Author's Note: We're studying Hamilton in History class and using it to learn about historical integrity vs history accuracy and so on. We paired up and had 24 hours to research and write a creative piece (song, skit, poem, short story) about the time period. This is my and my partner's end product. It's definitely not perfect but I thought I should at least post something after months of inactivity. I'm very very sorry about that, by the way. Hope you enjoy and, as always, thanks for reading!
Love and well wishes,
Zosia Rose
Look Around
(All characters are identified by name tags around their neck. The name tags also indicate the date.)
1781
(Hamilton at his desk. Laurens enters.)
Laurens:
I'm going away. I'm going to keep fighting. I know that you have business here. Just wanted to say goodbye. Come have one last drink with me. A celebration of when the fate of our country didn't rest upon our shoulders. A time when you could take a break and just see us.
Hamilton:
Not right now, John. I have too much on my plate. I'm trying to create America's bank. No one believes in me but that's okay. I still have to stay on top of it. Sometime next week maybe.
Laurens:
Don't forget to write.
Hamilton:
(distracted by papers) mhhmmm
(Laurens exits.)
1782
(Eliza enters.)
Eliza:
I'm sorry. (hands him letter)
Hamilton:
(reads it)
No...Laurens said we'd have a drink when I got time. We were going to celebrate...he can't be dead, he just can't be.
1787
Hamilton:
(muttering, reading aloud from paper) Are men really capable or not of establishing good government from reflection and choice, or whether they are forever destined to depend on accident and force…(trails off, makes a few notes)
(Eliza enters.)
Eliza:
Look around, Alexander. Our son is growing up. He's turning five years old today. Papers will be around forever, but humans age. He needs you around. I need you around! You're so attentive to your books, be attentive to us too.
Hamilton:
I need to defend my government. It's not like the Federalist papers are going write themselves. I've been selected for the constitutional convention. I need to be ready. The world needs me.
Eliza:
The world can wait. We need you now.
(When Hamilton doesn't respond, Eliza exits.)
1800
(Philip enters.)
Philip:
Pops! Pops! I just learned how to be a lawyer. The graduation ceremony is tomorrow. I'm going to wear cap and gown. I'm going to be just like you. Can you come, Pops? Please?
Hamilton:
I'm so proud of you. Work is pretty hectic right now but I'll see.
(Philip exits.)
1801
(Eliza enters but doesn't approach Hamilton.)
Eliza:
How could this have happened? Our son. Gone before our very eyes. Right after my sister's death. And that awful Reynolds paper. This is too much heartbreak.
(Hamilton doesn't notice her.)
Hamilton:
No, (Softer) Philip, no.
(Eliza exits.)
July 10, 1804 (Night before duel with Burr)
(Hamilton stands apart from his desk.)
Hamilton:
Philip? Laurens? I stepped back from work. I have time. I'm looking around. I see the leaves turning. I see shopkeepers opening up their stores. I see my wife sleeping. I can finally see everything. Why can't I see you?