The Tragedy of Man Pt. I

It is 2:00 PM but the sky is already dark, reflecting the gloom of today's events. "In nomine patris, et filii, et spiritus sancti. Amen." The priest said and we cover the casket with flowers as it is lowered to its grave. The man being buried is our town mayor and he died because of a heart attack during rush hour. You know you have died a comedic death when you die slowly during the times that you wanted to move fast. Anyway, comedic deaths aside, he was a very good mayor with a true sense of honor and justice in times when these traits are scarce. He never wavered in his stand against crime and corruption; he gave people jobs, food and shelter; he gave us a reason to live when there was none. He was incorruptible or so we thought.

As his term ended, rumors about him having an affair and fathering two bastards with animal tails surfaced. Of course, these rumors were only speculations and were never proven. However, these were all enough for the village gossips to prey on. They rushed to him like cunning hyenas who lapped everything up. They distorted the rumors even further and told a story about a mayor who had 30 concubines and bore 76 bastards and all of them with deformities like pig tails and bird beaks. They made the virtuous and incorruptible man into a damned man with devilish intentions. Now, the mayor will only be remembered for his philandering ways, his illegitimate sons, and his countless orgies. He will be remembered for his lust instead of his impeccable record of public service. He will not be remembered for his social, political, and economic contributions. Instead, he will be remembered as a mayor who did nothing but satiate his lust.

He was succeeded by a young, charismatic, and handsome young man who is otherwise incompetent. Yet, they revere him like a saint who replaced the devil. Never mind his lack of experience and lack of political expertise as long as he remains untainted and devout. Never mind his stupidity as long as he maintain a clean slate. In this town, virtue and morality is more important than merit and experience. I almost laugh at the thought. It is really funny how life works for it is very ironic.

As the priest finishes his ceremony, the rain started pouring and we all reached for our umbrellas. As I walk away from the grave, I heard someone mumble that the sky is mourning for the dead and all his wrongdoings. I thought that, maybe, the sky is mourning for the living and all our wrongdoings.