The Way Home Words and Music by Robert Denham (b. 1973)
This scene depicts two women, a middle-aged daughter along with her elderly mother, as they drive to a convalescent hospital for the first time. The opening measures present a texture that is meant to give the impression that the scene is taking place in a car as it starts, stops, and steers its way through traffic; this texture recurs throughout the piece. The younger woman knows that she will be leaving the rest home without her mother, and that for all intents and purposes, this will be her older counterpart’s “last stop” before she must eventually succumb to death.
MOTHER
Where is she taking me?
Has it come to this?
I feel just like a child!
DAUGHTER:
Here’s the exit;
they said to take a left at the light;
I’m so sick to my stomach;
I don’t know if I can do this . . .
It’s better for her there . . .
ev’ryone says it will be . . .
she can’t be by herself.
MOTHER
I’m not that far gone . . .
not like those people . . .
they don’t know one day from another,
another.
They just sit there . . .
staring blankly . .
They just sit there waiting to die, to die, to die . . .
I’ll be bored to tears with nothing to do.
Where are we now? I don’t know this place.
DAUGHTER
Three lights to go now . . .
Remember, Mom?
This is where we sould go before Brownies . . .
we’d drink hot cocoa and then go to Brownies . . .
That was so long ago, remember, Mom?
Two lights to go now . . .
you used to know this place . . .
it’s better for you there
I see the signs . . .
Remember, Mom?
Remember, Mom?
Mom?
Mom?
MOTHER
I remember braiding your hair . . .
DAUGHTER
I remember that . . .
MOTHER
. . . and singing you funny songs . .
DAUGHTER
. . . it’s better for you there . . .
MOTHER
. . .you would wake up with the brightest smile . . .
DAUGHTER
Has it come to this? Where is she taking me?
MOTHER
I cleaned your messes and spills . . .
DAUGHTER
I do that now for you . . .
MOTHER
. . . curdled yogurt . . .
DAUGHTER
. . . disinfectant!
MOTHER
. . . spaghetti sauce . . .
DAUGHTER
Loose bowels, quilted slippers
Shuffling aimlessly down the hall . . .
BOTH
Do you think I want this?
DAUGHTER
I’m not trying to punish you.
MOTHER
Have I done something wrong?
Sweetheart let me touch your hair . . .
DAUGHTER
I wish you were still here with me . . .
Mommy I miss you!
MOTHER
Sweet girl of mine!
DAUGHTER
What is this place I’ve brought you to?
MOTHER
What is this place?