[Dark stage, no lights.]1
Did I ever tell you I am afraid of the dark?2
[A spotlight on the center of the stage. A faint sound of marching merges with the sound of the man marching to the spotlight. He stops and salutes.]3
In the beginning, I was just a mere soldier, bold and brave, ready to face anything but the dark. Ambition swelled within me. So what if I was scared of darkness? I had an aim and I knew how to achieve it. 4
My mother had almost shattered my dreams of becoming a successful soldier when I was a child. She used to say that kids who sleep with the lights on are cowards. They can never be brave. But mommy was wrong. I slept with the lights on even when I became the General…5
I became the leader, the commander and soldiers looked up to me. Pride swelled within me. Nothing was missing in my life. I got engaged to my girlfriend too. Soon, the challenge came and I accepted it. It was a cold morning when I led my army to the battlefield….leaving behind my friends, family and love; leaving behind the bright lights in my life…6
[A sound of marching. Fluctuating blue lights on stage.]7
I commanded like a brave general and fought like a bold soldier. But I behaved like a proud man. Blood was splattered across the field. Most of my soldiers were killed. But we fought. I fought like a madman. They shot my leg, but I didn’t give up. I was the General; I had to maintain the honor, the designation demands. My soldiers pleaded me to surrender. Too many innocent people were being killed. The opponent asked me to sign a treaty of peace. But my pride asked me to fight, and I fought. Never did I think about the friends and family waiting for me back home. Never did I think of the sorrows of the families of my dead soldiers. Never did I think of all the innocent people I killed. I just fought like a proud, brave man.8
My soldiers were disgusted with me. The opponent was craving for peace. But my pride did not allow me to pay heed to them. Soon, I received the same treatment back, and the war continued, and I fought vigorously; the only difference was, most of my soldiers started plotting against me. 9
I never meant any harm. All I wanted was to be known, to reach all my dreams and ambitions. Doesn’t everyone desire something? Is it wrong? Was it wrong when my pride started controlling me? I am not a bad man. I know I am not a bad man. But you think I am. They think I am…that is the reason I am here locked in this dark cell.10
But think of it this way. My conscience never allowed me to give up. My country had entrusted me and I had to give it back to my motherland. The country’s enemies are my enemies. Did I do any wrong?11
[Crouches. The light dims.]12
Here I am locked in this damp, dark cell. Ha! Yes, you laugh! The man, who never slept in the dark, is spending life in darkness. Death would have been a better punishment than sitting in the dark counting my days. 13
Darkness here, darkness there, it suffocates me. But I don’t die. I feel dizzy and scared. But I don’t die. I feel sick. But I don’t die. Why? Why?14
[The light gradually turns off.]15
Did I ever tell you I am afraid of the dark?16
Author notes
I am writing a group of monologues, titled "Did I ever tell you I am afraid of the dark?" starting and ending with the same line, emphasising on darkness, and the different ways it can be interpreted in. I will posting all the monologues out here, but it may take time...keep reading...and do comment.
What did you think? Please comment!
Comments
1 - 9 of 9
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Read all the 3 monologues...and can't decide which i like the most. It surely is great that you are posting stories here. Will def be on the look out for more interesting reads!
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I think this one was definately my favorite... He tells a wonderful story full of pride and a hint of remorse. Great writing once again! Can't wait to see these on stage one day
Best of wishes...
Tiffany -
Memories are personal gems or curse's..
I appreciate your comments thank's...!
About your story is incredible ...Our pride is the most deadly enemy or the glory.. I have tasted both sides and at the end none of them were enought ....but, that's another story..!
By the way next week you will find the end of the story...... -
this is wonderful...i've never written one of these myself but i think it would be interesting to try....i like the storyline...It seems that bad things usually happen when we let pride get in the way...great great write...and thanks for your comment on my poem...
God Bless
tyler -
thank you for the suggestion antish!
Ankita -
I really liked this one I think that at the beginning when it says "My mother had shattered my dreams of becoming a successful soldier when I was a child." It doesnt really fit with the rest of the story as he still sort of fulfilled his dreams. Maybe you could say something like "my mother had almost shattered my dreams when I was a child" as if she had tried but never really succeded as he went on to be a soldier anway. Great write though.
Antish xxx
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Again, I agree with FallenLeaves. This is wondeful, if not better than the first. Keep up the good work. I look forward to reading more of your stories. Shanz
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Again, I'm amazed by your writing skills. This story, with the soldier in center, was (in contrast to monolgue #1, which seemed to be more based on fear in it self) sad and also seemingly melancolic, with much doubt in the characters character. THe story in it self is just as good as (if not topping) the first, and they really makes me remember why I'm so glad to be interested in reading. Becasue this was certainly interesting.
I hope to see more to these stories in the future.
FallenLeaves
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gripping read
Hi there...I have never written a monologue, ever, but they seem interesting to do judging by this magnificent write of yours...so I may give it a go and maybe enter into your contest...this story really brings out the fear of the darkness and all the strength, such a fear can push through you in an effort to conquer it...but in the end its still wrapped around you...always will be, even brave soldiers have a weak spot somewhere hidden from the world...a captivating piece of work...well done and I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end and deserves my applause
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