Page 3 - Big Idea

The Big Idea – Act 1

To overcome the pain, the fear, the loneliness,
And fashion words from existing grunt and gesture;
Not just new symbols, but language itself was born!

Happily, my own life history has occurred
In an era of widespreading intelligence:
It is a trait shared by many, to some degree.

That first verbal person would be amazed at us:
People now communicate their knowledge with ease;
Words and what they mean travel faster than the breeze.

Should my sons and daughters fail to show the spark,
My sadness would be great—even so I could teach
The offspring of others all I know of value.

My task today, however, concerns the adults;
I’ve asked them all to gather here for a meeting,
To learn about an inspiration I have had.

(sees HALFWITS)

Ah! I see approaching some early arrivals,
But not the more intelligent ones, I’ll wager—
They would know the sun has not yet reached the angle.

As for the rest, those unable to think at all
Will abide with their ignorance down in the forest, -
Living their daily dream without interruption;

And these good but simple people, half in darkness,
Half illumined by the light of self-reflection,
Have come to satisfy their curiosity.

For them the dream has weakened and stretched but not burst,
Filling with words like water in an old skin bag;
They cannot believe their nightmares do not happen.

I could easily exclude them from this meeting,
Although they swing on the edge of enlightenment;
But beneath compassion, my other motive lies.

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