Welcome to Monologue Mania- one new free monologue a day
                                                                        - for a whole year!
Note: A few words about 'free' -  all these monologues are protected under copyright law and are free to read, free to perform and video as long as no money is charged. Once you charge admission or a donation, or include my work in an anthology, you need to contact me for royalty info.
 If you just started this blog and want to read the earlier monologues, please
scroll down for the previous days or go to http://www.monologuestore.com/ -click on the Monologue Mania button please scroll down.
     To start at the beginning - Feb. 13, - click here.
     For a list of the blurbs from each day, click here
Help  a playwright and get  more great  award-winning monologues - MonologueZone.com
Thank you for your comments - and for liking and sharing this site       --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Monologue Mania Day # 210 by Janet S. Tiger      ?    Sept. 10, 2014           Parental alert - rough language             
                                            ?
                                 A monologue by Janet S. Tiger   © all rights reserved                                                      [email protected] 

          (A teenage girl sulks onto the stage.  She is dressed in whatever is the most annoying to her parents.)

Yeah, doctor.  I like to lie.  So what?  What is the big deal about lying?  I mean, what is truth?  We just had some unit in my stupid history class about (imitates teacher)  'Accuracy in reporting'

(Herself again, laughs)  Like anyone gives a shit!  Oh, sorry, I forgot...can I curse in here?

          (Listens)

Good, because I really don't care what you think of my language, I just know some adults get their asses all bent out of shape when kids curse.  It's funny, these are the same adults who do all kinds of weird stuff....like this one teacher I had last year, she was all strait-laced, you know?  And then she was called out to the hall for something, and one of the guys took her phone off her desk and looked through it, and there were all these naked pictures of her with her boyfriend!  So he sent the photos to everyone on her address book!  Including us in the class!

        (Laughs)

And then when she came into class, he had like, put the phone back, so she didn't know, but in like ten seconds the principal comes running into the room and he's steaming mad and shaking the phone at her and when she sees the photo on his phone, she turns bright red!  Like the color of blood!  Whoa!  That was my favorite day in school -EVER!

       (Calms a bit, listens)

Well, that wasn't a lie, I mean, it really was my favorite day in school ever.....

       (Listens)

Oh, you mean the other stuff.

      (She walks around for a moment, touching things in the room)

Why does everyone care so much about lying....everyone does it.  You do it, too, doctor, you probably tell your wife she looks ok in those pants that make her look fat.  And you tell your kids you're listening when you're probably thinking about how you want to go play golf.....and you tell my parents that talking is going to help me, when we both know that's a super big lie.

       (She listens, then stands up straight)

So what?  So what if I go online and show guys photos of a hot girl and then I tell guys they are gonna get laid when they meet me and then I never show up?  So what!

       (She turns away.)

I couldn't help it if that guy got mad and then went nuts!  I mean that wasn't my fault!  What the hell are these stupid guys doing online?  I'm not responsible for all the assholes that go online!

        (Listens)

(Quiet)  Do I lie to myself?

Interesting question.  Which brings us back to the original question for all eternity - what is truth?

Am I truly here?  What do I honestly think of all this?  What is reality?

        (She runs a hand over one arm)

What the hell is wrong with me that I cut myself when something goes wrong......That I like to see the blood, that is doesn't even hurt when I put the blade into my skin......What the fuck is wrong with me to do that?  And will I do worse?  Would I ever cut someone else?  Or...my parents biggest worry....

         (She takes her finger and draws it across her neck)

Will I kill myself?

         (Takes a deep breath)

What do you think, doctor?

        (Looks at her watch)

Oops, times up!  Gotta go.......

         (She turns to leave, stops, looks back)

Why do I lie?  .....Because then nobody bothers me, that's why.....

         (She exits.  Not the end of lying)

-------------------------------------- Janet S. Tiger    858-736-6315 www.JanetSTiger.weebly.com Member Dramatists Guild since 1983 Playwright-in-Residence Swedenborg Hall 2006-8 ----------------------------------------------

Welcome to Monologue Mania- one new free monologue a day
                                                                        - for a whole year!
Note: A few words about 'free' -  all these monologues are protected under copyright law and are free to read, free to perform and video as long as no money is charged. Once you charge admission or a donation, or include my work in an anthology, you need to contact me for royalty info.
 If you just started this blog and want to read the earlier monologues, please
scroll down for the previous days or go to http://www.monologuestore.com/ -click on the Monologue Mania button please scroll down.
     To start at the beginning - Feb. 13, - click here.
     For a list of the blurbs from each day, click here
Help  a playwright and get  more great  award-winning monologues - MonologueZone.com
Thank you for your comments - and for liking and sharing this site       --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Monologue Mania Day # 209 by Janet S. Tiger  Sept. 9, 2014                                             Narco
                                 A monologue by Janet S. Tiger   © all rights reserved                                                      [email protected] 

       (Slight sound of snoring is heard, and a woman comes out with a pillow and cover.  She puts it on the ground.)

