Digging Beets
by Isaac Bloom, Zachary Hadley, Eric Apfelbaum, and Ben Klingelhoffer
Three Japanese-Americans digging beets. Farmer stands over them.
Farmer. Come on! Come on! Could you guys go any slower?
Artist. I’ve been an artist all my life. Digging these beets is ruining my hands.
Farmer. Well, you’re not an artist anymore, now are you? So keep digging.
Former Truck Driver. I never want to see another beet as long as I live. I’m just looking for enough money to get my truck back after this war.
Farmer. Let’s stop worrying about ancient history and get this harvest in. Come on, Rembrandt, you too!
Artist. That does it. I quit.
Former Truck Driver. Same here. Take us back to the camp.
Farmer. I’m not taking you anywhere. Get back to work.
Artist. Find somebody else to do your work. Come on, Jim. Let’s go.
Farmer. Why can’t you be more like him. See how hard he’s working.
Father of Soldier. My son is over there. If digging beets will help feed our troops. I’ll keep digging for the boys.