There is one performer on stage, another joins him later.

Furniture: None

(Running time: Approx minutes)

I live a few miles southeast of here, near the corner of Third Street and Normandie Avenue.

I like the neighborhood. Rents are relatively low, it’s close to the subway and there are lots of good restaurants nearby.

The downside about the place is that from time to time people die suddenly and horribly.

The following is by no means a complete list of people who perished within about a mile from my apartment:

(After every death is mentioned, performer throws a folded piece of red paper onto the stage.)

1. A few years ago, a hit and run accident claimed the life of a pedestrian.

2. On Third and Normandie a few years ago, I saw a memorial with a picture of some guy who was killed there.

3. Around that time, a store keeper was shot. She lived, but the unborn baby she was carrying didn’t.

4,5. On two separate occasions, would-be carjackers shot and killed people in apartment building parking garages. I heard the shots the second time.

6. A liquor store clerk was shot and killed about a year ago.

7. About two years ago, a woman was kidnapped from an office building parking garage. Her body was later found in Culver City.

8. A year ago, at the Red Line Subway station on Beverly and Vermont, somebody stumbled off the platform and into the path of a train. What a mess.

9. About seven months ago, some young man got the old "where you from?" treatment from occupants in a passing car. I head these shots, too.

10. About four months ago, a cocktail waitress was shot and killed at work by some guy who was stalking her.

11. After shooting her, he turned the gun on himself.

12, 13, 14. On March 7th, three guys were killed.

15. At seven A.M. on Mother’s Day, May 11, I awoke to the sounds of gunshots and screaming. The cops closed off Normandie Avenue for about five hours, so I reckon that somebody died. Later that morning, street vendors were selling Mother’s day flowers just outside of the Police crime scene tape.

(The performer looks around at the papers on the floor. Pause)

You know, we could really have used them in the audience.

(While the performer gathers up the papers, a woman enters the stage. She begins to sing. She doesn’t actually sing the entire song, only long enough for the following to happen: The performer gathers up all the papers, stacks them up and gives them to her. She gathers them tenderly to herself, like she is holding a baby. She exits the stage while the performer remains on stage.)

WOMAN (sings)

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,

That saved a wretch like me....

I once was lost but now am found,

Was blind, but now, I see.

T'was Grace that taught...

my heart to fear.

And Grace, my fears relieved.

How precious did that Grace appear...

the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares...

we have already come.

T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far...

and Grace will lead us home.

The Lord has promised good to me...

His word my hope secures.

He will my shield and portion be...

as long as life endures.

When we've been here a thousand years...

bright shining as the sun.

We've no less days to sing God's praise...

then when we've first begun.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,

That saved a wretch like me....

I once was lost but now am found,

Was blind, but now, I see.