I have had narcolepsy for many years.   I have been to all types of specialists, had all kinds of tests, been in groups with other narcos.......

       (She gives a giant yawn.)

But now, after all this time - and money, let's not forget the money....the doctors have told me there is nothing else they can do for me...... I just have to keep on with my life......so long as I don't drive......and this acting class is a good way to stay busy....

       (She plumps up the pillow, but she is moving more slowly now.)

I have a whole monologue ready.......but I just need to take a tiny rest.........

      (She takes the pillow and sinks into it.)

Aaahhhhh.......

       (She is now snoring loudly, and her leg shakes once in awhile.  Then, in her sleep, she laughs and shakes, rolling in laughter, suddenly she bolts awake)
 
Was that as good for you?  I hope so!

        (She bows and turns to leave, then stops and turns back to pick up the pillow and cover)

Have to go, need to get home before I fall asleep again.....

       (She exits, and as she leaves, we hear snoring.  The........zzzzzz..)

    
       
-------------------------------------- Janet S. Tiger    858-736-6315 www.JanetSTiger.weebly.com Member Dramatists Guild since 1983 Playwright-in-Residence Swedenborg Hall 2006-8 ----------------------------------------------

Welcome to Monologue Mania- one new free monologue a day
                                                                        - for a whole year!
Note: A few words about 'free' -  all these monologues are protected under copyright law and are free to read, free to perform and video as long as no money is charged. Once you charge admission or a donation, or include my work in an anthology, you need to contact me for royalty info.
 If you just started this blog and want to read the earlier monologues, please
scroll down for the previous days or go to http://www.monologuestore.com/ -click on the Monologue Mania button please scroll down.
     To start at the beginning - Feb. 13, - click here.
     For a list of the blurbs from each day, click here
Help  a playwright and get  more great  award-winning monologues - MonologueZone.com
Thank you for your comments - and for liking and sharing this site       ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monologue Mania Day # 208 by Janet S. Tiger Flowers for Jerry Sept. 8, 2014

                                                  Flowers for Jerry 

                                 A monologue by Janet S. Tiger   © all rights reserved

                                                     [email protected] 

            (The woman comes out dressed all in black.  She is older, but not finished yet. She holds flowers,  looks down)

Hello, Jerry.

          (Shakes her head)

I'm sorry it had to end this way, too.
But you wanted it like this.  You signed those papers about how if you were on life support, you didn't want to be a vegetable.  Now you're just......vegetable matter.  I guess all that matters is.....just like in life, you got what you wanted.

Hope you're happy.

         (She puts down the flowers.)

I don't know why people bring flowers to graves.  I guess it gives us something to do.  After all, what else could we bring?  I doubt books make more sense, or chocolate cake.

Although, I don't know, what's the difference?  Whatever we leave out here rots, right along with all the bodies.

Something I still don't get....in all those papers, why didn't you leave your body to science?  I mean, it would have saved me some money, but it might've have had some scientific value .....(bitter)...maybe they could've learned something about how a man who drank a bottle of Scotch every day for over 65 years could still function enough to wake up in the morning.

Of course, it was morning when you got hit by that car, so maybe you weren't drunk enough yet to survive an accident like that.  (Remembering)  Not like the first accident, when I was pregnant with Andy, and you were smashed, and driving, and I begged you to go slower.......and we both went through the window....and you...you didn't have a scratch on you.

       (She touches her face)

I still have the scars.....

Of course, those aren't the only scars, are they?  Most of them are on the inside.

Those only show to God.

And I don't think he's paying much attention to me now.  Not after last week.

       (Sighs)


Pulling the plug.  I mean, I know I could've argued with it, not told them about your last requests.

Not shown the papers.

(Cold)  But I wanted them to know.

I wanted them to pull the plug.

        (She kneels down)

You see, Jerry, I knew a lot of things you never thought I did.  I knew about that girl in Washington, where you went on business so much.  And that baby she had.

I knew a lot.

       (She stands up)

And I felt you squeeze my hand.  I knew you were still in there, Jerry, but I didn't care anymore.  You know why?  Because I just couldn't take any more.

Enough.  I guess ....I pulled the plug long before they did.

