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Writer's pictureSophia Naylor

Secondhand (One Minute Play)

A casket saleroom. There is a big “BLACK FRIDAY SALE” sign, as well as a few tacky balloons. AGNES peruses the stock. MARTY, a salesman, shows off a casket.

MARTY

This one is half off. It’s from our Overnight Comfort line.

AGNES

Is that real mahogany?

MARTY

Naturally. Straight from the beautiful forests of south Florida.

AGNES

Can I look inside?


A pause.

MARTY

This one is lightly used.


A knock comes from the casket. MARTY leans against the casket.

AGNES

Is someone—?

MARTY

It’s being refurbished today.


Another knock. MARTY struggles to keep the casket closed; as he forces the lid to stay down, he attempts to maintain a casual posture.

AGNES

You should let them out.

MARTY

Who?

AGNES

The person in there.

MARTY

You won’t find a better price.


A louder knock. AGNES goes to open the casket. MARTY sits on it.

AGNES

Let them out!

MARTY

What if I told you the person in there is a murderer?

VOICE IN THE CASKET

Marty! When my lawyer hears that you put me in a casket again—!


AGNES pushes MARTY off the casket and opens in it. ROBIN climbs out and jabs a finger into MARTY’s chest.

ROBIN (cont’d)

This is why we’re getting a divorce. The pool boy would never put me in a casket. He knows how to appreciate a woman.


ROBIN storms off. MARTY watches her go, then to AGNES:

MARTY

60% off?


 

First published in the literary journal Fresh Words.


1 Comment


Tim Wheeler
Tim Wheeler
Jan 30, 2023

LOL that would make a great short SNL sketch

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