Luke's Prayer

from Cool Hand Luke

by Donn Pierce & Frank Pierson

Luke:Anybody here? (walks down, looks up toward ceiling) Hey old man, you home tonight? Can you spare a minute, it's about time we had a little talk.  I know I'm a pretty evil fellow; killed people in the war an'..got drunk and... chewed up municipal property and the like.  I know I got no call to ask for much, but even so, you gotta admit you ain't dealt me no cards in a long time... From here it looks like you got things fixed so I can never win out!  Inside, outside, all them... rules, and regulations, and bosses.  You made me like I am!  So just, where am I supposed to fit in?  Old man, I gotta tell ya... I started out pretty strong and fast.  But it's beginning to get to me.  When did it end?  What do ya got in mind for me?  What do I do now?

(pauses) All right.  All right. (Kneels) On my knees, I'm asking... (closes eyes, prays, after a while opens one eye,looks up). Yeah, that's what I thought... I guess I'm pretty tough to deal with, huh? (gets up) A hard case... yeah, I guess I gotta find my own way.