      (She turns to go, then stops, turns back, leans over, picks up the flowers)

And I guess, you don't really need these, either.

       (She exits.  The end...for Jerry, not for her.)

-------------------------------------

Janet S. Tiger    858-736-6315

www.JanetSTiger.weebly.com

Member Dramatists Guild since 1983

Playwright-in-Residence

Swedenborg Hall 2006-8

----------------------------------------------

Welcome to Monologue Mania- one new free monologue a day
                                                                        - for a whole year!
Note: A few words about 'free' -  all these monologues are protected under copyright law and are free to read, free to perform and video as long as no money is charged. Once you charge admission or a donation, or include my work in an anthology, you need to contact me for royalty info.
 If you just started this blog and want to read the earlier monologues, please
scroll down for the previous days or go to http://www.monologuestore.com/ -click on the Monologue Mania button please scroll down.
     To start at the beginning - Feb. 13, - click here.
     For a list of the blurbs from each day, click here
Help  a playwright and get  more great  award-winning monologues - MonologueZone.com
Thank you for your comments - and for liking and sharing this site       --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Monologue Mania Day # 207 by Janet S. Tiger The Devil Speaks Sept. 7, 2014
      
           Note - This monologue is the response to Day # 206,
Interview with the Devil Sept. 6, 2014                                   

                                                      The Devil Speaks                                 
                             A monologue by Janet S. Tiger   © all rights reserved                                                      [email protected] 

         (The reporter, Diane Walter, listens as the sheriff speaks, and then takes a cigarette and lights it, smiling)

Well, Sheriff, I am impressed.  Sometimes I forget that people can put me under a microscope, maybe because no one ever does.  

         (She puts her head back and starts to laugh, coughing a bit as she does.)

But you have, and you have done a damned good job....for a sheriff.  And as for being the devil, why do you think I wore this blue dress?

         (They laugh together, and she reaches over to touch his hand.)

Did you, by any chance, find out anything about my childhood, too?

Wait, don't tell me, it was hard to find.  Well, that is a bit intentional, too.  I really don't like people knowing too much about me.

But you are right, this is not my usual story interest.  And I truly doubt if the family-type publications I usually sell to will have any interest in this story....so I may have to peddle it to a bigger place, the New Yorker, for example.  I will give them the chance to turn me down yet again.

That's not answering your question, though, is it?  What brought me here?  All right, after saving my life, or at least my possessions, I think you've earned the right to know a bit more about Diane Walters.

No, my real name is Walters, which is perhaps why you found it hard to find some of my past.  Even on Google, spelling sometimes counts.

My father was killed when I was fifteen.....

        (She nods)

I’m sure you found that, didn't you?  Simple story.  It was foggy, he was out late, drinking.....A car ran him over, and he died.  He was a decent guy, not much in the way of compliments, but he loved me, and I knew that.

Funny thing about death, sometimes it makes life suddenly clearer, like when the optometrist  adjusts one little thing, and everything up on the wall comes into focus.
It wasn't hit 'n run, the man stopped, he was not charged because ......

         (Takes a deep breath, hard to say)

My Dad had on dark clothing, so it was hard to see him.....with the fog and all.  And my Dad was a little tipsy.....so he probably wasn't as alert.  Very clearly….an accident.  Nothing to investigate, nothing to wonder about.

         (Takes another draw on the cigarette.)

But I had a feeling, a funny feeling ....from the very beginning, when I saw my mother and the police officers.  I mean, she did cry, and she was upset, it was all very....normal.  But for me, there was a strange note about it, like she was acting.
The man who hit my Dad, who ran him over, he was a stranger.  My Mom had never met him before.....but he was nice, and after a respectable amount of time, they started dating, and....they got married.

I graduated and left home to go to journalism school at Hunter......and I wondered.  Did he know her from before the accident?  Why would I think this?  Was there anything concrete?  Anything I had heard or seen?  I never understood why I wondered, but I did wonder why I never did any research.  I suppose, I didn't really want to know.

          (Crushes out the stub)

So when I saw the article in the paper about the poor Rodriguez family.....yes, I do read a lot of weird papers because I never know where I'll get a good idea.......when I saw this, I knew.  Just like you are sure it's Jorge, I'm sure it wasn't him that pulled the trigger.  I spoke with Jorge, and this man is not a killer. 

          (Holds up her hand)

Now, you could be right about him knowing who it was, but I am putting my money…… on his wife.  I will bet good money she knows everything, including where that gun is.......and I'm just as sure she had nothing to do with someone trying to burn out my motel room.  

