The Debt
One day they came from a deep blue sky.
Tiny dots that grew to great and shining ships.
Each as big as a city.
Featureless as a faceless silver statue.
Silent. Serene. Terrifying.
They perched hundreds of feet above every major city.
We watched and waited.
Silent. Anxious. Terrified.
The occupants came.
Robed in gray, they came.
They appeared at the government houses.
They came and stood.
Silent.
And our leaders waited.
They spoke.
“There exists a great debt.”
“We are here to see that the debt is paid”
Our leaders spoke.
“What is this debt?”
They named the debt.
Specifically.
Clinically.
Plainly.
“But we have paid this debt.”
“All has been made right.”
And among the leaders and the people,
Everyone knew this was a lie.
“You have not paid the debt.”
“You do not truly admit the debt.”
“We are here to see that the debt is paid.”
“How can we possibly pay this debt?
Our leaders asked in certain and knowing terror.
They outlined how the debt must be paid.
Specifically.
Clinically.
Plainly.
“It is too much for us!”
“It was too much for them.”
“The children are innocent!”
“They were innocent.”
“It will cause too much pain and suffering!”
“It caused them much pain and suffering.”
Many other exhortations were voiced.
Each was met with the ugly and historical truth.
Then there was nothing to say.
One lone leader spoke in a final plea.
“We accept that we owe this debt. But if we pay it in the way you suggest,
it will cause even more hate and animosity between us.”
“That is true. But it will also result in understanding and perspective, bought by terrible hardship. ”
“Through this, your people of all colors, may begin to heal.”
“And if we don’t?”
“Then there are other debts to be paid.”
Let us hope you do not need to pay them all.”
There was no more to be said.
The arrangements were made.
One year later it began.
In a great nation,
Every person.
Between ten and twenty.
Born with white skin.
Was taken.
Transported far away.
To another great nation.
Where they worked.
Until they died.
After four generations.
They say the debt has been paid.
Now we hope for understanding.
Now we hope for understanding.
