ROSEBUDS ONE DOLLAR

_______________________
A Play in One Act
by
Michael Driver

in the public domain

Email: MichaelDriver@mac.com

Cast of Characters
Rosebud:

Young girl

Ryan:

White man, about age 45

Bailey:

White man, about age 75

Sanders:

African American man, about age 70

Server:

Young person with very short hair

Butcher:

Butcher

Baker:

Baker

Candlestick Maker:

Candlestick Maker

Carson:

White man, about age 65

Businesswoman:

Woman

Businessman:

Man

Businessperson:

Adult

Scene
A street corner in the United States.
Time
Around 2015

1
Scene 1

SETTING:

The front of one side of the stage is set as a

street vendors flower stall consisting of a small
table with a few actual flowers lying flat on top
and a sign that reads, Rosebuds $1. There
are also two actual upended wooden crates or
stools. Behind, but not necessarily directly
behind, the flower vendor, is a suspended sign
that reads, Bookstore. Although, other than
the sign, there is nothing physical to indicate
the store, it is evident that the flower vendor is
located in front of the bookstore. The entrance
to the bookstore is closer to the street corner
than the flower stall. The front of the other side
of the stage is set as the outdoor seating area
of a coffee shop consisting of a few, actual
small tables and chairs and a sign that reads,
City Cafe. A street, paralleled by sidewalks,
runs between the two businesses, intersecting
with another, invisible, street that runs, by
implication, in front of the stage and another at
the rear of the stage. There are no other
materials on the stage except what may be
deemed necessary to indicate the existence of
the street running back to front on the stage
between the bookstore/flower vendor and the
coffee shop. All actions such as eating, pouring
and drinking coffee (including their receptacles
and equipment) are acted without props unless
specifically indicated to the contrary. No
character crosses the street unless specifically
directed to do so. Other characters, who walk
down the sidewalk on the side of the street
where they enter, exit down the sidewalk in
front of the flower vendor or coffee shop or
down the sidewalk toward the rear of the stage,
making a right angle turn to exit at the back of
the stage but remaining on the same side of
the stage where they entered.

AT RISE:

ROSEBUD stands behind or adjacent to her

flower table. BAILEY is seated at a caf table.

2
ROSEBUD

(calling out)
Rosebuds one dollar.
(RYAN approaches BAILEY from within
the caf instead of walking down the
sidewalk. As RYAN appears, SANDERS
mirrors a similar path, emerging from
within the bookstore onto the sidewalk
near ROSEBUD.)
RYAN
Ah. There you are on the sidewalk, Bailey. Good morning.
SANDERS
(opening shop door and propping it open)
Good morning, Rosebud. Out early as usual, I see.
BAILEY
Good morning, Ryan. Its a bit late in the morning for you to be out of the office,
isnt it?
ROSEBUD
Good morning, Mr. Sanders. Youre early today.
RYAN
I had business down the street. While I was out, I thought I might catch you here.
SANDERS
But youre always early, arent you, Rosebud?
BAILEY
Thats one good thing about being retired, Ryan. I can be here all day if I want to
be.
ROSEBUD
Got to catch the early morning traffic, sir. Some people want a rosebud before
they go to work.
RYAN
I envy you, Bailey. Ive got a long way to go before I can retire.
SANDERS
Seems like people dont think about books until up in the day, if at all.
(reenters shop and disappears)

BAILEY
Some of us have a long way to go and only a short time left to get there.
RYAN
(There is a pause. RYAN has a quizzical
look that disappears as he begins to speak.)
Welluhanywayuhtell me about that club you want me to join.
ROSEBUD
(calling out)
Rosebuds one dollar.
BAILEY
Its not a club. Its an organization.
RYAN
Organization then. What type? Nonprofit, I assume.
BAILEY
Yeaaahitsuhits nonprofit. I suppose you could say its a civic organization
of sorts but that doesnt exactly cover it.
RYAN
Whats it about, then? Whats the key thing?
ROSEBUD
(calling out)
Rosebuds one dollar.
BAILEY
Diversity.
RYAN
Oh, dear God! Diversity?
BAILEY
Yes, diversity. Whats wrong?
RYAN
And whats the name of this organization?
BAILEY
One City.
(SERVER approaches rapidly. Simultaneously,
SANDERS approaches his shop door.)

RYAN
(laughing)
Ah! Yes! One City. Ive heard of that. Youre a bunch of liberals.
SERVER
(to RYAN)
Can I take your order?
SANDERS
(handing money to ROSEBUD)
Rosebud, why dont you go down to the bakery and get a selection of our
favorite, sinfully sweet, totally bad for us pastries?
RYAN
Double mocha latte caramel blend stirred easy extra steam.
(To BAILEY, the SERVER indicates the
pot he appears to hold.)
BAILEY
Please.
(The SERVER pours a refill for BAILEY
and exits.)
ROSEBUD
(enthusiastically)
Okay, Mr. Sanders. Ill be right back.
(exits, leaving SANDERS standing next
to her table)
BAILEY
Now, Ryan, right before you ordered that gobbledygook excuse for coffee, you
made a false statement that I need to clear up from the beginning.
RYAN
What false statement?
BAILEY
That were a bunch of liberals in One City.
RYAN
You are. Ive heard.
BAILEY

Well, somebody misinformed you. Actually, most people in One City are
conservatives. Politically, a number of them are lifelong, certified and registered
conservatives.
RYAN
If thats the case, then whats with this diversity stuff?
SANDERS
(calling out)
Rosebuds one dollar.
RYAN
(looking around)
What was that? It was an odd sound.
BAILEY
That was just Sanders across the street filling in for Rosebud. He does that every
morning when she goes to the deli to fetch brunch.
RYAN
Okay. So if your One City organization isnt composed of a bunch of liberals, then
whats all the concern with diversity?
BAILEY
Conservatives cant be concerned about diversity?
RYAN
Come on, Bailey. You know the score about things. Its not natural.
BAILEY
Whoa, there! Not natural? You seem to have a very constrained view of
conservative values.
RYAN
Maybe youre talking about people who are conservative in name only. Im talking
about real conservatives.
BAILEY
Youre talking about politics and Im talking about values. Forget labels and just
take a look at people.
(SERVER arrives, this time with a face
painted in a very bright color.)
SERVER

Heres your double mocha latte caramel blend stirred easy extra steam. Will
there be anything else now?
(RYAN tentatively sips the beverage but
ignores the SERVER. BAILEY does a
double take and grins broadly as RYAN
speaks but ignores the SERVER.)
RYAN
Labels communicate. Labels actually help us see things. Labels create focus and
broaden understanding.
SERVER
Ill check back later.
RYAN
(continues to ignore the SERVER as
the SERVER exits)
Just imagine an office full of file folders without labels.
BAILEY
Well, as it pertains to office files, I suppose you have a point.
RYAN
Damn right, I have a point.
(sips deeply)
Ummm. This is a really good double mocha latte caramel blend stirred easy extra
steam.
ROSEBUD
(carrying an apparent bag and approaching
SANDERS)
Here we are, Mr. Sanders, fresh from the bakery. Everything is chocolate today.
SANDERS
My favorite. You always perform your missions so well, Rosebud. Im afraid I
dont and I didnt sell a single rosebud while you were gone.
ROSEBUD
Thats okay, Mr. Sanders. People respond when the time is right for them. And
thank you for buying us this good food like you always do.
(opening bag and removing contents)
Let me show you what we have today. Theres chocolate hummus on chocolate
whole wheat and chocolate cheddar on chocolate rye bread. And for dessert,
theres a sugar-free chocolate cookie.

