Author/Blogger
A rich man told the people of his nation that they would own nothing and love it.
The people of that country told him to go first, to give up all his money and power and move into a government-funded apartment to prove his point.
The rich man fell silent and gave up on the idea.
Whoever finds this note, what I tell you is the truth. So tell all who will listen.
In my time, many people foolishly voted for corrupt politicians hell-bent on destroying freedom for their own gain. And while others fought against them, there were not enough.
In the years following, all perished from wars and man-made disasters. All but one if this goes unread.
If it is read, I pray you are heard. Because I, too, found a note, but nobody listened.
Independent stores closed as corporations moved in on their towns until one cold December night when an open sign appeared. Mom-And-Pop had had enough and raised a middle finger toward the bright lights of the interstate.
The bell tolled for civility as evil waves consumed their shores. They came not once but one hundred and ten times six. Five more, then one, and all the waters calmed, afloat with those who would not listen.
“Sir, there are crazy people who will shoot you.”
“How can I protect myself?”
“Give up your guns.”
“Wait, what?”
“Don’t worry; the police will keep you safe.”
“What if they’re not here when a crazy comes for me?”
“Not a problem. We are designating your home as a gun-free zone.”
“Wait, what?”
Struck, I fell, my hand opening slowly like the petals of a flower in the morning sun. By eve it closed into a fist of stone. Rising, revenge was taken upon my enemies. The kingdom was mine, and no warrior hence has been allowed to stand up from the battlefield to fight another day.
Strewn with bodies, the land dried its skeletons in a midday sun. The Third World War was over, and so was the reign of man.
A Dodo replaced the Eagle as nine Owls sat silent.
Redbirds flew as Doves fell to the ground.
And Chickens pecked as if nothing was wrong.
“Puppet, come in here. I have a job for you.”
“What is it, Sir?”
“I want you to have all the school kids sent home with a summer reading list that teaches racism. We need those little ones to hate each other based on a person’s skin color.”
“People of color have spent years fighting racism, Sir. The media will crucify us.”
“It won’t be a problem; the books teach kids how to be racist against whites.”
Head split open, thrown from a car, brain lying eerily between his legs. Survivor, “Is he alive?” Shock, hope, desperation. “Please let him be alive.”
Timothy French 