FLASH FICTION
Steel Musings Hannah Marie Olanda
Long before my masters, I was made to slay, to crush people of their dreams and aspirations. To reel them away from reality and deep into the darkness. From battles and Passovers, I witnessed. People clutch me. Hold me for dear life. Wield me carelessly with their sweaty and shaking palms. A few confident and full of rage. Others full of hope and prayers. I didn’t choose this destiny, but the people who took possession of me did. My brothers and I—we didn’t choose our roles. We either become a destroyer or a peacemaker, a butcher’s knife or a murderer’s weapon. I help conquer countries, divide lands, and sacrifice people. I come in many names, shapes, and sizes. I am forged in heat to be sharp and blinding, but I am in the midst of retiring. And so on my last moments, I could still feel the many warm bloods that ran over my blade to my hilt. I am both an evidence and a culprit. As I bid my goodbye and sink deeper in the river, may these holy waters cleanse me of my sins and erase the imprints of my masters. And when found anew, I will serve a different purpose, not to shed blood, but to help life.
{ 18 }