SANDERS
All of that sounds so scrumptious, Rosebud. I cant wait. But Im a little worried
about the chocolate cookie. You arent serious about that, are you?
ROSEBUD
Oh, no, sir. Im not serious. Its really carob.
SANDERS
Thats good. Lets see, I think I would like to start with the chocolate hummus on
chocolate whole wheat.
ROSEBUD
And Im going to start with chocolate cheddar on chocolate rye bread.
(as they begin eating)
Mr. Sanders, why is rye bread either called Jewish rye or New York rye?
SANDERS
Thats a good question, Rosebud. Why dont you ask Mr. Rubinstein down at the
delierr, bakery. I think hes both.
ROSEBUD
(pausing briefly while eating)
Mr. Sanders
SANDERS
Yes, dear?
ROSEBUD
If Mr. Rubinstein made a ham on rye bread sandwich, would that be a
contradiction or just plain old irony?
(pausing)
Or something else entirely?
(pausing slightly)
Or nothing in particularnothing at all?
SANDERS
AhhhRosebudyou can ask the most intriguing questions. Well have to think
about that one.
(As RYAN and BAILEY talk, SANDERS
and ROSEBUD finish eating brunch
before SANDERS reenters the book
store and disappears.)
RYAN

So, whats the big deal about being concerned with diversity? Why are you guys
in One City so worried about it?
BAILEY
Think about it a minute, Ryan. The world is full of diversity but many of us have a
tendency to lock it out of our lives wherever possible. At work or at home.
RYAN
Theres diversity at my house, I can assure you of that, Bailey. Theres all the
diversity well ever need right between the sheets. And weve got a son and
daughter to prove it.
BAILEY
Thats not exactly what I had in mind.
RYAN
I know, I know, Bailey. Youre probably all wrapped up in having businesses hire
from different racial backgrounds, arent you? Is that what One City is trying to
promote?
BAILEY
In part, certainly, yes.
RYAN
Well, thats all fine and good for a business like the one you had, Bailey. Big and
prosperous. You must have had well over a hundred employees.
BAILEY
A little over two hundred.
RYAN
See? You could afford to hire from different races. Probably had to.
BAILEY
We would have wanted to
RYAN
(interrupting)
And on top of that, you had all kinds of different levels of employees, didnt you?
Like different educational levels and so forth, Im sure.
BAILEY
Thats all true. And in some ways, youre right, size made it easier to be more
diverse in hiring.
RYAN

I love it when you say Im right, Bailey.

BAILEY
But can you hear when I say youre wrong?
RYAN
Come again.
ROSEBUD
(calling out)
Rosebuds one dollar.
BAILEY
You heard me.
RYAN
What I havent heard is any reason to become involved with your liberal
organization. So far, all youve established is that its easier for bigger companies
to hire more diversity than small ones like mine. I dont need to attend a bunch of
meetings with liberals to know that.
BAILEY
Okay. First, diversity is not all about just hiring but lets look at that a minute.
Youre how old, Ryan?
RYAN
Forty-five.
BAILEY
So you really do have a long way to go.
RYAN
Thats what I said and its why I envy you. Because you sold out and get to come
here everyday for as along as you want.
BAILEY
And thats your plan, too?
RYAN
Close to it. I either want to get things going so that I can step back, maybe hire
two or three more people along the way, and have one of them running things so
I can come here everyday while things go along without me. Either that, or I want
to just sell completely, like you did. Depends on things.
BAILEY
And when do you want this to happen?

10

RYAN
Well, it depends on things, like I say. How the tax law may change. How the
business is going. Whos there to run it. Who might be interested in it. Things like
that. But about twenty years would be a good ballpark. Hopefully less, but Im not
counting on it.
BAILEY
Okay, twenty years in the future. Good plan.
RYAN
But a lot can happen in that much time.
BAILEY
Exactly. So lets think about today. Think about how the population breaks down
today.
RYAN
Are you talking about race? It always comes down to race with you liberals,
doesnt it?
BAILEY
I would say that it frequently comes down to race with conservatives but lets try
to get past that a minute and just look at facts.
RYAN
I dont know the exact numbers, but around here, in these parts, a big hunk of the
population is white and another big chunk is black. Thats walking around
obvious.
BAILEY
And the rest?
RYAN
Its a split between Asians and Hispanics.
BAILEY
And how many people in your office right now?
RYAN
An engineer, two techs, three sales guys, me and a secretary. Eight.
BAILEY
And youre all?
RYAN

11

Were back to race again, arent we? I told you about you liberals.
BAILEY
Just bear with the facts a minute.
RYAN
Were all the same race. But were a small shop.
BAILEY
And in ten or twelve years how many people do you think there will be in your
office?
RYAN
Two or three more. Ten, total, maybe. Not more than a dozen, even if things play
out really well.
BAILEY
And now, back to that other part of the population. The Asians and Hispanics.
RYAN
Race, race, race.
BAILEY
The other part, the Asians and Hispanics, are growing. Right?
RYAN
Yeah. So?
BAILEY
And theyre growing faster than the whites and the blacks, right?
RYAN
Thats what Ive heard. Race, race, race.
BAILEY
And if the other part of the population is growing faster than the old parts,
especially when the white part is declining faster than ever, doesnt it make
sense that your customers are more and more African American, Asian and
Hispanic?
RYAN
Race, race, race.
BAILEY
And if thats the case, doesnt it make sense that you need to address that fact in
your hiring?

12

ROSEBUD
(calling out)
Rosebuds one dollar.
RYAN
Race, race, race.
BAILEY
Its not all about race.
RYAN
You brought up diversity, I didnt.
BAILEY
Diversity is not all about race.
RYAN
Hiring diversity then. Say it however you like, it all comes down to race, race,
race.
BAILEY
Hiring diversity is not just about race, either.
(BUTCHER, BAKER and CANDLESTICK
MAKER enter down the sidewalk near
ROSEBUDs table. They are dressed
appropriately for their trades, one with
a bloody white apron, one with a bakers
hat with apron and one with a long, drip
stained apron. They carry actualnot
acted or imaginedobjects, including
a meat cleaver, a long loaf of bread and
one long candlestick.)
ROSEBUD
Butcher, Baker, Candlestick Maker.
BUTCHER
At
BAKER
your
CANDLESTICK MAKER
service.

13

ROSEBUD
But the question is: What can I do for you?
BUTCHER
We need three identical rosebuds
BAKER
to match our corporate self
CANDLESTICK MAKER
and shared mission in life.
ROSEBUD
Coming right up.
(BUTCHER, BAKER and CANDLESTICK
MAKER each pay and don a rosebud
before moving down the sidewalk in
high spirits.)
BUTCHER
Twiddledum
BAKER
Twiddledee
CANDLESTICK MAKER
and suck my thumb.
(holds up candlestick)
BUTCHER, BAKER, CANDLESTICK MAKER
(in unison as they turn at the corner and
continue down the sidewalk, turning again
at the back corner and exiting)
Its off to work we go. A little work here, a little work there, its off to work we go.
Twiddledum, twiddledee and suck my thumb. Its off to work we go. Its off to
work we go. A little work here, a little work there, its off to work we go.
Twiddledum, twiddledee and suck my thumb. Its off to work we go.
RYAN
What do you guys do at One City? Just sit around talking about hiring diversity?
Trying to shame someone into hiring diversity?
BAILEY
No, no, no. Its nothing like that.

