LXIV. Mr. Drago's Prayer and Ivan's Lesson

It was bedtime again, and just like every other night in 3rd grade, I was waiting for Dad to come in and help say my prayers with me. I waited anxiously to recite the prayers I had memorized over the years as this was a nightly ritual between me and my father.

I must have dozed off that night because I woke up to the crashing of dishes and blood curtling screams. I pulled the covers over my head trying to hide myself from the intruders into my home. Shaking uncontrollably, I tried to peak through my covers to see the door. Just as I had found a view, the door creaked open. Light began to flood the room, and the outline of a man entered the room.

"Wake up Ivan. It's time to pray," my Dad whispered. I didn't question my father as to what had happenned in the other room. However, I knew something was wrong. The usual stink of whiskey was missing from my father's breathe. He climbed onto the bed, leaned in towards my ear, and began speaking...

And so it begins...
The journey that ended has begun
And what has begun will soon end.
A once blooming flower falls as a dying carcus.

The vultures of death consume the
Flames of the starving children.
Feast on the hearts of your young friends.
The giggling of innocent youth has been
Drowned by blood and suffering of days past.

Open your eyes to the darkness
Breathe the air in the great vaccum.
Feel the nothing around you.
You have become it.

As the dawn rises so too does the fear
of tomorrow.
Giant explosions fuel the great soul.
Tears of blood fall from the heavens
When the existence of so few ends.

I too have experienced what the select few have.
Soldiers of darkness defeated.
Stand on your feet and believe.
Believe that all is for not.

Nay, believe what you may.
You are part of the great night.
The night that changed men forever.

Feel it course through your veins
As it ignites your soul and turns the heart to ash.

Breathe and believe...

My father grabbed my head and kissed a long, drawn out kiss on my forehead. He left the room and shut the door. I missed the meaning of my father's prayer. However, I did learn one thing that night. Never switch your father's heart medication with the dog's worm vaccine.