But murder, she knows that.  She won't talk to me much, even with an interpreter.......and that is a tip off.  People who don't want to talk, are afraid of what they'll say...which is why I'm gonna shut up now, Sheriff, before I say something I will regret tomorrow.

          (She stands up, takes her purse.)

But I will take you up on that kind offer to stay at your house for tonight.  I really do not want to go home to that motel.....not for a day or two.

        (She tilts her head to listen then laughs)
I said I didn't want to say something I would regret - but I certainly don't mind doing things I regret!  That's why I have had such a memorable life.....
        (She takes the sheriff's hat and puts it on her head, then takes his hand and they exit.  End of scene)

       
--------------------------------------
Janet S. Tiger    858-736-6315
www.JanetSTiger.weebly.com
Member Dramatists Guild since 1983
Playwright-in-Residence Swedenborg Hall 2006-8 ----------------------------------------------

Welcome to Monologue Mania- one new free monologue a day
                                                                        - for a whole year!
Note: A few words about 'free' -  all these monologues are protected under copyright law and are free to read, free to perform and video as long as no money is charged. Once you charge admission or a donation, or include my work in an anthology, you need to contact me for royalty info.
 If you just started this blog and want to read the earlier monologues, please
scroll down for the previous days or go to http://www.monologuestore.com/ -click on the Monologue Mania button please scroll down.
     To start at the beginning - Feb. 13, - click here.
     For a list of the blurbs from each day, click here
Help  a playwright and get  more great  award-winning monologues - MonologueZone.com
Thank you for your comments - and for liking and sharing this site       --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Monologue Mania Day # 206 by Janet S. Tiger Interview With the Devil Sept. 6, 2014                                      Interview With the Devil                                  A monologue by Janet S. Tiger   © all rights reserved                                                      [email protected] 

         (The sheriff and the reporter are sitting at the bar together, both have had a couple drinks and are more relaxed.  The sheriff turns to her and looks at her very carefully, then lifts his glass)

I lift my glass to you, young lady, because I have to say, that of all the news people who have graced our fine town, you are the one who has lasted the longest, dug into things the deepest, who now has an official enemy here, a person or persons unknown, who wants you very desperately to stop digging. someone I must protect you from because that is my job.  And in spite of knowin all this about you, you are still the biggest mystery I have.

        (She laughs and raises her glass)

Yes, you are the mystery.  I have done a little bit of research into you, my friend from New Yawk.....murders are not your usual interest.  Usually, you write about happy endings.  Like that piece you did on the twins who were separated when they were only two months old, and adopted by different families.  And then they found each other after 54 years, and they both had married men named Mike,  both had two children, a boy and a girl, and they wore their hair the same way.
That was a nice story.....and then you did that one about the dolphins from Katrina, and how they survived.....I liked that one, too.

But no murders, I didn't see one story from you about a murder.  Nothin close either, no missin children, no suspicious deaths or drug deals gone bad and restrainin orders that don't work.  Nope.  Just happy stuff.  Any sad had very feel good endings.......and that brings me to my original question, because there is no way that is case is evah gonna have a happy endin.....not when it starts the way it did with two deaths of children and a murder of the killer......and now, now that Jorge was acquited, and you are pokin your pretty little nose into places it shouldn't go, we have a new set of problems.

Was I wrong?  Was there another killer?  I don't think so, even if it wasn't Jorge who pulled the trigger, he knows who did, which makes him an accessory at best.  But with the trial over, and no definite end, we have a small town askin each other, 'who is the killer here?'

Is it my friend, that I have known for forty years?  Or my neighbor, here only 15 years?  I'm sure you heard the expression....'once the seeds of doubt are sown......'
 
          (He takes out a  cigarette and lights it while saying the rest)

It's almost as if we had a balance here, and then the devil comes in.....not that I believe in things like that you understand, but the devil comes in and all the devil has to do is a couple of things and people are lookin at each other different than before.... I'm sure you heard the expression....'once the seeds of doubt are sown......' 

        (He takes a deep breath of smoke and blows it out slowly.)

So, my question still stands, Miz Walter.......... why the hell are you here?

            (The lights shift to the reporter.)