14

RYAN
Okay, then. You sit around feeling all superior and everything because youve
already hired diversity?
BAILEY
No, no, no. Youve got the wrong idea about One City.
RYAN
Okay, then. You just sit around and eat breakfast and drink coffee.
BAILEY
Its more than that, Ryan.
RYAN
What, then? What exactly is it that you do at One City?
BAILEY
Well, wewe have a speaker most weeks and
(interrupts himself at the sight of CARSON
who approaches, walking down the sidewalk
from offstage)
lets get another
(calling and waving)
Carson! Come join us.
RYAN
Good morning, Carson.
CARSON
(joining BAILEY and RYAN, entering
from the sidewalk, shaking hands)
Hello. Good morning.
BAILEY
Carson, tell Ryan what we do every week at One City.
CARSON
Why do I need to tell him? Havent you been paying attention?
BAILEY
Too busy with the scrambled eggs.
(forced laughter)
Ive tried to explain it but
RYAN

15

(interrupting)
So far it seems to be about eggs and diversity, especially hiring diversity. I think I
would choke on all of it.
CARSON
Oh, no. The eggs are fine. If anything, you should be choking on the biscuits. Dry
as hell.
(forced laughter)
Why cant we have hash browns?
BAILEY
Always wondered that myself but never said anything.
RYAN
Thats cause youve always been too busy talking about diversity.
CARSON
Do I sense some hostility, Ryan?
RYAN
I think its safe to say that Bailey and I disagree about diversity.
BAILEY
It started out with me inviting Ryan to a One City meeting. And we sort of got
sidetracked.
RYAN
Diversified.
BAILEY
And then Ryan asked what we do at One City meetings and I was about to
explain when you came along. I thought you might be better than me to tell him
what we do.
CARSON
Fair enough, I guess.
(The SERVER approaches rapidly, still
with a brightly painted face, but this time
also wearing brightly colored, hugely
oversized and dangly earrings. While
pouring coffee and at other times, the
SERVERs chin is thrust outward and
upward with the head turning at various
angles in such a way as to emphasize
the earrings. The SERVER apparently

16
carries an apparent tray in an open hand
as well as a coffee pot in the other hand.
As the SERVER approaches, RYAN
removes an apparent pocket knife and
begins to clean his fingernails while
examining them intently, paying absolutely
no attention to the SERVER, even when
acknowledging or answering the SERVER.)

SERVER
(to CARSON while refilling BAILEYs cup)
What would you like, sir?
CARSON
Just black coffee, thanks.
SERVER
(sliding the tray from his open hand onto
the table and removing a cup which is
then filled)
I anticipated that. So youre all set.
CARSON
Thanks.
SERVER
Happy to oblige.
(to RYAN while removing another cup f
rom the tray)
And for you, sir. I thought you might be ready for another double mocha latte
caramel blend stirred easy extra steam.
(RYAN, while holding the pocket knife in
place against a fingernail on the other
hand, glances at the fresh cup as the
SERVER pushes it toward him but does
not look up at the SERVER at any point,
even as he replies. Instead, RYAN stares
at the SERVERs hand.)
RYAN
Thanks. I appreciate that. The first double mocha latte caramel blend stirred easy
extra steam
(RYAN pauses while more closely observing
the SERVERs hand. He resumes speaking
very slowly.)

17

was...verygood.
SERVER
Thank you, sir. Im glad you enjoyed it.
(As the SERVER exits, RYAN hesitates,
his hands still in place for a moment as
he begins to speak without looking toward
the exiting SERVER. Slowly, RYAN returns
the knife to his pocket as he addresses
CARSON and BAILEY.)
RYAN
(conspiratorially)
Did you see that server?
BAILEY
(laughing heartily along with CARSON)
We were wondering if you saw the server.
RYAN
Oh, I saw. And it was horrifying.
CARSON
Now, Ryan, it wasnt bad, it was just a little different and not even all that different
as things go. It was fun.
RYAN
Fun? How can they let someone like that work here? Its deeply offensive to go to
a coffee shop or a restaurant, or anywhere for that matter, and be forced to see
such a thing.
BAILEY
Really, Ryan. Youre vastly overplaying this.
RYAN
Overplaying? You dont think that its outrageous for a server to have a four letter
obscenity tattooed across the fingers?
CARSON
(breaking into uproarious laugher with
BAILEY)
So thats all you saw?
BAILEY
And you didnt even get that right.

18

RYAN
(offended)
What?
CARSON
Ryan, the first letter was y.
RYAN
(flustered and defensive)
Well. Its still offensive. And its still utterly outrageous.
BAILEY
But you admit that you like the double mocha latte caramel blend stirred easy
extra steam.
RYAN
That has nothing to do with it.
BAILEY
So you say. So you say. And what I was saying earlier was that I would like for
Carson to explain what we do at One City meetings.
ROSEBUD
(calling out)
Rosebuds one dollar.
RYAN
So far, we had established that you eat breakfast and talk about diversity.
BAILEY
And have speakers most weeks.
RYAN
And how often do you meet?
CARSON
Fifty weeks a year. And we have a speaker for all but twelve of them.
RYAN
What do you do when you dont have a speaker?
CARSON
We have discussions.
RYAN

19

Ah! Lots of time to talk about diversity.

BAILEY
Its not all talk about diversity.
RYAN
Wow! Just think about that. Its absolutely amazing that youre able to find thirtyeight people to come and speak to you every year about diversity. Those
speakers have to be recycled sometimes. Doesnt it get repetitious?
BAILEY
I tell you, Ryan, its not all about diversity. Nor is it repetitious.
CARSON
Baileys right. And our speakers reflect that.
RYAN
How so?
CARSON
They address all kinds of subjects. Everything related to our community.
RYAN
And where do you find these speakers?
BAILEY
From everywhere.
CARSON
They bring expertise in their own fields and share their interests with us.
RYAN
You pay them?
CARSON
Oh, no, not a cent. Theyre interested in speaking to us as a way of extending
their reach in the community.
RYAN
In other words, theyre giving you an infomercial for themselves.
BAILEY
Well, I suppose thats one way of looking at it.
RYAN
And where do you find these speakers?

20

CARSON
From lots of sources. Nonprofits, government agencies, universities, trade
associations, community activists and so forth.
RYAN
And the audience? The One City membership?
CARSON
Yes?
RYAN
Who exactly is the audience. Who composes One City? Are most retired like you
and Bailey?
BAILEY
I would think about a third of us are retired. Another third could be, if they would
let go. The rest are younger but hardly anyone is younger than you. Wouldnt you
say thats about right, Carson?
CARSON
Yep. You nailed it.
RYAN
Pretty good mixture of men and women in One City?
BAILEY
Oh, yes. Absolutely.
RYAN
Okay. Lets check where we are with you guys. It sounds to me like youre a
bunch of people somewhere between old and older who meet for breakfast once
a week and listen to special interests tout their prejudices in the guise of values.
And youre looking for more members on the younger end of old, but not too
young or too old, to join up and keep things going. Is that about the size of it?
CARSON
I wouldnt phrase it exactly like that but I suppose youre close enough.
RYAN
Other than that, what exactly do you do?
(BAILEY and CARSON squirm and
exchange uncomfortable glances.)
CARSON

21

Well, uh, I suppose thats mostly what we do.

