Their writing often explores themes of introspection, love, loss, and resilience
Monologue
A Poem by Rayne LaDuex
“You’re not worried about what others think of you. You’re worried about what you think of you.”
You wear masks, not for their comfort, but for your own illusion of peace. You convince yourself it’s them you’re trying to impress, to placate, to keep fooled—but really, you’re trying to outrun your own reflection. You’re not afraid of their judgment; you’re afraid it might echo your own.
Because when the world goes quiet and the mirror doesn’t blink, what’s left is you—and you know when you’re pretending.
You know when your laughter is counterfeit. You know when your generosity is just a plea to be needed. You know when your strength is just you white-knuckling the fear that you’re not enough.
You’re not at war with the world. You’re at war with the whisper inside that says you are still unfinished. That some vital part of you has yet to rise from the ruins of your past. You’ve built a monument out of coping mechanisms and called it identity, hoping no one notices the scaffolding beneath.
But I see it.
And you do, too.
What would happen if you stood still long enough to face yourself—not the version they applauded, but the one you’ve silenced with ambition and distraction?
Would you forgive him?
Would you hold him accountable?
Would you love him?
Because this isn’t about their applause.
It’s about whether you believe you’re worthy of your own.
So tear down the stage.
Kill the performance.
Let the spotlight die.
And in the dark, ask yourself:
“Can I stand beside the man I am without needing to become someone else?”
Rayne LaDuex is a passionate writer of poetry and short stories that delve into the raw and often unspoken facets of human experience. Drawing inspiration from the quiet moments of life and the intricate emotions that weave our stories, LaDuex creates work that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. Their writing often explores themes of introspection, love, loss, and resilience.
In addition to writing, LaDuex balances creativity with a career in project management and serves their community as a high school football coach, helping to mentor and inspire the next generation. They find harmony between structure and imagination, weaving these experiences into their art. Silence is their debut collection, a heartfelt offering to those who find solace in words and the spaces between them.
Order Silence here.