Note- Her reply will be tomorrow's monologue
--------------------------------------
Janet S. Tiger    858-736-6315
www.JanetSTiger.weebly.com
Member Dramatists Guild since 1983
Playwright-in-Residence Swedenborg Hall 2006-8

Welcome to Monologue Mania- one new free monologue a day
                                                                        - for a whole year!
Note: A few words about 'free' -  all these monologues are protected under copyright law and are free to read, free to perform and video as long as no money is charged. Once you charge admission or a donation, or include my work in an anthology, you need to contact me for royalty info.
 If you just started this blog and want to read the earlier monologues, please
scroll down for the previous days or go to http://www.monologuestore.com/ -click on the Monologue Mania button please scroll down.
     To start at the beginning - Feb. 13, - click here.
     For a list of the blurbs from each day, click here
Help  a playwright and get  more great  award-winning monologues - MonologueZone.com
Thank you for your comments - and for liking and sharing this site       --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Monologue Mania Day # 205 by Janet S. Tiger   Misery is a Gift Sept. 5, 2014                                      Misery is a Gift                                                                             (For Book of Teas)
                                 A monologue by Janet S. Tiger   © all rights reserved                                                      [email protected] 


          (T is onstage with her granddaughter, and she is upset.  They both have Southern accents - just like in the rest of the play)

 I hate to see my beautiful grandbaby so miserable!

I think that perhaps I confused you when I told you what an old friend had said - that happiness is a burden.  Which it is, but the opposite is also true - misery is a gift.

Don't laugh1  You might not be so miserable if you laugh!  That is the trouble with laughter, it is like a certified antidote for misery!

Now don't cry!  Oh, I just hate when my babies cry!

         (She hugs her granddaughter)

Misery is a much misunderstood feelin' - when you understand it better, you will not be afraid to be miserable anymore.

And when you understand that misery is related to the cloud with the silvah linin, you might actually look forward to the deep moments of misery you will be getting throughout your life.

There will be more misery.....it is one of the few dependable things in life.

And there is no escape.....

But one of the advantages is that misery binds you to every one on this planet.  No one escapes misery, not even Jesus.
 
Misery is - now misery is not the silvah linin.....but it holds that silvah linin.....so that to get to that good, you have to be aware that the bad brings with it many good things......

When you catch your breath, you can start to count your blessings, that things aren't worse than they are.....and no matter how bad they are, you can rest assured that somewhere, someone else has it worse than you.

And then, things get better.  Not fast, usually, in fact, it takes a lot of time..... but change comes....  And you realize the worst could be over.  Even more, you realize that one day, you could be happy again......And that is your silva linin.......

         (She turns and gets a pot, pours some coffee.)

Now, misery may be a gift, but when you register for your wedding presents, it's better to ask for nice China......

        (Lights dim on the scene.  The end....soon...for this misery.)

--------------------------------------
Janet S. Tiger    858-736-6315
www.JanetSTiger.weebly.com
Member Dramatists Guild since 1983
Playwright-in-Residence Swedenborg Hall 2006-8

Welcome to Monologue Mania- one new free monologue a day
                                                                        - for a whole year!
Note: A few words about 'free' -  all these monologues are protected under copyright law and are free to read, free to perform and video as long as no money is charged. Once you charge admission or a donation, or include my work in an anthology, you need to contact me for royalty info.
 If you just started this blog and want to read the earlier monologues, please
scroll down for the previous days or go to http://www.monologuestore.com/ -click on the Monologue Mania button please scroll down.
     To start at the beginning - Feb. 13, - click here.
     For a list of the blurbs from each day, click here
Help  a playwright and get  more great  award-winning monologues - MonologueZone.com
Thank you for your comments - and for liking and sharing this site       --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Monologue Mania Day # 204 by Janet S. Tiger   Almost  Sept. 4, 2014                      Note - This was originally started in 2012, but I think it's better now.

                                         ALMOST                                         
A monologue by Janet S. Tiger   © all rights reserved                                                      [email protected] 

           (A woman walks onstage in a nurse's uniform.  She is strong, efficient, checking things off a  clipboard.  Looks up, is very matter of fact.)

 Almost.  What an awful word that is.  You almost made the team.  You almost got an A.  You almost have enough points to go on your vacation.

So close, but so far.

I am a nurse.  I know life and death are not exact in some ways.  But I can still hate that word.... almost.  
(Happy) Almost healed.  Almost ready to go home....(not so happy) ....almost dead.

He came in with a police escort.

Now at the emergency room where I've worked for 28 years, this is not unusual.  Saturday night it's like a circus in here.  Stabbings, shootings, domestic violence.  And those are the easy ones.

We all get combat pay for this neighborhood - they call it something else like - bonus hours for the weekend - but everyone knows what it means.

But for the police to come with an ambulance on Tuesday morning at 10AM...with detectives, well, that's different.

This was a big case, and because I'm the charge nurse - the one in charge - I get to do the admit and assessment.