RYAN
Sounds pretty thin, dont you think?
BAILEY
Now, Ryan, dont jump to conclusions.
RYAN
What else am I to think? I mean, here you are, all successful people from
different pursuits, many of you with time on your hands and who have this
passion for diversity and, I guess, other liberal agenda items
BAILEY
(interrupting)
Now, Ryan
RYAN
(interrupting)
and all you do is eat breakfast and hear these entertaining speeches and thats
it. Nothing else. Nothing. Nada. No activities? No projects?
CARSON
Well, sometimes, we undertake a special project of some kind. Like a couple of
years ago.
RYAN
(laughing)
A couple of years ago? Are you serious? You had a project a couple of years
ago?
BAILEY
Were active in the community.
RYAN
It doesnt sound like it.
BAILEY
We dont have to have a bunch of projects going on at One City. There are other
ways to be active in the community. Lots of our members are members of other
organizations, too. They take what they pick up at One City back to their other
groups. And beyond that, each member takes the information and does
something with it according to their own inclination.
CARSON

22

Like from that speaker last week who talked about running a homeless shelter.
We had some members who were very interested and likely that nonprofit
organization received some donations from our members and maybe someone
will even decide to become a volunteer.
BAILEY
Its not at all unusual for some of our members to act on their own to address the
needs they hear about in One City meetings.
RYAN
And from this there is diversity?
ROSEBUD
(calling out)
Rosebuds one dollar.
BAILEY
Yes. Because, like I was trying to tell you earlier, diversity is not constrained to
hiring or even
CARSON
(interrupting)
Ah! I see whats behind your questions, Ryan.
BAILEY
What?
CARSON
You were expecting to hear about a conventional civic organization. One that
sends money to support its national office or to sponsor some worthy cause or
other. Maybe even an event to benefit a local charity.
BAILEY
I see what youre getting at. One of those organizations where you go to see and
be seen and meet somebody to call on later in the week for sales. I got you,
Carson. Is that right, Ryan? Was that what you were expecting?
RYAN
Pretty much, except that the diversity thing and the whole liberal reputation sort
of threw me. And to hear that you dont really do anything is even more
disconcerting. I mean, it seems like that if you have a liberal agenda, you would
want to pick some part of it, like diversity, and make that the focus of an effort to
get out and push the idea likelike
CARSON
(interrupting)

23

Like a crusade?
RYAN
Yeah. Like a crusade, a project that has some energy, some activity associated
with it. Like a crusade. Something.
CARSON
I understand. Thoughts like that crossed my mind at one point, too. It cant be
helped. Theres a tendency for people to need to act and if theyre not doing
something, they think theyre not doing anything.
RYAN
(double take)
Come again.
BAILEY
Good way to put it, Carson. I knew youd come through.
CARSON
As it is in One City, theres some thinking going on. Its not like were really not
completely not doing anything.
BAILEY
Sort of like porch sitting can be an activity, or not, but it can be, even if it doesnt
appear to be.
RYAN
Dear, God. You guys are amazing. Both of you have made lots of money and
have done lots of things and here you are talking about activity being inactivity.
Or inactivity being activity. I cant tell which. Amazing. If this is what I have to look
forward to in twenty years, Im not sure
CARSON
(interrupting)
Ha! Relax about it. Give up trying. Youll live better for it.
BAILEY
(chuckling)
And get more done, too.
RYAN
I just dont see how or even what
CARSON
(interrupting)

24

You have to be conscious about running your business, but if you ease up on
yourself and on your mind, youll find that allowing yourself to think makes things
fall into place without so much effort as you believe you have to make.
RYAN
Now, youre getting creepy. Like wooo, wooo creepy. Hocus-pocus creepy. It
doesnt fit with business, at least not the way I do business, and Im surprised to
hear this kind of stuff coming from the two of you.
(BUSINESSPERSON, wearing a conservative
suit and carrying an actual attach case,
approaches the flower table walking extremely
rapidly down the sidewalk from offstage.
BUSINESSPERSONs steps are excessively
clunky and noisy. BUSINESSPERSON shouts
rather than speaking normally.)
BUSINESSPERSON
Rosebud! Rosebud! Quick! I need a rosebud!
ROSEBUD
Whats the hurry?
BUSINESSPERSON
Places to go! Things to do!
ROSEBUD
They can wait, you know.
BUSINESSPERSON
The quicker I do em, the more of em I can do!
ROSEBUD
You might get more out of what you do if you take a little time to
BUSINESSPERSON
(interrupting)
No time for that stuff!
ROSEBUD
Well, take just a moment to ask
BUSINESSPERSON
(interrupting)
No time for questions!

25
(BUSINESSPERSON pays and ROSEBUD
attaches a rosebud to BUSINESSPERSONs
suit.)

ROSEBUD
Then at least youre off with the armor of sepals and the shield of petals.
BUSINESSPERSON
(placing the attach case between the
legs so that it extends behind
BUSINESSPERSON who holds the case
by the handle)
Yes! Im off! Im definitely off!
(BUSINESSPERSON waves to ROSEBUD
and advances a couple of quick steps
before noticing that SANDERS has crept
forward to the doorway of the bookstore
where he peeps furtively around the
doorframe while staying inside his shop.
Upon seeing SANDERS, BUSINESSPERSON
stops short, drawing upward on the handle of
the attach case. BUSINESSPERSON waves
to SANDERS in a wildly exaggerated gesture.)
BUSINESSPERSON
(calling, executed in the manner of the
Lone Ranger)
Heigh-ho, Sanders!
(BUSINESSPERSON slaps the portion
of the attach case that extends in the
rear before turning and galloping down
the sidewalk, turning again at the rear
of the stage and galloping offstage.
When BUSINESSPERSON disappears,
SANDERS slowly emerges onto the
sidewalk from the bookshop.)
SANDERS
Business didnt used to be done that way.
ROSEBUD
Theyll eventually learn, Mr. Sanders.
SANDERS

26

I hope so, Rosebud. In the meantime, I think Ill just read a book or take a nap.
(SANDERS disappears into the bookstore.)
BAILEY
Sometimes surprises are helpful.
CARSON
The unexpected can be invigorating.
RYAN
Or disruptive. Or impertinent. Or misleading. I would be willing to bet that the two
of you and One City as a wholenow, dont get me wrong, Im not saying that
youre bad folks, at all. God knows, you know how much a part of this community
I am and I know you to be, otherwise we wouldnt be sitting here talking, but, lets
face it, were not together on this particular thing.
BAILEY
For example?
RYAN
For exampleuhlet me let you tell it. This is how much confidence I have in
the example, to let you tell it when I dont even know the answer, just willing to
gamble that Im right.
BAILEY
About what?
RYAN
Okay, here goes. You say youre not a bunch of liberals. So, then, tell me how
One City got started.
CARSON
Its been more than thirty years ago now. There was a really ugly racial incident
involving the police department and some black people in a cul-de-sac. There
was a big dispute about what actually happened, but it apparently started out as
some sort of a Mexican standoff.
RYAN
I was just a kid then, but I remember it.
CARSON
Then the police got the upper hand and it seems like some of them took it out on
a few of the blacks. Some of them were hurt pretty bad. Some cops were hurt,
too, and the community was badly divided.

27

BAILEY
But the division really just reflected deeper attitudes on both sides.
CARSON
A lot of people, on both sides, too, blamed the City Commissioner because the
police department was his pet and lots of people in town, on both sides, too,
thought that the cops were just doing what he wanted them to do and that
attitude made things worse for everybody.
BAILEY
So some young businessmen, about your age now, at that timeI was one of
themthought that something needed to be done to bring people together in a
way that would heal the problem then and keep others from occurring in the
future. But we didnt know who to talk to in the opposite race.
RYAN
(incredulously)
Opposite race?
BAILEY
(pausing, surprised by the question)
The blacks.
(pausing)
So we went to see the City Commissioner to find out who among the blacks we
needed to talk to about joining our effort. We needed to find someone in the
black community who would help us find others in their community.
CARSON
And so you got together and formed One City as a biracial organization to
RYAN
(interrupting)
Hold on just a minute. Lets back up a couple of steps.
(to BAILEY)
Im forty-five. And you were about my age when you started One City?
BAILEY
Yes. About forty-five.
RYAN
And you were already well established in business by then.
BAILEY
We had a long way to go at that point but, yes, we had come a long way, too, by
then.

28
RYAN

And youve lived here how long?

