The Dilemma
In or out?
Why must I always be faced with such a decision?
This opportunity does not present itself very often,
And I feel so pressured to make a choice.
I could enjoy the pleasures of staying in,
But then I’ll constantly wonder what’s going on out there.
In here, I feel safe and warm,
I know exactly the best area to make myself comfortable,
And I have all the accommodations I could hope for.
On the other hand, out there I can find excitement and adventure;
There’s so much to explore, and so much to do and see.
If only my demands could be met immediately,
And I can get out when I need to.
But I am forced to decide my fate based on the whims and fancies of others.
Who do they think they are, anyway?
They go out whenever they please,
Sometimes without even asking me what I want to do.
I tell you I am sick and tired of it all!
Oh no! The door is about to close!
This opportunity is about to pass me by.
I must go out! Now!
Hello, world outside the door!
The door…
The door has been closed behind me.
No, wait! I wasn’t ready!
I had a change of heart,
I don’t want to be out here anymore.
Please let me back in,
This was a mistake!
Come back, my human!
I love the idea of writing a monologue! I'm a fan of theater, so I can appreciate the value of a well composed monologue, and I think you did a great job here. As I read, the dilemma felt real and immediate, and I loved the idea of writing from the perspective of a pet. I think many of us have wondered what goes through the mind of an a pet as it prepares to bolt through an open door. Well done!
ReplyDeleteThank you, L.G. I'm glad that you enjoyed it!
DeleteCat or dog? This one could go either way.
ReplyDeleteLiz, I had a cat in mind, but I suppose it could work as a dog, too.
DeleteThis was cute to read. I'm thinking it was a dog?
ReplyDeletebetty
Thanks, Betty!
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteA very well constructed poem for me that describes the dilemma of should I or should I not. It comes across as the typical Shakespeare, to be or not to be. You have done an excellent job in forming the dilemma.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G
Thank you, Pat G.! Shakespeare's "to be or not to be" was the first monologue example I thought of whilst writing this :)
DeleteWhere others saw a pet, I saw a mind wondering whether it should run free, or remain confined...
ReplyDeleteEither way I thoroughly enjoyed this.
Thank you, E.C.! I like that you saw something different. I intended to leave it a bit open to interpretation.
DeleteThe decision between the two can sure be daunting. Need that balance. I can see a dog yelling for a human to come back, a cat would probably be the one that shut the door lol
ReplyDeletePat Hatt, lol! I didn't think of that, but some cats certainly would :)
DeleteLovely! Poor little one, those decisions can be so difficult when all feels safe and warm!
ReplyDeleteThanks Yolanda! Having two good options certainly can create a lot of indecisiveness.
DeleteI love it. We all face this dilemma once in a while: cats, dogs, or humans.
ReplyDeleteThanks Olga, that's very true!
DeleteThe ending is so cute. I didn't expect the "I" to be a pet. Good job. For so many people, this is a very real problem. I thought it might be someone with agoraphobia. Well done.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Diane! I didn't think of agoraphobia in particular, but, as an introvert, I can relate to that struggle.
DeleteA dog a cat or even a pig
ReplyDeleteNo matter which you chose
It might even be a bird
Or soon to be cat food
The story’s cute and
I’m glad you wrote
Without letting us
Know who’s who
Thank your brother
And let him know
Without him we would
Not have meet you
Thank you, Ellis :) I had started writing something different for this theme, but it seemed too boring. I'm glad my brother helped me come up with a better idea.
DeleteWell crafted dilemma, feline, canine and human also. A cute and unique take on the prompt. Kudos!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Nilanjana! I enjoyed writing it :)
DeleteHi Liz - I started thinking about a baby ... then realised that idea was somewhat unrealistic! Then thought person ... but as the others have said it could so easily be a pet ... I enjoyed the read and the indecision ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteThanks Hilary! A baby would be a bit of stretch, but I like all the different perspectives these comments have pointed out :)
DeleteIt's definitely a cat! Such attitude.
ReplyDeleteAlex, excellent observation ;)
DeleteVery good interpretation of animal behavior or of me an introvert. ;)
ReplyDeleteDeborah, as an introvert myself, I can see the similarities :)
DeleteHello Elizabeth. I was definitely seeing an introvert not wanting to go out -- dithering, indecisive -- then at the end I could see a dog tugging at a leash. Great that your brother helped you to get your idea posted. Love monologues. My senior English students are doing one as their next assignment. Makes you dig into a character.
ReplyDeleteAwesome, non-boring entry for the WEP. Thank you for joining us this month and I hope you enjoy the experience and return in October for our horror fest.
Denise
Thank you, Denise! I'm trying to come up with something for the October WEP, although most of my focus is on my IWSG anthology entry right now.
DeleteIn the beginning, I made the false assumption this was a poem based on an introvert trying to break out of their comfort zone. The twist at the end caught me by surprise. Great job, Elizabeth.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Christopher. My introversion tried to steer this in a different direction, but I enjoyed throwing that twist in at the end.
DeleteThis is especially timely, as I just had to chase down my cat, who bolted out the door when I opened it. She's such a brat!
ReplyDeleteShannon, cats can be quite unpredictable!
DeleteI loved this. It was so cute. I figured it was a four-legged friend tryingt to decide what to do. I imagine this same monologue runs through my dog's head at least four times a day. There are those rare moments, though, when I think she's given up on life because she turns her head away from the door and won't even look at it.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Toi. My cats are the same way. Sometimes, they act interested in following me, then run off in the opposite direction before I even open the door.
DeleteSometimes we don't want what we thought we wanted until we get it. I could see some pet changing its mind or heart if it sees rain or snow. Loved the presentation!
ReplyDeleteThanks, D.G. I agree that sometimes getting what we want isn't the answer.
DeleteI had a feeling it was a pet. And then I got to the end and I was not disappointed. Way to go! Love it.
ReplyDeleteThank you, J Lenni!
DeleteAfter the opening question, which was an excellent way to begin, I wondered where this was going to. My curiosity suitably piqued, I went along and enjoyed the unfolding words which gave no clue...
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful surprise at the end! I didn't expect it to be a pet.
Sounds like a dog. A small, cute puppy with those irresistible eyes...
Thank you, Michelle! I'm glad you enjoyed it! Also, I love those puppies :)
DeleteInteresting to take a non-human perspective on the prompt. Very well done, too.
ReplyDeleteThank you, OA!
DeleteLove that twist at the end! It made me go back and reread. And of course I was reminded of the two kitties we used to have <3
ReplyDeleteSuch a neat take on the challenge!
Thanks, Deniz! I'm glad it brought back fond pet memories for you.
DeleteThe dog on my lap thought that was an excellent monologue, but then she is my muse (and distraction). Of course, I'm not sure without re-reading what creature you had in mind, but you caught the indecision brilliantly. I realise now that it was a cat - though our dogs are fickle, especially if it's raining. In fact, at one moment I was relating as someone dependent on others to get out in my wheelchair. Very clever piece.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Roland! I tried to leave it open to different perspectives before narrowing it down with the last line. I haven't owned a dog for a while (just cats), so I forgot that they also have their indecisive moments.
DeleteGreat take on the prompt. I enjoyed your words.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sally!
DeleteThe last line shows us whose point of view. Great job!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Nas!
Delete