shame because

a tiny play

Welcome to Gangletown, where you’ll receive original writing by David Kimple. If that is good for your vybe and you’d like to support the work financially, subscription options are below.

---

SHAME and LOGIC fight for control of a body.

SHAME: I shouldn’t have done that. I shouldn’t have done that.

LOGIC: That wasn’t a bad thing that you did.

SHAME: It was. It was a bad. I am a bad. I am bad.

LOGIC: No.

SHAME: But.

LOGIC: No, I said.-

SHAME: And I feel-

LOGIC: But YOU aren’t. And it wasn’t. It isn’t. And you still aren’t.

SHAME: No?

LOGIC: No.

SHAME: But what about the other-

LOGIC: No, we’re not talking about that right now. That was a totally different thing.

SHAME: It is relevant.

LOGIC: It is entirely not relevant.

SHAME: SHUT UP! You’re not relevant!!

LOGIC: — Shame, are you lashing out at me because you know I’m right?

SHAME: No…

LOGIC: Be honest.

SHAME: No.

LOGIC: —

SHAME: Maybe.

LOGIC: —

SHAME: But-

LOGIC: Ah-ah!

SHAME: You just don’t understand me.

LOGIC: I do. That’s the problem.

SHAME: I feel-

LOGIC: Yes. That is correct. You feel. But you don’t have to because-

SHAME: I don't?

LOGIC: Why do you feel?

SHAME: Well, because history.

LOGIC: No.

SHAME: Because- oh. Oh…

LOGIC: You’re almost there.

SHAME: Because-

LOGIC: Yes.

SHAME: Because judgment and sadness and judgment again. Because dishonesty and distrust, and self-sabotage. Because disappointment and distance, and unfulfilled potential. Because loss and being forgotten and also blamed. Because- Oh. And because fear.

LOGIC: Yes.

SHAME: —

LOGIC: So. Why don’t you take a break for a little while, Shame?

SHAME: Okay.

LOGIC: Because also there is safety and communication and help. And don’t forget about softness and compassion and sympathy and tenderness and been-there-done-that.

SHAME: —

LOGIC: There is love, too. And love is a whole big thing, you know.

SHAME: Love scares me.

LOGIC: She is more powerful than you.

SHAME: I feel you’re right.

LOGIC: I think so.

---

If you love what’s happening here, will you consider sharing this week’s Gangletown (or another piece from the archives) directly with one person? It is the best way to help as Gangletown grows. You can also follow & Tag me on social media @DKimps.