BAILEY
All my life.
RYAN
You had lived here your entire life and you didnt know who in the black
community you needed to approach about joining a city-wide civic organization?
(There is a long pause. RYAN stares at
BAILEY who drops his head.)
How could that be?
BAILEY
(hesitating)
Knowing people wasnt easy. In those days, people of the opposite race didnt
know each other.
RYAN
Blacks and whites.
BAILEY
Yes. Blacks and whites. We had never known each other. Never associated with
each other. Never done business together. Never even talked. Had no occasion
to talk.
RYAN
So, in order to find a black leader to talk to, you went to the City Commissioner
for a name.
BAILEY
Yes.
RYAN
The City Commissioner. The white City Commissioner who happened to be at
the very point of conflict with the black community and likely the cause of much of
the conflict.
BAILEY
Yes. And he gave us the name of a black lawyer who gave us the names of a
few people in their community. We approached them with our idea, they agreed
to participate, and here we are.
RYAN
I just think thats amazing.

29

BAILEY
It felt sort of awesome to us to be doing it.
RYAN
No. I mean amazing that you didnt know who to talk to in the first place and then
that you went to the City Commissioner, of all people, to find someone. Its simply
amazing.
BAILEY
(looking down and aside, then turning
toward RYAN)
Wewe just didnt know. We didnt know any blacks. We didnt know who to talk
toexcept the only white man who had contact with black people at that level,
you know, publicly, about public matters.
(pauses, looks down and aside again
then looks back at RYAN and addresses
him more assertively)
We didnt know black people then. We had no way of knowing them.
RYAN
You had no way of knowing them? How is that when they were all around you?
BAILEY
But they werent the leaders. Theythey werethey were the
RYAN
(interrupting)
The servants? The maids? The laborers?
BAILEY
Yes. They werent the leaders. We didnt know the leaders.
RYAN
Did you not know that they had churches, businesses and schools, even a
university right here in this city?
BAILEY
I suppose we knew that but we didnt know the people, the leaders.
RYAN
Was it that you didnt know them or that you didnt want to know them?
BAILEY
Wellahhahh
RYAN

30

Or was it more a matter that you didnt see them? That you ignored them? Did
you even want to see them?
BAILEY
They were there for sure but we didnt
RYAN
(interrupting aggressively)
Come on, Bailey. That was thirty years ago. And at that point it had been thirty
years since Brown v. Board of Education and the Montgomery Bus Boycott when
civil rights got cranked up. Do you mean to say that after three decades you still
didnt know black citizens in the city where you grew up or even the names of
their leaders?
BAILEY
(pauses, stares aside)
All I can say is that it was a matter of the times.
RYAN
The times? It wasnt like that was part of the times everywhere in the country
and the times certainly werent an excuse everywhere.
CARSON
But in reality, it was a matter of the times in much of the country and the times
might not have been the stated excuse everywhere but it was the reality for much
of the country, even if a lot of people didnt want to face it.
RYAN
Well, I suppose thats true, at least to some extent. But its still no excuse. And
theres one more thing about what you said.
ROSEBUD
(calling out)
Rosebuds one dollar.
BAILEY
Whats that?
RYAN
You kept referring to the opposite race.
(RYAN and BAILEY stare at each other,
RYAN, expecting a response, and
BAILEY, either refusing to acknowledge
the expectation or exercising passive
aggression. The pause is obviously

31
uncomfortable but forced, with
determination on both sides.)
RYAN

What opposite race?

(another pause)
There is no opposite race.
(another pause)
Races have no opposites.
CARSON
(tentatively, slowly, especially at first)
I thinkit could beyou might want toahhhweigh in on this, Baileybut I
think that possibly the phrase opposite race was used because thats how those
of us who are olderthats how the black and white races were thought about in
those days.
(BAILEY nods agreement)
RYAN
But thats false. Its a fabrication.
CARSON
Maybe its because of the tags that have been applied to it. You know, working
from a contrast of black and white helped to create that impression in our minds.
BAILEY
Or maybe we look for impressions to latch onto, however false they may be.
RYAN
Whatever the excuse, the concept of opposite races is wrong. Its misleading.
The fact is, the whole idea of race is false. It tells us what we want to hear. We
want appearance to be multi-dimensional, but race takes us down blind alleys
and on wild goose chases.
BAILEY
(to RYAN)
You know, not to pinch an already sore subject, but given where we started in
talking about diversity, its awfully ironic that you should be the one who is
guiding us about race.
RYAN
Im not guiding you about race. Im simply reacting to what youre saying. Its sort
of astonishing stuff.
CARSON

32

Maybe we should take a step back.

RYAN
Back to where? Diversity? That meanswhich is to say you meanrace, which
is where we were.
BAILEY
Lets stop arguing about diversity as race for a minute. Itsits
RYAN
(interrupting)
Uncomfortable?
CARSON
Lets not step back that far. At least not yet. Lets only go back to where we were
talking about One City. It means something to me. I get a lot out of it.
RYAN
Why do you get a lot out of it? Youre retired, for Gods sake.
CARSON
That doesnt mean that Ive stopped growing or that I dont care about anything.
RYAN
Ill grant you that but surely retirement takes the edge off interest in the kinds of
stuff you encounter at One City, all those charity infomercials and everything.
BAILEY
Youve got to consider what you havent gotten to in your own life yet, Ryan, and
thats that retirement can actually sharpen edges because older people combine
greater experience with more thought.
CARSON
And we weigh the result against our ideals and the world around us. We even
apply the age perspective to new things.
BAILEY
Though mostly, I think we remain content to sort of lets saymarinate.
RYAN
Ah! Exactly what I was talking about. Weve circled back to it, finally.
CARSON
Not so fast, Ryan. It may not seem like theres a lot of action taking place in the
marinate but the change is transformative.

33

RYAN
Oooo. Creepy hocus-pocus. Graybeard changeo-mocus.
CARSON
(forced laughter)
Okay. Okay.
BAILEY
Like the difference between double mocha latte caramel blend stirred easy extra
steam and double mocha latte caramel blend stirred easy light steam?
RYAN
(without humor)
Okay. Okay. But were still left with this diversity that you focus on. And hiring
diversity. And race, race, race.
CARSON
Were going in circles.
RYAN
Youre dragging us there.
BAILEY
Weve tried to establish that there is more to diversity than race. Race isnt even
real. You said so, yourself.
RYAN
Ha! So, if were going to get real, we have to undercut everything youve been
talking about.
CARSON
Not at all. Maybe what weve been doing is talking the bullshit out of real
diversity.
BAILEY
Youre right, Ryan. Race really isnt real. Its just an appearance. A false
appearance.
RYAN
So now were talking not just circles but concentric circles.
CARSON
But the hook is that race is among the most obvious appearanceseven though
its falseand therefore its among the most important aspects of diversityeven
though its false.

34

RYAN
(with exaggerated double take)
Concentric circles. Spirals and spirals within circles.
CARSON
On top of which, or, should I say, scrambled into the mix, is the fact that the
appearance of race is often difficult to read, even misleading.
RYAN
I think youre just trying to cover your tracks. I think you started something with
this hiring and diversity stuff and dont know how to get out of it without making it
all fuzzy and explaining it away into meaninglessness.
(BAILEY and CARSON turn toward each
other and pause.)
BAILEY
(with tentative excitement)
Could that be it?
CARSON
(with cautious optimism)
It might be. It really might be it.
RYAN
It what?
ROSEBUD
(calling out)
Rosebuds one dollar.
BAILEY
The way to approach diversity.
CARSON
Especially in practical matters like hiring.
RYAN
Okay. Now, youre in orbit. Youre circling pretty far out. And I still dont know
what it is.
CARSON
Its what you said. I think you may have hit it, Ryan.
RYAN

35

(very agitated both verbally and physically)

Stop it! Cut it out, now! I want to know what youre talking about but I dont want
to have anything to do with it and I for damn sure dont want to take the blame for
whatever it is. Tell me but leave me alone about it.
CARSON
Its what you said when you said, explaining it away into meaninglessness.
RYAN
Yeah? I was making an accusation against you.
CARSON
And showing us the way.
RYAN
Dear, God! Fuzzy, fuzzy, fuzzy.
CARSON
Exactly. You said that, too.
RYAN
So?
CARSON
Thats the way.
RYAN
That what? Way what?
(BUSINESSMAN enters, walking briskly
down the sidewalk toward ROSEBUD
from offstage. He anxiously checks
his watch.)
ROSEBUD
(calling out)
Rosebuds one dollar.
(BUSINESSMAN fails to heed ROSEBUD
and initially walks past her but doubles
back before reaching the corner.)
BUSINESSMAN
(glancing around and checking watch
without looking at the table)
Rosebuds, huh?

