Monologue
The Promise — Milton
José Rivera
Milton: Last night, I was standing in front of the Ponderosa House of Western Apparel, staring at a pair of enchanted cowboy boots. They glowed holy, beckoning. I dreamed of putting those God-beautiful boots on my feet and becoming the world’s first Puerto Rican cowboy. I dreamed of moseying over to Stalin and telling him: I’m going west to change my name to Clint or Dodge and marry a sunny, white-skinned cowgirl with high cheekbones and raise li’l ones named Becky and Roy! (He laughs, coughs.) But I’m staring at those boots, thinking, “Sure Milton, a Puerto Rican cowboy afraid of horses? Forget it!” That’s when I turned around and saw Carmelo, smiling at me, his eyes saying, “You don’t have to tune cars for a living anymore. I’m back. I’ll take care of your sister. Put those boots on, get strong, and go west, Milton!” I’m gonna buy ’em right now!