Reality Or Fantasy, You be the judge

The following short story was inspired by: Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s form of — mystical realism esp., A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings

The first to drift down from the heavens was of Hispanic origin; he would remain in the tiny country for nearly nine years. Those that followed would also remain for many years; this was how it was in those days. Before it was all over, there would be five hundred and ninety more of these angels, float down from the heavens.

They landed in a small Asian country where the people were poor, and couldn’t speak the angel’s language. Some of the more superstitious of them thought the angels should be put to death, for they may be a result of some celestial event. However, the wisest among them chose to keep them alive, with an agenda of interrogation; also, as propaganda tools in order to save their nation. It was soon learned, that extracting information from these angels would be filled with frustration, for the nation that sent them required “silence” as a code of conduct during their basic induction.

The angels were kept locked up like pigeons, where they were tortured, and starved; their only nourishment came from a rancid fish they called sturgeons, supplemented at times by cold rat meat, and a brackish venom they called water. The local people were intensely curious and wanted to see the angels brought into the streets; where they could inspect the celestial visitors that had rained death and destruction on their farms and fleets. They threw stones and beat the angel’s unmercifully; trying to exact revenge, for the incredible suffering the angels had brought upon them. Their captors were forced to walk beside them with fixed bayonets, to tame the crowds when they became too belligerent.

After several years’ visitors were allowed in their company; who promised them, something would be done to end their misery. Letters and communiquйs would be sent, to the powers responsible for their imprisonment; however, no responses were received that the angels were allowed to see, or digest. Their only knowledge of the outside world came from recently fallen angels, and this information was sketchy at best. During those times, angels were given info on a “need to know” basis; in the fear that they too may fall from the heavens, as they flew from their bases.

An enormously powerful country sent the angels on their missions, over the tiny country in hopes of controlling its minions, and forcing it to conform to its ways, as well as opinions. The people however, were tenacious in their resistance, for other powerful countries had controlled them for ages, and they had grown weary of being the servants in their own tiny land — to invaders and tenants.

A lesson should have learned by the powerful nation. From a tiny country of cane, and tobacco ninety miles away, that repulsed its invasion. That small countries need not be swayed by its influence; to this day, that country remains free of foreign domination.

The citizens of the powerful nation demonstrated against the government; for forcing its will on this tiny country, somewhere, on another continent. There were marches of protest day in and day out, and their effect was tearing the powerful nation apart. Even former angels agreed with the citizens, and joined in their long lasting situation; yet, the leaders of the powerful nation ignored their pleas, until its own leader sided with them, and refused reelection. In fact, his second in command has recently confessed — to his most egregious and abominable excesses.

Over fifty thousand young lives had been lost, and billions spent, in a vain effort at controlling the destiny of that poor little nation. The leaders replacement promised to end the aggression, and return all the young angels home, in rapid succession. Yet, this withdrawal would not carry on as promised, but last in excess of four messy years. The citizens of the powerful nation forgot about the fallen angels over those years. The only ones who cared were the families, and their grief was ignored, for many of the citizens thought the angels — were where they deserved.

Then it happened in the year 72, someone had heard the angel’s discouraging words and prayers. She was a beautiful, brilliant, young woman, who fought for justice and freedom; especially, the downtrodden in this poor war-torn country. Her remarkable and courageous visit to this country, opened the eyes of the world; to the plight of fallen angels, and oppressed peoples the whole world over. However, there are those that — say she was a traitor, especially the armed forces, during that extended foray. Yet, no other protester would stake their reputation, and put their lives in the hands of that tiny nation. Let alone; open themselves up to the retaliation of a powerful government, and its wayward administration.

However, in the year 73, a year after the woman’s visit, the angels were set free, and allowed to fly home — to their families. Many of these angels still complain she was a traitor. Yet, no one can deny, in part — her courage influenced their liberation, more than any letter, or communication. By the way, in 74, there would be no more war, for the war was lost, at a most incredible and staggering cost.

To this very day, regardless of what they may say; I will always be — Fonda the way, this remarkable woman “played her part” in helping these angels gain freedom, and the ability — to get a new start.

Moreover, quite ironically, the ideology the powerful nation resisted, seventeen years later “communism” no longer existed. With but one exception, that tiny island “Ninety Miles” from its shore. To this day, it remains free of invasion and the country next-door; well, that tiny island must be an incredible eyesore, — that the powerful nation simply cannot ignore. For if, it had “learned its lesson in 61,” and this is for sure, it would not of been mess’n with that tiny nation, “Nine Thousand Miles” from its shore.

As they later learned, of course, they should have used — overwhelming force.

Be that as it may, to this very day, fifty eight thousand souls — still lay across the nation; Because of a breathtakingly inept, and —“F---ed Up”— administration.