36

ROSEBUD
Yes, sir. Your choice. One dollar.
BUSINESSMAN
(critically examining ROSEBUD)
Instead of selling flowers, shouldnt you be in school?
ROSEBUD
Im both here and in school.
BUSINESSMAN
(indignantly)
Humph.
(BUSINESSWOMAN appears from a
distance, walking slowly down the
sidewalk from offstage toward ROSEBUD.
Paying no attention to BUSINESSMAN
as she approaches, BUSINESSWOMAN
leisurely checks email on her cell phone
as she walks slowly, arriving as the ensuing
exchange concludes between ROSEBUD
and BUSINESSMAN.)
BUSINESSMAN
(looking toward BUSINESSWOMAN)
Ahh. There you are. And just a little early, for once. Thats good for a change.
(inspecting the contents of the flower table
and speaking sharply to ROSEBUD)
Whats this? These arent rosebuds.
ROSEBUD
Yes, they are.
BUSINESSMAN
No, theyre not. Im not having it. Youre claiming to sell rosebuds when there
arent any.
ROSEBUD
Yes, they are rosebuds.
BUSINESSMAN
(loudly)
Look at that! Thats a dandelion! Youre selling weeds!

37
ROSEBUD

Youre an asshole, sir.

BUSINESSMAN
(turning to BUSINESSWOMAN with
extreme annoyance)
Did you hear what this child just called me?
BUSINESSWOMAN
Yes, I heard. If the description fits, wipe it.
BUSINESSMAN
(angry and incredulous)
What?! Humph!
(stalks toward the corner, muttering
and leaving BUSINESSWOMAN with
ROSEBUD)
I just cant believe this! How could you possibly side with this urchin who has the
audacity to offend her betters with blatant disregard for propriety
BUSINESSWOMAN
Dont pay any attention to him, Rosebud.
ROSEBUD
Oh, Im not, mam.
BUSINESSWOMAN
Some people are a very long way from understanding.
ROSEBUD
Yes. So, we have to be patient but not necessarily willing to abide everything,
every appearance.
BUSINESSWOMAN
You put that so well, Rosebud.
ROSEBUD
It comes from practicing detachment.
BUSINESSWOMAN
Everyday.
ROSEBUD
Yes. Everyday.
BUSINESSWOMAN

38

Most all day.

ROSEBUD
Yes. Most all day.
BUSINESSWOMAN
You see a lot on this corner dont you, Rosebud?
ROSEBUD
It may seem like a lot, mam, but its really all the same.
BUSINESSWOMAN
(pausing while regarding ROSEBUD
thoughtfully)
Then, I may as well go up the street as down the street, would you say?
ROSEBUD
No, mam. Go the direction of your inmost inclination. Youll end up the same
place anyway but it may help to expend the scenery of your inclination.
BUSINESSWOMAN
(pausing while regarding ROSEBUD
thoughtfully)
You have such a wonderful collection of rosebuds.
(extends payment)
I would like one rosebud, please.
(leans forward while ROSEBUD attaches
a rosebud to her suit jacket)
Thank you, Rosebud.
ROSEBUD
Youre most welcome, mam.
(BUSINESSWOMAN turns around to
face the sidewalk, revealing a large
sunflower that completely covers her
chest. Noticing BUSINESSMAN
waiting impatiently on the corner, she
approaches him with alertness and
determination.)
BUSINESSMAN
Whats this? Thats no rosebud.
BUSINESSWOMAN
Yes, it is. Its a most wonderful rosebud.

39

BUSINESSMAN
That girl is a fraud and youwell, you managed to turn just a bit early into a little
late. But we can still be on time to the meeting if we hurry.
BUSINESSWOMAN
You can handle the meeting by yourself. Ive got somewhere else to go.
(steps to the corner and checks for traffic)
BUSINESSMAN
What? Whats this? You cant just run out on an important presentation that
weve been planning for months!
(BUSINESSWOMAN ignores BUSINESSMAN,
crossing the street and walking past the
caf with determination, her head high,
her focus straight ahead. BUSINESSWOMAN
exits beyond the caf.)
BUSINESSMAN
(muttering as he turns the corner and
strides rapidly past the bookstore and
turns again at the rear corner, exiting
behind the bookstore)
I just dont know what got into her! Plan, plan, plan and then boom! Its women, I
guess. Or maybe its simply anyone else at all. It seems like I cant trust anybody
but myself. No one elseno one elseno one else
BAILEY
Youve made us realize a key point about dealing with diversity.
RYAN
Like I said, dont go blaming me with anything I said about diversity that I didnt
know I said and dont understand what I was talking about, let alone what youre
talking about.
CARSON
Circles.
(CARSON and BAILEY laugh. RYAN
sulks.)
BAILEY
You made us realize what was there all along. We just didnt see it.
RYAN

40

Whats that?
BAILEY
That the practical approach to diversity is to get it down to its essence. To its
underlying meaning. That makes it impersonal.
CARSON
Being dispassionate must be the key because its transformative.
BAILEY
Then, diversity can be experienced as essence.
CARSON
Or presence, if you want to think about it like that. Experienced effortlessly.
RYAN
(pauses, stunned, then becomes impatient
and apparently confused)
This is too much. I cant tell what the hell youre talking about but it seems like
endless circles of meaningless words.
BAILEY
Lets go back to where we started.
RYAN
Back to One City crap.
BAILEY
After that.
RYAN
(with sarcasm)
Oh, yes. Lets circle back to diversity. We actually never left it, did we?
BAILEY
And you identified race as the central issue.
RYAN
Race, race, race.
BAILEY
And I said that theres more to diversity than race. And eventually you made the
comment about meaninglessness which sort of pulls what I was trying to say
through the loop of understanding.
RYAN

41

Not for me, it doesnt.

BAILEY
If, on the one hand, you observe raceand who doesntand on the other hand,
you have all the other aspects of diversity besides race, you have everything you
need to create the dispassionate essence that lets you end up with
understanding.
RYAN
(rolls eyes)
Thats as clear as double mocha latte caramel blend stirred easy extra steam.
CARSON
Race, in and of itself, is nothing. You said that, but can you see it? Can you
understand it that way?
RYAN
Maybe. Maybe. I did I said that myself.
CARSON
So, lets just leave race alone a minute and look at some other elements of
diversity.
RYAN
Such as?
(RYAN turns his head with full side-to-side
movement as BAILEY and CARSON
quickly reel off their list.)
CARSON
Ethnicity, for example.
BAILEY
Or national origin.
CARSON
Gender.
BAILEY
Or lack of it.
CARSON
Economic status.
BAILEY

42

Lifestyle status.
CARSON
Think marriage.
BAILEY
Or singledom.
CARSON
Freedom and independence.
BAILEY
Focus and attachment.
CARSON
Education.
BAILEY
Ignorance.
CARSON
Public.
BAILEY
Private.
CARSON
Class.
BAILEY
Fragmentation.
CARSON
Socioeconomic perspective.
BAILEY
Political perspective.
CARSON
Thought.
BAILEY
Religion.
CARSON
Any or none.

