Socrates: That men may be led by their noses. That reason, in this fair city built in homage to the goddess of Reason, is rare as the fabled unicorn. Consider: Did the mob that murdered the complainant hear the man out? Did they get his side of the story?
Now I am brought before this Council, charged with certain crimes. It is alleged against me that... And it is alleged against me that... Well, you see, it is all very vague. Spies say that I have done this or that, but they do not appear before this Council. It is bruited that if they should appear, it will endanger the State! Is the State so fragile? Is not the very basis of democracy open debate and "due process"?
Bulimius (sticking his finger down his throat; retching): It is not for you to question the basis of our democracy, Socrates! You are here to apologize. Wind it up!
Socrates: Yes, I must wind it up. So, I shall apologize for my lack of "due process."
Anorexia: Meaning?
Socrates: I have failed to explain my syllogisms. I was not clear enough to show how A leads to B leads to C. I could not break through the mold of these times, the ague and fear in the hearts of those condemned to die.
Bulimius (sticking his finger down his throat; retching--): It is only you who are condemned to die, Socrates.
Socrates: Forgive an old man's folly, sir, but we are all condemned and must make our peace with that fact before that fact has made a "piece" of us. It has been urged on me by some, I have heard murmurings--even before I came before you today--that I should escape; to hightail it to Sicily, etc... But, I am old. Where should I "start over"? I have a long-term marriage to a quarrelsome wife who berates my eternal philosophizing, my poor provisioning, lack of a good living. Where should I escape? I have grown used to the old girl's quarreling and I would not have her fret about me, worrying if I am well in exile. Better let her be at peace, thinking I am at peace, with my bones in my homeland. Let me go now, with my apology to every future generation: that we were not good or wise enough to clear the brambles for you. You must fight these Minotaurs again. That is your destiny. Gentlemen, let me go now to the other world while you tarry here. Who can say who will be in a better place tomorrow?
Gary Corseri has published his work at hundreds of websites and periodicals worldwide, including, OpEdNews, The Village Voice, Redbook Magazine, and The New York Times. He has published 2 novels and 2 collections of poetry, edited the Manifestations literary anthology, and his dramas have been produced on PBS-Atlanta and elsewhere. He has taught at US public schools and prisons and at US and Japanese universities. He has performed his work at the Carter Presidential Library. Contact: Email address removed .
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