|
I could see him from
afar as I approached his rundown, rickety cabin. He was sitting on the
porch, shaded by a weathered tin roof, smoking on an old corn cob pipe.
He didn't seem to notice me as I approached. He seemed preoccupied,
drawing and blowing smoke more out of habit than need for nicotine. As I
drew closer he uncrossed and re-crossed his legs and at last started to
focus on the person approaching his domain.
It wasn't always like this. I remember when he stood tall and proud. he
spoke with authority and people from all over came to him for advice.
When he spoke it seemed the whole world sat up to take notice. They would
take the advice and gain not only wisdom but additional power from
him. There were very few that would not take his advice and those were
usually the people who got into trouble or who were just to arrogant or
stupid to listen.
He was a big man, but never a bully. There had been times in his life
when others would try to goad him into a fight. Then again there had been
times when he had taken up their challenge, but only as a last resort and
only after every possible option had been tried. He had been openly
challenged and then there had been a few times when he never saw the first
blow coming. After being sucker punched, he would rally all the strength
within him to get up and fight. He has been down and bloody. From my
view I think I would have given up, but not him. While I remember the
blood and gore, I don't recall him ever losing a fight. After the fight
was over more likely than not he would help the other fellow to his feet
after whipping him and help him get his bearings before withdrawing.
He has given of his cash, of his resources. He has never held back when
the needs came and even went looking for needs and causes to give to. He
has loaned and loaned when he knew the people who were borrowing from him
could not or would not pay him back. He has written off loans to people
who now would not give the time of day if they met him on the street. He
never spoke bad of them. Never took them to task for their dishonor.
Others have started lies and rumors about him that were not true. Lies
made up to make them look better than him. Not to bring themselves up to
his stature, but in attempts to bring him down to theirs'.
As I approach the front of the cabin I can now see that the toils and
strife of life have left their mark on the old man. His face is now
deeply wrinkled and the lines around his eyes and mouth have deepened.
His eyes tell the story. I can see the hurt and years of abuse. They are
starting to show the look of a man who is giving up on life. The fight to
hold and protect what was his is gone. He is no longer able to, willing
to, stop those who desire to take what little he has left. What was once
a plantation of lush crops and beautiful buildings are gone. The only
thing left is the small shack and a yard of overgrown grass and rusty
tools. Did he see all this coming? Did he put up any resistance at
all? I would like to believe that he at least tried to gather all his
strength once more and take a last stand to hold back the onslaught of
those who would take his beloved land.
I can see how it happened. As the old man got older his heirs and
overseers got lax in their jobs. Because of the riches and bountiful
surroundings they became complacent, believing that no one had the power
or wherewithal to take all that away from them. They had not been vigil
and believed that their strength was as great or greater than the old
mans. They believed that no one would try anything as long as the old
man was alive. They believed incorrectly that their position because of
their heritage with the old man made them secure. Kept them powerful and
safe.
At last I am at the porch and I say hello and ask the old man how he is
doing. He recognized me now as his nephew and a glint of a smile comes to
his mouth and his eyes. It must feel good to hear a friendly voice. A
voice of someone who does not blame him for all their troubles and
banes. Someone who only wished the best for him.
'I'm tired my boy, just plane tired."
I had come to wish him happy birthday. I wish I could have bought him new
outfit. The one he is wearing is threadbare and the suspenders are warn
almost through.
"Remember when I tried to tell them if they weren't vigilant that this
would happen?"
"I passed the big house on the way here. It's run down and over run with
transients."
I am sure I wasn't telling him anything he didn't know. After my visit we
said our good byes. As I left all I could do was to remember him as he
was when he was in his prime. I remember his hair always being gray with
his distinguished gotee. I want to remember how he was revered and
feared. How he ruled not by strength alone, but by strength of character
and all new if he gave his word he kept it. His red and white tuxedo
with a matching top hat were his trade mark. Yep, that is how I always
want to remember my Uncle Sam.
|