43

BAILEY
Philosophy.
CARSON
Or nothing.
BAILEY
(to RYAN)
Now, apply all of thatand moreto race and what do you have?
RYAN
My mothers casserole.
CARSON
Exactly.
BAILEY
Before you apply any of that, you had race alone as diversity.
CARSON
In some ways, thats good. Its valid in some respects.
BAILEY
As far as it goes.
CARSON
Yes. Far sometimes, often, maybe, but not far enough and surely not constantly.
RYAN
But what about hiring?
BAILEY
Now we can talk about hiring and diversity and have it make more sense.
CARSON
Because there is a way that race is important, not only in hiring, but in many
other respects.
BAILEY
Racial diversity in hiring sends a message. And while that message may appear
to be one of fragmentation, is it really? Think about it. Racial diversity in hiring is
really about inclusion.
RYAN

44

Ahh! Multiculturalism. I knew you liberals would find a way to twist it around to
that. Its just part of race, race, race.
CARSON
(to RYAN)
You were more on point with your mothers casserole. And Baily was exactly on
point when he said that diversity in hiring is about inclusionnot fragmentation.
BAILEY
With racially diverse hiring, you send a clear message that the workplace
welcomes everyone.
CARSON
It signals that everyone is valued and respected. Thats all it needs to do which is
quite a lot, actually.
BAILEY
Dont forget that the signal is to outsiders, as well as to employees. Workers go
home with the assurance of value and respect.
CARSON
And they take that feeling with them into their communities and expand the
message even more.
BAILEY
(to RYAN)
Isnt that much clear? Can you admit this?
RYAN
(reluctantly)
YeahI suppose.
CARSON
Now lets go back to your mothers casserole because thats where it really
comes through.
RYAN
What do you mean?
CARSON
Apply that list we rolled out. Start with the fact that youve already hired diversity.
(RYAN sits back, rolls his eyes and
opens his mouth as if to speak)
CARSON

45

Okay. Pretend that you hired diversity.

BAILEY
Then apply every concept in that list to every person youve hired. Because every
one of those concepts apply in some way to every employee.
CARSON
It applies even if its denial. Lets say someone says they have no ethnicity at all.
That means that theyve been impacted even if they dont identify with the
concept.
BAILEY
The list was simply off-the-cuff examples. Theyre bound to be many more with
all of them stirred up together, scrambled upuh
CARSON
(interrupting)
Like a casserole.
BAILEY
But one thats always changing because the ingredients react with each other.
Just like people influence other people. That means constant change.
RYAN
Sounds like a mess to me.
CARSON
Could be sometimes, but things have a way of straightening themselves out.
BAILEY
Constant change keeps things moving and the tendency is for movement to seek
harmony. Sometimes it has to overcome a lot of disruption but harmony pulls
through eventually. Quicker, if no one, like a boss, gets in the way.
CARSON
You end up with collaboration thats highly productive.
BAILEY
Youve gotta figure that with endless elements influencing each other, youre
bound to end up with really thorough blendsmixtures.
CARSON
Casserole.
BAILEY

46

Yes. With concepts influencing both concepts and people and people influencing
both people and concepts.
RYAN
(double take, rolls eyes)
Circles.
CARSON
No. Casserole. Remember your mother. Is she still alive?
RYAN
Yes.
CARSON
Ask her sometime.
RYAN
Ask her what? About her casserole?
CARSON
She would probably be flattered by that.
RYAN
More damn circles. I dont get what
CARSON
(interrupting)
What I meant was to ask her about influence. Im sure she influenced you.
RYAN
Of course.
CARSON
And she exposed you to concepts that influenced you.
RYAN
Of course.
CARSON
Well, then, ask her how you influenced her. Ask her about the concepts that you
introduced to her that changed her. You might be surprised by what you hear.
And I suspect youll get an earful.
RYAN
An earful of casserole?
(pauses)

47

But this is getting away from hiring.

BAILEY
Not at all. Every aspect, every seemingly separate facet of diversity that weve
been talking about, is embedded and that puts meaning behind the appearance.
CARSON
And it comes through in results. It impacts everything. And it brings new meaning
to collaboration because its range is more extensive and its depth is greater.
RYAN
Yeah. Ive heard collaboration mentioned a lot recently. Seems like its one of
those business fads that come and go. People get all hyped up about some of
these things and then they move on to something new. Individuality is the real
key. Individuals have always been here and always will be here. Individuals are
the basis of everything.
CARSON
Collaboration sustains individuals. It enables individuals and brings out the best
from individuals.
BAILEY
Like were doing here. The three of us.
RYAN
You mean the two of you. Another word for collaboration is gang. Like the two of
you have ganged up on me.
BAILEY
Well, now, wait a minute, Ryan. I dont think
RYAN
(interrupting)
If you dont like the sound of the word gang, try clique or faction. I dont want my
office splitting into competing
BAILEY
(interrupting)
It doesnt have to be that way, Ryan.
CARSON
Collaboration isnt factionalism. In fact, collaboration comes through the kind of
cooperation that prevents cliques and factions from forming in the first place.
BAILEY
Think cooperation if you dont like the word collaboration.

48

CARSON
And that cooperation is fed through diversity. Its the nutrition that cooperation
and collaboration draw on. It strengthens individuals. Diversity is behind all of
that.
RYAN
Yeah, way behind. Nice try, guys. Your words sound good, I guess, but youre
overreaching when you try to make diversity out to be all that.
BAILEY
But you cant get around the fact that diversity is effective. It has to be because it
springs from so many sources and offers so many perspectives. That makes a
much richer experience than you get with separate, isolated workers.
RYAN
We already work as a team in my office. I coach em and they go to it.
CARSON
Teamwork set to a task is not the same as a team who collaborates. Big
difference.
BAILEY
Diversity exposes everything. And the result is not just a synthesis.
RYAN
What is it then?
BAILEY
Its more like a transformation.
CARSON
And its only possible because of diversity.
RYAN
I think our conversation has strayed. And I think you guys have intentionally done
it to get away from dealing with your liberal agenda.
BAILEY
Oh, no. Not that again.
RYAN
Oh, yes. Hiring. And race, race, race.
CARSON
Diversity.

49

RYAN
Call it what you will. It is what it is.
BAILEY
I think we can agree on that.
RYAN
But apparently we dont agree on what that means.
CARSON
In the workplace, it means having more questions which is a good thing because
it also means having more answers.
BAILEY
More input.
CARSON
And different answers. Different input.
BAILEY
And from that you derive a wider perspective.
CARSON
More understanding.
RYAN
All I want is more sales.
CARSON
More sales will come, too.
BAILEY
But if thats all youre looking for, and all you want and all you concentrate on,
youre going to shortchange yourself because you dont just hire diversity, you
hire the benefits of diversity and you dont just hire those benefits, you assimilate
them.
CARSON
So that everyone benefits, not just your business. Everyone: you, your
employees and your customers. Everyone benefits. Personally and together.
RYAN
Well, that may or may not be. Ill think about it. Thats one thing I can say for you
guys. Youve managed to give me a lot to think about.

50

BAILEY
(somewhat distracted)
It works the other direction, too.
CARSON
So, will you be joining us for breakfast tomorrow at One City?
RYAN
No. No, I will not be joining you at One City. Not tomorrow. Not any day.
(pushes away from the table)
But thank you for inviting me. It really was a good conversation.
(reaches for his wallet)
BAILEY
No. No. Its all on me. Even the double mocha latte caramel blend stirred easy
extra steam.
RYAN
(rising)
Ive got to be off. Thanks, again. Maybe we can talk more sometime.
CARSON
Just let us know when, Ryan. We can get together most anytime you want.
RYAN
See you guys.
(RYAN exits the caf to the sidewalk on
the side of the caf and walks down the
sidewalk on the same side of the street
with the caf. RYAN turns and exits at
the rear as BAILEY and CARSON talk.)
BAILEY
Hes right, Carson. We have something to think about.
CARSON
(pushing away from the table)
I suppose, but Ill have to think later. Times sort of gotten away from me and I
have to take care of some errands. But Im glad I happened to come by. Maybe
we can get Ryan to a meeting yet.
BAILEY
(unenthusiastically)
Maybe.

