Sea Glass

by Jemma Bossio

after Little Women, from Beth's perspective

Monologue Text:

Jo still walks along the beach, letting the waves wash over her feet. I know she still thinks about me. Sweet little Beth, forever lost to the sea. I always asked to spend my time here, when it was drifting away so quickly. Time has passed since I left, and I’ve changed with it. Like a piece of sea glass, caught in the tide. Once sharp and jagged, so utterly heartbroken by my life being cut short, but, with time, turned smooth.  I miss being alive every day, but it hurts less now. I’m finally at peace with it all. Peace with my death.

They don’t say my name much, anymore. All the people I love. I think that brings back memories of the past, too painful to touch. But, I see what I left behind. The piano notes Laurie plays in my memory that remind Grandfather of our lessons together. The prayer Father speaks that still includes my name. The violets I so adore that Marmee plants. The stillness Jo likes to write in. The lullabies Meg hums to her babies. The kindness Amy doesn’t realize she’s learned. They are marching on with their lives, as us March’s do, but my love still lingers with them. I can sense it. 

Maybe, someday, Jo will find a bit of sea glass, the color of eyes, and think of me. Not sharply. Not with pain. Just… something small and soft. Best left in the sand, but the image kept with her tenderly.