Us Folks

A Fool to be Us

The king is in the quarters, well not practically the quarters. The quarters were a somewhat exposed location, acting as a medical post for the veterans of war but the castle that stood beside it; it was a fortress, literally a fortress. Men were garrisoned on every steep position; men who were provisioned and armed were far more superior to those used on the battlefield. Arthur has now somehow gathered some courage to start walking by himself. His wounds were healed, his time was up, and it was now time to join the war efforts. Arthur was baffled at the sight after it was garrisoned by the King's Vanguard. It was a powerful and strategic castle, but the troops that usually held it firm were a mere fraction of what he was experiencing with his eyes.

He thought to himself, the King must be a very important person. This was bold but stupid. The man he is thinking about is the symbol of this nation. If the King falls, the whole struggle falls apart, the whole nation falls apart. But then again it was the common men who were dying in the war, it was the common folks that were struggling to survive. It was the fathers and mothers who were losing their sons. It was the sisters who were losing their brothers. It was the sons and daughters that were losing their fathers. It was the wives that were losing their husbands. It was the lovers that were losing their loved ones. It was the common families that were losing their homes. Then why is the King only the symbol of the nation? Isn't a nation become a nation because of its people, not by some hefty minority that doesn't even know the basics of what it's like to be in a war-ridden land? No matter how many castles are won or lost, a King must always have a castle to hide in but the people who trade their younger generation to be in a house that could hardly fit the whole family, if they lose their house, it's lost forever. What kind of a world is this?

Arthur's thoughts are reprehended by Sarah's immediate presence out of nowhere. Arthur says "I've seen spies, I've seen assassins, I've seen warriors, but I've never seen a person so stealthy". Sarah responds, "It's not me who is in a stealth mood, it's you who is lost in god knows what, just like this country is lost". Arthur is amazed by such a comment. He exclaims, "I've taken you for a professional nurse, but I've never apprehended you to be a philosopher". Sarah says that she is not a philosopher, but just a thinking simple person. Arthur asks what that is supposed to mean. Sarah says that thinking is one of the most innate faculties in all human beings. She further exhumes that it is something that makes us human. Arthur "So what about those who don't think?" Sarah "I guess they are living their lives hand to mouth", "just like animals". Arthur, "But thinking gives rise to questions". Sarah, "Then try asking them". Arthur, "Huh, if it was that easy".

They both share a giggle. Sarah says to Arthur that never in your life ever let a question stay in your mind. It creates confusion, confusion leads to disarray, and disarray leads to failure, not only as a society but also as an individual, and when failed individuals coupe up to pretend to be living harmoniously, this is generally the result. This barren land that was once fertile, both for crops and thought has now become solid rock. But remember and remember still, that even the toughest of rocks give way to water, to life, to ideas that run deep in our minds. But processes as such take time. Yeah, the time it will take. Arthur asks, "How? How can questions be the basis of all evolutionary changes ". To this Sarah says, "Have you ever asked yourself or anyone something basic, something which you should've asked a long time ago". Arthur in return asks, "And what would that be". Sarah explains further, "Do you know why are you here, fighting a war that isn't even supposed to be yours? Why are you killing men? What is it for? Why put your life on the line? Arthur has no idea how to answer that. He just simply and enthusiastically exclaims that he must serve this great nation and protect its government. I used to ask myself something like this every single night when I was on the battlefield What have I given to my country" Sarah laughs hysterically and says "Then why haven't in heavens you asked yourself what this great nation of yours given you?" Arthur says it's pretty obvious, my country gave me an identity, a sense of security, a peaceful life, liberty, freedom of expression, equality, shelter, and such more. Sarah's cheeks turn red as she can't stop herself from laughing. She then asks, "OH so you have an identity, if so then what is your identity? If you have such liberty and equality then do something for me, go and ask the king why innocent men are dying on the frontline protecting his honor and land while he feasts with his Generals and Governors in a safe place far off from the battle lines. If the feastings were not enough, his new wife would've filled the void of what was remaining. Go on and ask him how he can marry a woman when all his men are fighting his war in the name of glory and all. Ask him, why he wouldn't join his men, and put his life on the line just as they do in every single moment of their lives. Go on and ask him how he can stay at such huge castles and fortresses when the men, who are dying in his name, sleep in ditches and on dry lands. Oh, of course, you can't do that. Do you know why? Because these so-called kings won't even let us folks even go near them. This liberty and freedom and security and peace, all these are just illusions. These are the toys that we give to little children to play with, while the parents can do what they want to, undisturbed. The irony is that us folks are the children. Yes, we do have our freedom of thought but believe me we would have no freedom after we have expressed our thoughts. Wake up little boy, you aren't just a boy anymore. You are the folk of this so-called great nation now.

Arthur wasn't expecting such a long speech in the middle of small talk but he surely felt and understood that he misjudged and misunderstood Sarah for a simple nurse. Arthur only said, "You too sure as hell talks like the rebels". Sarah is infuriated by the comment and proclaims "If you think they are different from the one we already have, you are a fool. THE ALL ARE THE SAME. THEY ALL WANT THE SAME THING". It's Us Folks, who need to be critical and practical in our approach to every moment in life.