He was almost dead.  We worked on him, but he had 5 bullets just in his chest - and another, in the head, self-inflicted.   It was amazing he was still alive at all.
Then we found what he had done.  This is not always a good idea.  I don’t care what the Hippocratic oath says, it is hard to divorce yourself from knowing that someone you are trying to save has killed 15 people……that they know of….right now…..could be more.
Of course, maybe he’s not the right guy.  It’s possible.  Of course, my friend – one of the officers – told me when they came to get him, he had confessed.  He asked that as he was leaving his family they not handcuff him until he was outside, and they agreed.  As soon as he was outside, he grabbed one of the guns from the policeman next to him….the others shot him, and he blew  (changes her mind)  …almost….. blew his own brains out.
So here he is, on about a million dollars worth of equipment to keep him alive, and and he just might live.
I don’t go to church much, but I honestly believe God brought this man to me at this time for a reason.  As a nurse, I made a promise to save lives, and not administer harmful drugs, but what is harm?  To keep alive a murderer who will harm others, is that right?  And if he’s a vegetable, who  gets to feed and water him?  You and I  – at least our tax dollars do.   How much will that cost all of us?  Will an equal amount be given to the victims of this man?  To help them?  The answer is ….no.
Now, there’s a lot of things a nurse can do to make your life happy when you’re in the hospital.  Plump up your pillow, help you get to the bathroom.  Maybe even save your life.  
But there are other things they can avoid doing, or do poorly that can make the difference between getting out quickly…or not getting out.
It doesn’t take much to figure out what I did.  Almost.  I almost kept that wound clean.  Is it my fault if there are some drug resistant bacteria in hospitals?  And I almost administered the right drug to kill the bacteria.  I knew there would be an inquest and an autopsy, so I just….waited.  Timing is everything sometimes…..
Does that make me a killer?  I’ve thought about it.  Would God have given me a chance like this because he wanted this piece of dirt to live? 

          (She turns to go.)

I have more rounds, so I have to go.  People need me.

           (She stops for a moment, bowing her head.)

I think God did the world a favor when he brought that killer to our ER.  I am sure I was right doing what I did.  (Thinks for a moment)  Almost sure.

           (She exits.  The end.)

--------------------------------------
Janet S. Tiger    858-736-6315
www.JanetSTiger.weebly.com
Member Dramatists Guild since 1983
Playwright-in-Residence Swedenborg Hall 2006-8

Welcome to Monologue Mania- one new free monologue a day
                                                                        - for a whole year!
Note: A few words about 'free' -  all these monologues are protected under copyright law and are free to read, free to perform and video as long as no money is charged. Once you charge admission or a donation, or include my work in an anthology, you need to contact me for royalty info.
 If you just started this blog and want to read the earlier monologues, please
scroll down for the previous days or go to http://www.monologuestore.com/ -click on the Monologue Mania button please scroll down.
     To start at the beginning - Feb. 13, - click here.
     For a list of the blurbs from each day, click here
Help  a playwright and get  more great  award-winning monologues - MonologueZone.com
Thank you for your comments - and for liking and sharing this site       --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Monologue Mania Day # 203 by Janet S. Tiger The Burden of Happiness   Sept. 3, 2014     
                              The Burden of Happiness                                          A monologue by Janet S. Tiger   © all rights reserved                                                      [email protected] 


          (A  woman walks onstage.  She is VERY reserved, dressed simply, completely unmemorable)
Hello.

          (She is very quiet, does not fidget.)

I do not know what you want from me.  I mean, we have known each other since we were in school, but it has been a long time, what do you want from me?

         (Listens)

Changed?  I imagine everyone changes.  I have found that in life, change is inevitable.  But in my case, the reality is that, as a young person, I was given the heavy burden....of happiness, and that is probably what you remember about me.

        (Looks)

I see it in your face, you recall us laughing together.

Well, that is nice, but I have discovered that happiness is something many people do not understand.  Happiness is like a brand new piece of chewing gum.  You have a new piece, wrapped in the paper, and your mouth is dry, but there is no water.  So you put in the gum, put it in your mouth and ...oh, my!

        (She starts to dance around)

The flavor!  It just bursts into your whole face!  And then the tingly stuff that spreads into your entire body!

       (She whirls around, chewing and making faces of delight.)

And you could just be happy like that for hours!  

       (She starts to slow down)

But then the flavor starts to fade out,......so you.....
       (She whirls some more)

Take another piece!  And it is just fantastic!

And you now have enough to blow a bubble!

