A monologue written by J.P. Pressley and performed by Naiomi Israel.
You can watch the performance below and on Instagram, and read the original monologue copy at the bottom of this page.
Deposit or Withdraw (Original Copy)
Let’s get one thing straight: I’m the bank.
Not the teller, not security, not even a banker. I’m the whole institution.
That’s right—I know my value. And I know you do too.
Which is why I’m confused.
Did you think you could borrow from me without interest? Even avoid ever repaying me at all? That you could just default? Take my time, my energy, my mind, without me ever clocking your…gall?
No.
No.
If so, you thought wrong.
If so, you weren’t thinking at all.
Let’s get one thing straight. Two things for certain. A third to curb any dubiety.
I’m the bank. You’re just a customer. So it’s best you withdraw from my life if you ain’t making deposits.