?

Judge

Did I tell you that Chip played Little League?

Well, last Saturday, we were at a game,

and Chip had just gotten a base hit,

and being the good boy he was,

he was trying to stretch a single into a double...

And as he was sliding into second...

The Aurora Borealis cracked and fell bleeding into the sea,

Mothers everywhere stuffed their mouths with silk worms,

And in an instant, Chip became what he had always been...

And what he was destined to become...

A drop of water,

Warm to touch,

Salty to taste,

(Breaks down crying)

Dissolving into the earth...

Attorney for INS

(Whispers to Attorney 2)

Chip was a drip...

Asylum Seeker

But your honor...I don't understand...

Judge

What don't you understand?

Asylum Seeker

Was he safe, or out?

Judge

Chip is safe now...

But you are still in jeporady.

Are we ready to proceed counsel?

Marc Ellis

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