51

CARSON
Got to be going, Bailey. Thanks for the coffee.
(CARSON starts leaving the caf and
speaks to BAILEY over his shoulder
as he exits, following RYANs path offstage.)
See you tomorrow morning at One City.
ROSEBUD
(calling out)
Rosebuds one dollar.
(BAILEY watches CARSON exit before
returning attention to his coffee and sighing
heavily before taking a sip. He sits silently
as SERVER approaches from within the
caf. Simultaneously, SANDERS approaches
the doorway of his shop from within.
SERVER no longer has a painted face and
no longer wears earrings.)
SERVER
I see that your friends are gone. One of them was a little weird.
SANDERS
Rosebud, Ive been thinking.
BAILEY
Yes, but he was thoughtful in his own way. And he made me think, too.
ROSEBUD
You always think, Mr. Sanders. What about this time?
SERVER
(pauses, furrows brow, crosses arms,
takes chin in hand thoughtfully)
How so?
SANDERS
Do you remember that question that you asked earlier about Mr. Rubinstein
making a ham sandwich?
BAILEY
Thats hard to say. Somehow, he apparently has managed to make observations
and think about them without realizing it. But then he messes it up by accepting
anticipated answers.

52
ROSEBUD

Yes, sir. I remember.

SERVER
I can see that.
(pauses)
I think.
SANDERS
You asked that if Mr. Rubinstein makes a ham sandwich if it was a contradiction
or irony. Then, you asked if it was something else, nothing in particular, or
nothing at all.
BAILEY
Well, whatever is going on with him, he got me thinking.
ROSEBUD
So, whats the answer, Mr. Sanders?
SERVER
And whats your conclusion?
SANDERS
I think the answer has less to do with Mr. Rubinstein than the person asking the
questions.
BAILEY
Im not a hundred percent sure just yet.
ROSEBUD
Hurray, Mr. Sanders. Youve done it again. If youre rightand I believe you
areit means that the answer depends on the person seeking the answer. Just
another way of looking at the person asking the question.
SERVER
Well, youve been coming here a long time, longer than Ive worked herewhich
seems like foreverso I know you well enough to think youll find the answer.
SANDERS
And hurrah for you, too, Rosebud, for your take on the answer that explains it
further.
BAILEY
I hope your confidence is not misplaced. Im keyed up about the answer but dont
quite know how to approach the question.

53

SANDERS
Let me just sit here with you a bit, Rosebud, and think some more.
SERVER
Is there anything else I can get for you that might help? Another cup of coffee is
always good.
BAILEY
No. No, thanks. Just leave the check, if you will, and
Ill be gone shortly. Im about coffeed out.
(BAILEY pauses while SERVER prepares
the check but responds further.)
Unlessunlessdoes this caf happen to be one of those that serves Irish
coffee?
SERVER
No, sir. This caf cant do that.
(pauses)
But this server can.
(SERVER withdraws an apparent flask
from the hip pocket, holds it up for edification
and pours into BAILEYs apparent cup.
BAILEY smiles broadly and sips eagerly
as the SERVER exits into the interior of
the caf. BAILEY sits silently a few moments,
sipping and thinking. BAILEY then rises,
lifts the check from the table and squints
at it with consternation.)
BAILEY
Humph. Why have coffee when a double mocha latte caramel blend stirred easy
extra steam will do?
(BAILEY removes money from his wallet
and deposits it on the table. He turns to
exit onto the sidewalk.)
ROSEBUD
(calling out)
Rosebuds one dollar.
(BAILEYs head turns upon hearing
ROSEBUD. He stops, immobilized as he
stands on the sidewalk. He turns away
from the direction he had chosen and

54
walks toward the corner across the street
from the bookstore. BAILEY stops at the
corner and checks traffic before crossing
the street. SANDERS rises and extends
his hand as BAILEY approaches.)
SANDERS
(as he shakes hands with BAILEY)

Hello, Bailey.
BAILEY
Hello, Sanders. Hi there, Rosebud.
ROSEBUD
Hello, Mr. Bailey. How are you today?
BAILEY
Strangely uncertain, Rosebud.
ROSEBUD
Thats the starting point, Mr. Bailey.
SANDERS
How are things going at One City?
BAILEY
(hesitating)
II have decided not to attend those meetings anymore.
SANDERS
Without knowing the particulars, I would think youre probably onto something.
BAILEY
(hesitating)
That decisionthe decision not to go backthat decision is somehow all bound
up with my feeling of uncertainty.
SANDERS
Yes?
BAILEY
And the uncertainty itself is an unaccountable detachment. Its sort of a
renunciation of something, but Im not sure what. Its an unusual feeling of
distance and closeness all at once.
SANDERS

55

Perhaps youre in the process of discovering something important.

ROSEBUD
Mr. Bailey?
BAILEY
Yes, Rosebud?
ROSEBUD
Do you understand that the recognition of diversity is a backdoor way to realize
sameness?
(BAILEY is stunned. He appears to attempt
a response but fails, betraying a physical
dimension to his hesitation.)
SANDERS
(indicating the box)
Here. Sit down. You need to sit down.
(BAILEY sits on the box.)
BAILEY
(hesitating as he looks earnestly at
ROSEBUD)
Thiswhat you saythis comes as an answer toto something I have been
thinking about. But I had notI had not exactly realized
ROSEBUD
(interrupting)
Diversity is appearance. Oneness is reality.
(BAILEY pauses, then seems to try to
speak but fails.)
ROSEBUD
Its sort of like two sides of the same coin.
(There is a long pause. BAILEY stares
at ROSEBUD, then bends forward over
his knees while taking his head in one hand.)
SANDERS
Im glad you listened to Rosebud. She understands and explains things really
well.

56
BAILEY

Rosebud?
ROSEBUD
Yes, Mr. Bailey?
BAILEY
I think I understand rosebuds now. I never did quite get it before. But why do you
charge a dollar? Why do you charge anything?
ROSEBUD
A dollar is a ticket.
BAILEY
A ticket for what?
ROSEBUD
To cover your needs.
BAILEY
But why have more tickets than needs?
ROSEBUD
In order to go places you could not otherwise have gone. In order to do things
you could not otherwise have done.
(There is a pause as BAILEY stares at
ROSEBUD.)
BAILEY
Like buy a rosebud.
ROSEBUD
Thats why you have to be careful how you use your tickets.
BAILEY
(responding after a pause)
Rosebud?
ROSEBUD
Yes, Mr. Bailey?
BAILEY
(removing an apparent dollar from his
wallet and extending it)
I would like one rosebud, please. Any one will do.

57

ROSEBUD
(extending a rosebud in reply)
Good choice, Mr. Bailey.
BAILEY
(pausing)
Rosebud?
ROSEBUD
Yes, Mr. Bailey?
BAILEY
May I be your intern?
ROSEBUD
Whats an intern?
BAILEY
Its sort of like an apprentice who doesnt get paid.
ROSEBUD
(amused)
Yes, Mr. Bailey, you can be my intern.
(BAILEY rises and moves behind the
flower table next to ROSEBUD. SANDERS
moves behind the table, also, next to
ROSEBUD.)
ROSEBUD, SANDERS, BAILEY
(calling out in unison)
Rosebuds one dollar.
(BLACKOUT)
(END)

58