Welcome to Backwards Town

Chapter 24

Esau

3:00 am

Four floors underground

The room was darkness, except for the single halo of light projected by the hanging lamp above my head. The light illuminated a fist as it smashed into my face. The impact caused the cold, metal chair to dig into my naked body. The chair would have fallen over if it had not been bolted to the floor. Stars exploded before eyes as another blow drove into the back of my skull.  Blood frollicked about my face. Several loose teeth danced inside my mouth. Despite all of those distracting externalities, my attention was focused on the poem that I was taught growing up.

I saw a man beaten down

By the people he had served

He had given all he had

And they ground him into the dirt

Then left him there for dead

He arose, looked up at me, and said,

“Forgive them Son, for they

Do not know what they do

They repaid me for my deeds

The only way they knew how to”

Smiling he continued,

“Follow me and I’ll show you why I’m not down”

***    

Jacob

3:00 am

Thirty four stories above ground

The wind tugged insistently at my $2,000 suit, compelling me towards the edge of the building. Peering into the abyss, I saw a glimmering city. Its sounds called out to me, whispered to me. This is my city, my home, my prison, and my grave. Standing on the ledge was terrifying and exhilarating. A sense of euphoria that I had never before experienced surged through my veins. I would be free soon! Everything about this moment would have been perfect if only I could have been rid of the annoying rhyme my father taught me.

I saw a man lifted up

By the people he had hurt

He had taken everything they had

And they praised him for his work

He moved away from the crowd

Looked down at me and said,

“Hate them Boy, for they’ll

Never be like me and you

They are mindless cattle, an aimless

Herd with nothing great to do”

Smirking he continued,

“Come with me, and I’ll show you how to live well”