Laura Breidenthal Poet Dramatic Monologue

Little Fire

I witness you fading away,
The winds blow frantically
They are against us, as all are

Little fire, rise in my cupped hands
Be it my life I shield from the elements so unfeeling?

Little fire, brighten as I feed you
This moisture receding from my pores must cease
Before I drown this diminishing beauty

I gasp,
Surprised at the howls and retorts of this icy tempest
Nature’s exhalations mean to end what must naturally end
My hands shake
Little fire—my life!
—I must keep you alive!

Grow against all odds
Against the screaming whirlpools of bluster
Against the torrential tears that mean to overcome you
Against the ashes that can only watch the desolation around you,
As you search for more fuel to masticate

My flesh is no treasure to me,
So lick me deep, my flame
Devour these hands that shield you
Rise hastily, as you burn
 Ascending up my arms,
Lighting every goosebump, shriveling every hair
Rise till I am all aflame in this wilderness
Boil and evaporate every murderous tear—
The fluids of sorrow that so pulverize purpose
Eat through every sinew, and every tissue,
Every muscle and every bone that has grown
 For this moment and this moment only

I give you every piece of me, little fire!
So that my spirit, finally free, shall rise to the heavens
Past the shrieking winds, preceding through the jeers of thunder
I give you my all, blessed fire!
So that these eyes may witness every storm die 
And I may laugh at their futility!

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Michael Thompson November 29, 2017 at 7:31 AM This is truly an amazing poem Laura. So full of imagery and passion. Wonderful job. Laura Breidenthal November 29, 2017 at 3:24 PM Thanks for taking a look at this one, Michael. It's one of my favorites that I've written. <3 I appreciate your kind words.. ~Laura

Davina Browne June 4, 2017 at 6:45 AM So beautiful. I loved the image you used I saw it clearly. My favourite lines My hands shake Little fire—my life! —I must keep you alive! Awesome sauce piece Bless it be dee x

John Hamilton July 19, 2016 at 12:33 PM I have no words to describe the impact of these well chosen words, for me this is real poetry, depth of meaning and passion, something to make us think and feel. What a delight to read this powerful introspection! a fave and a7 Laura Breidenthal July 19, 2016 at 2:40 PM Thanks for taking the time to read some of my work, John. This one means a lot to me. Glad you could enjoy it, and thank you for the encouraging feedback. <3~Laura

John Fleming March 17, 2016 at 12:52 PM Nicely penned, Laura. This "Inner conflict" theme seems to be central to a few of the poems you have written lately...You do it very well. Congrats on "POTW"! My very best regards...And warmest wishes. :) john Laura Breidenthal March 17, 2016 at 11:15 PM You're very observant, John, and a sweet poet and commentator. Much love to you, and thanks so much for stoppin by! <3~Laura

Jai Bankson March 16, 2016 at 2:06 AM Great write Laura Breidenthal March 17, 2016 at 11:14 PM Thanks Jai, I'm heading over to your page to see some of your work..:) ~Laura

Verlena S. Walker March 15, 2016 at 5:13 AM Beautifully versed Laura. Congratulations on the POTW. Verlena Laura Breidenthal March 17, 2016 at 11:14 PM Thanks so much Verlena. ~Laura

Richard Lamoureux March 13, 2016 at 7:11 PM Congratulations on POTW! A wonderful choice! Laura Breidenthal March 14, 2016 at 5:50 AM Thanks, Richard. ( : I am grateful and happy! ~Laura

Poet Destroyer A March 13, 2016 at 4:54 PM Congratulations on poem of the week... Luv Linda Laura Breidenthal March 14, 2016 at 5:50 AM It was a pleasant surprise! Thanks so much! ~Laura

Walter T. Ashe March 13, 2016 at 4:42 PM As I read this I was able to literally visualize this prayerful request to prevail at all costs and do so valiantly! I look forward to reading your works and being further enlightened by your words!...."and may you always laugh at the futility of any storm!" :-) Laura Breidenthal March 14, 2016 at 5:49 AM Thank you for the thoughtful feedback and kind words. I will definitely be checking out your work as well, Walter. Thanks for taking the time to read!~Laura

Red Fiery March 13, 2016 at 9:21 AM So much of fire... Magnificent ! My dear Laura, you have penned a masterpiece here... I am so so so delighted to read and post my comments here... Thanks for supporting my work too... YOU'RE INMENSELY TALENTED POETESS.. LOVE RED Laura Breidenthal March 14, 2016 at 5:49 AM <3 thanks for the sweetness Red. Gonna check out s'more of your poetry soon. ~Laura

Pam Deremer March 9, 2016 at 4:28 PM Very well done and very indepth. Laura Breidenthal March 9, 2016 at 5:01 PM Thanks very much, Pam. This poem means a lot to me, and I am happy you got to read it and for your visit. ~Laura

Timothy Hicks March 7, 2016 at 11:17 PM WOW .... this was masterfully done with very poignant images. I could see you try to hold a spark alive against all odds ... it's beautiful (if not a bit dark at the end). I feel as though you really put your soul into this piece ... a martyr for the little spark of life. You've paradoxically conquered death ... by becoming a sacrifice. Truly one of your best ... a fave. Laura Breidenthal March 9, 2016 at 5:00 PM Thanks Timothy, for the awesome feedback as usual. A martyr for life, you got it! I love the way you go in depth and you really understand the heart of it. Fire is an element I love to add in my poetry. It is intense, sweltering, and casts a lot of shadows for contrast. ~Laura

Justin Bordner March 7, 2016 at 11:03 PM The storms have given you the passion to be free, the triumph meant for thee, may your laughter carry you to where justice be...this is a sacrificial transcendence that harmonizes with my soul Laura. The image of that Little Fire growing into a flamming liberator is so vivid and total. "Against the ashes that can only watch the desolation around you...My flesh is no treasure to me, so lick me deep my flame..." sensational courage is in this transformation Poetess...J.A.B. A FAV!! Laura Breidenthal March 9, 2016 at 4:58 PM Thanks, Justin! I loved writing this one. Every word I added made my heart pound. ~Laura

Charlie Smith March 7, 2016 at 7:54 PM Wonderfully descriptive images, loved it Laura Laura Breidenthal March 9, 2016 at 4:36 PM Thanks for loving it, Charlie. : ) I appreciate the visit. ~Laura

Eileen Manassian March 7, 2016 at 10:56 AM Beautiful, Laura. I'm with Cas on this one. Your heart and soul were put into this...and it glows with beauty. Hugs, my dear. Laura Breidenthal March 7, 2016 at 5:37 PM Thank you so much, gorgeous Eileen! ~Laura

Casarah Nance March 7, 2016 at 7:22 AM Wow, Wow, I love this! A 7 and fav. this is more than poetry it is art, passion, existence. Laura Breidenthal March 7, 2016 at 7:57 AM I am delighted by your comment, Casarah. Thanks for reading. You've got a unique quality in your writing. You write with plenty of passion, and I will be reading more of your work soon. I put my heart into this one and any feedback makes me so grateful..~Laura