A Monologue for A Day of Grief

Grief. It is a journey difficult to comprehend, and even more so to explain. What does it mean to grieve? For warriors on a battlefield, grief is an obstacle. It showcases emotions that do not belong. They must be brief and expressed in the right environment. Unpacking those repressed emotions back home becomes a project, and without the proper guidance, mentors, and willingness to change, these painful memories become weights.

The safety of the fire pit at the PB Abbate retreat allowed for Veterans to expose deep rooted emotions. Many of these sentiments I've accounted for in this monologue.

Writing has allowed me and hundreds of others to explore the nuances of grief. It is a subject I've often explored in poetry, but never in theater. I'm glad to say that has changed!

We are thrilled to announce Benjamin Fortier the winner of the playwriting competition for his monologue, Michael and the Saints. Set in a quaint tavern, Michael hangs with his Marine buddies at a small reunion. Michael reflects on his experiences in Iraq and what it means to serve and to carry the wounds of war.

I am equally thrilled and eternally honored to be a part of this meaningful project. In the words of (I'm paraphrasing here) fellow Marine Veteran and prolific author Russell Worth Parker in his writing workshop: "Be fearless. Be vulnerable."

Two contrasting emotions we could not deploy on the battlefield. But as writers? Artists? We are free from the constraints of the mission. We are at home.

The image I included in the stage play. A moving picture that speaks to the importance of maintaining that close bond with our warriors.

When I approached the monologue, two looming monuments flanked me: Grief and Memorial Day. If you know my writing, you'll know that I am very comfortable in the shadow realm, evoking thoughts of mortality, the human condition, and how we address the phases of loss that cycle around us.

I'd also like to pay particular attention to the amazing people I am directly working with: award-winning director and writer, Dani Davis, at the helm. On the stage will be actor Jeffrey Doornbos, a seasoned thespian that has taken a strong interest in the story. Leilani Squire of Returning Soldiers Speak, as always, inspired, crafted, and honed my work.

Thank you all!!

View the full announcement and get tickets to see the Grief Dialogues - Memorial Day: https://www.griefdialogues.com/memorial-day/