Chill in the Air

Augustus

 

Cast: Poet, and Meddler ( )

The poet is sitting in a living room facing a brick fireplace, bright embers and flickering flames the only source of light. Poet, thinking out loud: I'm cozy and delighted with the morning. While stacking the kindling and lighting the tinder, I thought to myself, "What a treat! I downed an elm a year ago, cut and stacked the stove-lengths; this winter's day the wood is seasoned. I am enjoying the warm glow of the fire." Pen and clipboard in hand, words are beginning to take shape. The chill is out of the air! (YOU took the life of a tree for a little chill?) The Meddler appears out of nowhere. Though a bit startled the poet seems resigned to the intrusion:  Well, I guess I could have worn my new woolen Christmas sweater. (YOU "guess"? And how is it this shorn sheep, the source of your knitted garment protected from the cold?) Oh, I don't believe he cares, you see, he's mutton now. Get it? Huh? Huh? Mutton? (YOU dare eat the flesh of animals?) Why, um, yes. Prepared correctly the meat is tasty and nourishing. (That paper YOU are scribbling on is also attained from our timber forest!)  So?  (More wanton destruction for YOUR pleasure.) Look, Bud, whoever you are, can you just move along and go annoy someone else? (That pen YOU grasp is fabricated  chiefly of oil products, OIL that contaminates the environment!) This banter back and forth continues a short while during which time more wood goes on the fire. Finally: All right all ready! I give up! I'll strip myself naked, go outdoors, and wait until I starve to death, be eaten by wild animals or die of exposure. Satisfied? Starts towards the exit as he tears off his shirt. (Excellent idea. Move along now.) Door closes as poet leaves:   (I think I'll sit a spell beside this lovely fire. There's a chill in the air.)

 

Augustus / Folsom, LA / January 2017

  • Author: Augustus (Pseudonym) (Offline Offline)
  • Published: January 6th, 2017 10:27
  • Comment from author about the poem: Practice what you preach.
  • Category: Sociopolitical
  • Views: 68
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Comments5

  • willyweed

    Very clever and so well written, it gave me a chill. ww

    • Augustus

      I hope are not just jiving me. I had such hesitation to post it. I wanted to keep it brief. I was concerned about the 2 characters would be easily distinguishable without the usual introductions and scenery descriptions in conventional literature. Thanks.

      • willyweed

        Augustus this is a great Story! your a very good story teller tell your stories.
        I would not shit you (your my favorite turd) USMC humor. ww

      • 1 more comment

      • WriteBeLight

        I can visualize the hypocrite sitting and enjoying the fire. Makes me think of the (acid rain) detrimental-impact, Electric-Car argument, about the emmissions from the power plants that generate the electricity to charge the electric-car batteries.

        • Augustus

          Thanks. My pet peeve is the envioromentalist who travels from lecture to lecture on a private jet.

          • WriteBeLight

            We could go on and on...:)

          • rrodriguez

            Thoughtful and poignant in its message. We have to live and we must be wise in how we live and let others live.

            • Augustus

              Yes. I am all for saving the planet, but it can be taken to the extreme.

            • Christina8

              A very thoughtfully written story. I wonder what the meddler does to stay warm and clothed!

              • Augustus

                Exactly. Thanks Christina.

              • Daniel

                Wow what an amazing story, brilliantly written!

                • Augustus

                  Thanks a bunch.



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