       (She blows a bubble and it pops.  She laughs in delight.  Then she calms again)

So now, I have learned to keep my happiness deep inside, and I only share it when I feel it is safe, that the other person understands the deep burden of happiness.
Do you understand?  Can you see that so many people are in such denial of happiness that they cannot appreciate the true joy of being happy?  That I believe they actually are happy being unhappy!

        (Shakes her head)

I didn't think so.

But there are many people do not understand happiness, who snatch misery from the chomping jaws of happy and because they do not want others to be happy...... they suck the happiness out and chew it up like an old piece of chewing gum.
Like this.....

        (She offers the gum to show what she means)

Pardon my fingers.......

        (When the person refuses the gum, she takes it and puts it back in her mouth, turns to leave, looks back, smiles, starts to laugh)

You do remember, I knew you would!  That was Alice who did that, and we laughed so hard the teacher kicked us all out of class!  Come with me, let's laugh and be happy and share the heavy burden of happiness together!

         (She reaches out her hand and skips out, happy.......definitely not the end of happy)


--------------------------------------
Janet S. Tiger    858-736-6315
www.JanetSTiger.weebly.com
Member Dramatists Guild since 1983
Playwright-in-Residence Swedenborg Hall 2006-8

Welcome to Monologue Mania- one new free monologue a day
                                                                        - for a whole year!
Note: A few words about 'free' -  all these monologues are protected under copyright law and are free to read, free to perform and video as long as no money is charged. Once you charge admission or a donation, or include my work in an anthology, you need to contact me for royalty info.
 If you just started this blog and want to read the earlier monologues, please
scroll down for the previous days or go to http://www.monologuestore.com/ -click on the Monologue Mania button please scroll down.
     To start at the beginning - Feb. 13, - click here.
     For a list of the blurbs from each day, click here
Help  a playwright and get  more great  award-winning monologues - MonologueZone.com
Thank you for your comments - and for liking and sharing this site       --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Monologue Mania Day # 202 by Janet S. Tiger   The Devil Visits River Bend Sept. 2, 2014                                 The Devil Visits  River Bend                                          A monologue by Janet S. Tiger   © all rights reserved                                                      [email protected] 

               (The woman enters carrying a heavy suitcase, purse, etc.  She lets it all slide as she surveys the room with a practiced eye.  She is not so young, but not old yet either.  She is sweaty, but still put together well.  She takes out her phone and pushes a button, talks quickly but clearly while unpacking.)

Notes. Friday afternoon. September first...

             (Looks at her watch)

1 P.M.   Arrived in town of River Ranch, Texas, since there is no Hilton here, nor any other  five, four, three or even two star hotel, am staying at the lovely local Motel six, of which six is still part of the price, but it is now 66, so if I add just one more 6, I might have an idea of what I'm getting into. I already see there are signs of several ....how do I put it politely again?.....

          (Looks out from curtains on window)

.......long term people here.

Probably substance abuse, possibly just between homes.

Have taken a room close to manager's office just in case.

            (Hangs something on a hanger)

Flight from JFK to Austin uneventful, drive here about two hours in rented Ford, very uncomfortable on these dirt roads at the end.

            (She takes out a cigarette, then looks at the ceiling)

I wonder if that smoke alarm thingy still has batteries......

             (She pulls over a chair and stands on it, removing the smoke alarm and opening it.)

Well, that was time wasted, shoulda known someone else had smoked in here.

            (She takes a deep breath)

Still smelled normal.

            (She lights the cigarette, takes a deep breath, opens a map.)

After unpacking, will drive around town, should take all of five minutes.  Next stop, courthouse, speak with sheriff, get copies of files of Novak and Rodriguez cases. 

Background - drunk driver kills two young boys,  crashes car, is dead, but not from crash, someone shot him in the head after the crash.  Father of two boys is in custody.  Gun not found, but shells for gun found in father's house.  Story origin - Sealy News, Austin county newspaper, Aug. 21st.

No recent homicides - very little local crime.  Except for the person who was killed.

            (She finishes the cigarette, crushes it out in an ashtray)

Send file.

           (She pushes button, then takes the phone and and it into a pocket, turns to leave.  Stop, surveys room one last time.)

But I'm sure it's safe.

            (Opens purse, takes out a gun, which she puts into another pocket,  then exits.  End of scene.)

