The Misunderstanding 

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Opening Remarks

The Word of God declares

The tongue can no man tame

And like a raging fire

It can cause destruction and pain

Oh the many hurting heart

Oh the barriers erected

Oh the countless battles fought

Because of words hastily spoken

Now pay close attention to this story

And you would find it quite amazing

How a friendship could come to nought

Due to some petty misunderstanding

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Scene One

Ronelle: Serena! Serena! Hello!!  Inside. Inside. ...anybody home..

Lavern:  A Coming!

Ronelle: I was just leaving.

Lavern:  Sorry bout that but I was outside hanging out some clothes

Ronelle: Oh Lavern I looking for Serena

Lavern:  She ain’ here. She gone down Rams to come back

Ronelle: I lend her a book yesterday. Just tell to look inside the front cover and see if she see a phone number..i need to get the phone number

Lavern: O.k. I goin tell her. See you later

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Scene Two

Tessa: Lavern! Lavern! Lavern!  Inside. Inside. ...anybody home..

Lavern: A Coming!

Tessa: Gul, De sun hot. Bring some water for me

Lavern: Sorry bout that Tessa but I was outside hanging out some clothes. Thank God for de hot sun.

Tessa: Gul Lavern.. I almost leave but I only stay because I just see Ronelle and she say you home

Lavern: Yea..She was just here and nearly break down de door looking for me sister.

Tessa: Why?

Lavern: Some book she lend Serena last week. Ronelle want it back and hope she ain write she name on de cover.

Tessa: Well if Ronelle really want to find Serena she can call her on she cell. Anyway I goin.. See you.

Lavern: True that!.. Later.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Scene Three

Tessa: Gul watch where you goin!!

Serena: Sorry bout that but I in a hurry.

Tessa: Ronelle get in touch wid you?

Serena: She was looking for me?

Tessa: Ronelle want back the book she lend you since last month and she hope you aint mash up de cover

Serena: Da what Ronelle say?

Tessa: And she want to know why you ignoring she calls all day.

Serena: But a forget me phone home today.

Tessa: Any way I got to go..bye..

Serena: I don’t understand……

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Scene Four

Ronelle: Hey gul, you get me message?

Serena: A get you message all right!

Ronelle: Excuse me?

Serena: I apologize for keeping you book from since last year and for ripping off de cover

Ronelle: Last year!! (in a puzzled tone)

Serena: I also would like to apologize for ignoring your calls

Ronelle: But Serena..

Serena: Tessa tell me what Lavern tell her what you say when you pass by this morning. Pleasant Good afternoon.

Ronelle: No Serena. There seems to be some misunderstanding. (reaching out to hold her hand)

Serena: Don’t mek de misunderstanding and touch me. Goodbye!

Ronelle: Serena!! Wait..oh my goodness..

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Closing Remarks

Isn't it really ridiculous

Two friends are now at war

No longer will they share together

No longer will they walk and talk

Forget that silly saying 

In ignorance we chant

For sticks and stones may break the bones

But words can do more harm

So when you repeat a story

No addition or subtraction, please

But ask God through the Holy spirit

To guide and control your speech

________________________________________________________________________________________________

By Vinette Halliday

(2000??)