Would this skit be appropriate to read at my Book Club meeting?

Question

My Book Club meets once/month. We try to read various types of books: fiction, biography and autobiography, Biblical texts, poetry. At the social hour after discussion, we read something we have written. The references in the skit below refer to books of contemporary poetry I have been reading to members of the Nursing Facility with whom I have lunch each Tuesday.

Spider at the Old Folks Home: Tuesday With the “Girls.”

by Elaine Polin

SETTING:

A table at McDonald’s

CHARACTERS:

Elaine (Driver/Volunteer)

Louise (Ambulatory Resident)

Virginia (Ambulatory Resident)

Virginia: Well, where’s Pavlov’s kitty?

Elaine: I didn’t bring him today.

Louise: Why not? Is he sick?

E: He’s fine, but my spider wanted to come.

L: & V: I HATE SPIDERS!

E: But this is a good spider.

V: I don’t care, they bite and kill you.

E: This spider doesn’t bite, it says poems

like the kitty. Here he is.

L: Yuuuk! Put him back in your bag.

V: Louise, he’s just a picture!

E: Do you want him to read a poem?

L: OKAY, BUT I WON’T LOOK!

V: Shhh! Everyone is looking at US!

L: (whispering) Okay, but I won’t look.

V: That’s better. Hurry up, Elaine, Bingo starts soon.

E: Okay, I’ll read just one. Here goes:

“Here I am

Up on Mars

With my pickles…

V: (interrupts) Up on Mars! We have a crazy guy like that.

He thinks he lives on the Moon…

Answer 1

Very fun.  I would use it.

I like the interplay between the characters, and I like the little verse about Mars and no pickles.

Answer 2

your book club would appreciate this I'm sure.

Answer 3

By all means, entertain them as you have us. And if it's true to life, then they can't possibly say it's bad writing. An author friend of mine once said, "Don't write what you wouldn't actually say." I've always thought it was good advice.

Answer 4

I would certainly smile if I were there.

Answer 5

My group loved the book of famous quotations. They want more next week.

Answer 6

I like Pavlov`s Kitty. And the skit was really cute.

Answer 7

Well, if they're references, then I think it's a wonderful idea. To me, there is so much more merit to a work of writing when there's hidden symbolism or discreet references to something.  

Answer 8

I know I know these ladies from somewhere,  they all have a "crazy guy like that".  I love the dialog!

And by all means read it, they will be tickled!

Answer 9

Looks like a good write to read, especially if all the books made it and folks aren't scared off by the spider.  Of course that tan gent keeps wandering in. Who knows where that could lead with all those ladies?

Answer 10

Very good writing, Elaine. I am sure your Book Club will enjoy the skit. The spider reminded me of one of my poems. I will E-Mail it to you.  

Answer 11

Hey, I'm a member of a book club too.  We meet this Friday to discuss "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan"  However, we only discuss the books we read.  I might suggest a sharing time for poetry and quotes, but I think I might be the only writer in the group.  Anyhow, back to your question, I don't see how it could be inappropriate.  It's very clever and witty.  They are sure to enjoy it as much as I have.