--------------------------------------
Janet S. Tiger    858-736-6315
www.JanetSTiger.weebly.com
Member Dramatists Guild since 1983
Playwright-in-Residence Swedenborg Hall 2006-8 ----------------------------------------------

Welcome to Monologue Mania- one new free monologue a day
                                                                        - for a whole year!
Note: A few words about 'free' -  all these monologues are protected under copyright law and are free to read, free to perform and video as long as no money is charged. Once you charge admission or a donation, or include my work in an anthology, you need to contact me for royalty info.
 If you just started this blog and want to read the earlier monologues, please
scroll down for the previous days or go to http://www.monologuestore.com/ -click on the Monologue Mania button please scroll down.
     To start at the beginning - Feb. 13, - click here.
     For a list of the blurbs from each day, click here
Help  a playwright and get  more great  award-winning monologues - MonologueZone.com
Thank you for your comments - and for liking and sharing this site       --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Monologue Mania Day # 201 by Janet S. Tiger   Belabor Day  Sept. 1, 2014     
                                Belabor Day                                         
A monologue by Janet S. Tiger   © all rights reserved                                                      [email protected] 
               (Carrying a box of papers, a man dressed in a sweaty sheriff's uniform takes the box and drops it on the floor.  He is irritated.)
There.  All the paperwork involvin' the Novak case.....you can go through them right now.  We close in two hours.  And we will be closed until Tuesday because Monday is Labor Day. And no, we don't have anythin' online yet, not until the state fundin' comes through next year.
             (Listens, shakes his head)
You want more than this here box of papers?  More than the official statement?  All right, here's the news - Calvin Novak was drunk, which was not an unusual occurrence, and while driving drunk, hit and killed two boys, the only two sons of Mr. and Mrs. Jorge Rodriguez.  Then Calvin was shot, and died, and Jorge Rodriguez is gonna be on trial for Calvin's murder. 
            (Listens)
You people from the newspapers and the TV are all the same, you come here for what, a day or two, maybe if you have some extra money, a whole week, and you talk to a few people and you stand in front of the courthouse and get some video feed, and you decide what the story is gonna be before you even arrive here.  But you still say you want more.  All right.  You want more?  All right.  Here's more.
I been here as sheriff for 40 years, and I know these people, not just as neighbors, but some of 'em as friends, too, and I got to make sure that justice is done.  It ain't easy doin' that when it's quiet, but it don't get easier with all you breathin' down our necks.
         (He indicates the boxes)
This is Labor Day weekend, and you can run around as much as you want, it'll be hot, and you'll get sweaty, just like all of us, and you'll call home and complain how you hate small towns, especially ones in Texas, but after you leave and write your story, and have it broadcast and get your paycheck and drink it, we will still be here, watching our high school team get ready for football season, goin' to church, getting a drink at the local bar, .....burying our dead.
          (Listens)
Yeah, I knew the Rodriguez boys.  Nice family.  Quiet.  Had a small place out on Old Ranch Road.  And I knew Calvin Novak, too, his daddy, Casper, and I went to school together.  Calvin was taught to drink by his daddy.  His daddy died in a crash, too, but no one else died in that one, except maybe the tree he hit.
         (Thinks)
No, maybe the tree made it.  But his son, Calvin, he did not do well in the brains department, he got cut from the military after Iraq, and everyone thought he'd kill himself on a cycle, but then he got that big ole truck, and when he hit those two boys, they didn't have a chance.
But that didn't mean someone had to kill him.  The state of Texas is the only one got the right to decide that, and someone took that right away when they shot Calvin, and my job is to find out who that someone is.  And I know it's Jorge, because Jorge had a 45 caliber, just like the one that shot Calvin.  And the wife sayin that they give the gun away when the boys were little, for safety.  But then why did they still have the bullets?
Jorge did it.  I know it.  I can smell it.  And one day, I'm gonna find that gun.  Now Clark, the District Attorney, he's a go getter, wants to be mayor someday, so he's gonna prosecute before I find that gun.  And so, who knows what's gonna happen.
And that, my dear reporter friend, is off the record.
So you can go send in your story on the Internet, and people all over will read it, and make faces and talk about drunken Texans, and they will be right, and they will be.....wrong.

Labor Day.  I'll be workin' Labor Day, too.  And so will you, I suppose.  (Remembers, smiling)  Don't belabor the point, my momma used to say, just the day.   She loved to laugh at words, my momma did.  If a woman was havin' a baby right around Labor Day, she would laugh about it for a month before 'n after.
Belabor Day.  You have two hours.

         (He turns to leave, looks back)

Two hours. Not one minute more.

          (He exits.  Lights down on scene)


-------------------------------------- Janet S. Tiger    858-736-6315 www.JanetSTiger.weebly.com Member Dramatists Guild since 1983 Playwright-in-Residence Swedenborg Hall 2006-8 ----------------------------------------------