Act 1: Scene 1
Setting: a scholar’s study, dimly lit. On the desk a computer, its screen a swirl of clouds.
(Word enters, followed by God)CHORUS: In the beginning was the Word.
That much is clear. And the Word was
with God: that seems straight forward, and
further lends to Word a dignity,
a presence beyond concept. We
are perhaps a bit surprised that
Word preceded God, entering
first and not a deferential
step behind. But then to hear, And
the Word was God: that stops our clock!
Does he mean God is just a word?
Metaphor rides to the rescue.
And yet Word was first through the door.
(God exits. Word takes his seat at the desk)
Born near the Chute River, Naples, Maine in 1926, Robert M. Chute taught and conducted research at Middlebury College, San Fernando State (CA), and Lincoln University (PA) before returning to Maine as Chair of Biology at Bates College. Now Professor Emeritus of Biology, Bates College, Chute has a record of scientific publication in Parasitology, Hibernation Physiology, General Biology, and Environmental Studies. His poetry and collage poems appear in many journals including Ascent, Beloit Poetry Journal, BOMB, The Cape Rock, Cafe Review, The Literary Review, Texas Review. His poetry books include a three language reissue of Thirteen Moons in English, French, and Passamaquoddy (2002), and most recently, a three chapbook boxed set, Bent Offerings, from Sheltering Pines Press (2003). He is currently working on a series of poems based on reading scientific journals such as Nature and Science.