|
|
G Emil Reutter
Twisted
Sitting in his regal pleasure, he gazed upon all he owned. His staff in hand, looking outward from his throne, he felt majestic in every sense. He ruled his territory with an iron fist. No man would challenge him in his kingdom. His long red robe, gold crown and silver rings marked him as a successful man. Looking down at his subjects, he was amazed at how they scurried around his feet.
Looking out onto his courtyard, he observed two maidens walking toward him. Smiling, he thought it was good to be King. He heard them call to him. Standing, he took his staff, walking toward them.
" Hello lovely maidens, are you here to serve your King," he asked.
" He is sitting in the back of the alley," the one social worker said to her friend.
" We have to be careful when we approach him. He has a tendency to swing the broom handle."
"He is wearing a red coat, and a yellow hard hat."
They approached him with caution. One worker became nervous at the sight of the rats scurrying around his feet.
" Sir, we are here to help you, can you walk toward us," she said.
He looked over the maidens, delighting in their beauty. They stood at each side of him, holding him by his elbows, they walked with him. Winking at the one maiden he asked if she would like to hold his staff. She smiled at him, taking his staff in her hand. They climbed into the chariot, he would have them at their home, he thought.
The gray winter sky darkened the concrete and brick structure. He looked at the size of the castle. Impressed he smiled. Climbing from the chariot, the maidens waited for him. He climbed out as each maiden took him by his elbows, walking him toward the gate of the castle. He heard a loud buzzing noise as the gates of the castle opened. Two guards greeted the maidens as they pushed him toward the gate. Suddenly he turned and the maidens were gone. The guards brought him to a room, the bright lights blinding him. He began to resist them, pushing against their bulky frames he found no strength to move them.
" I am the King" he proclaimed. "You will treat me with dignity!" he shouted.
The men in the white shirts came into the room. They stripped him of his clothes, placing him on the bed, they tied his hands and feet with restraints. He felt a pinch on his arm, and his eyes became hazy. Falling to sleep he uttered:
" I am the King, I will reclaim my Kingdom"
Closing the door to the room, the two men looked up at the television on the wall of the crisis center. Listening to the President, " We must work together as a society to reach out to our citizens who live on the streets of America. We must provide mental health care and work programs for our downtrodden". The President looking sincere continued, " we must reach out and help these people".
" I am the King, I will reclaim my Kingdom" he said once again.
Want to respond to this short story? Do it here!
Return to Prose
|
|
|
|
