"French & Lake"
By Chris Madsen
The acoustic guitar on the wall
the cactus, an overgrown monstera,
a rickety painters ladder suspended
like a thought holding its breath,
plants loosen the grip.
The ornamental rug, it’s reds and blues,
the couch dreams were made of.
A handmade wool blanket,
softer than you’d expect.
Wood floors worn harder than denim.
The storm came with fierce winds.
Shaking the centurial oaks free
from their weakened roots.
Power interrupted the noise.
The stillness marks the coming end.
The fan above the rug had spun
day after day. Every single night.
After three years
its blades stand still and silent.
So do my thoughts, it’s quiet.
The windows up in the trees.
A refuge, a retreat, a regret, a redoubt.
The warm breeze and a stack of books,
waiting on the floor for wood to be cut
and shelves to be built.
Chris Madsen is a former Scout Sniper and US Army Veteran. You can find more of his writing here.
What’s happening at VetRep…
Join us for an intimate evening of theater in the heart of Cornwall at our cozy Parlor on Quaker Ave. The final Parlor performance of the year will feature seven, 10-minute plays authored by veterans, including plays that have won grants through VetRep’s bi-annual Playwriting competition. Settle in with a winter mocktail and dessert while we explore drama, comedy, and all the feelings in between through each short play.
POTSHOTS by Stephanie Kline
THE ELEPHANT DELIVERY by Bill Smith
FISH TALE by Phil Wozniak
GIVEN: A WAY by Michael Towers
INTERMISSION PLAY by Dakota Silvey
IT'S NOT BLOOD by Kim Ruyle
SUNSET & VINE by Jack Truman
By supporting Veterans Repertory Theater with a monthly donation (as little as $20 per month), you can help our mission to Support Veterans in the Arts like veteran playwrights, Stephanie Kline, recent winner of our VetRep Short Play Competition
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