Disclaimer by Dan B-W, author of this contest entry: "In no way, shape or form do I support the actions or philosophies of the IRA, UVF or any other group that endorses the use of terrorist actions. This short story is an attempt to get inside the mind of those who hold such beliefs. I decided to explore the darker side of Ireland, as I noticed that entries on the subject that I've found on other websites mostly have an optimistic or cheerful slant on Ireland or Irish culture, and I felt that this might be a fresh, if somewhat thought-provoking, change."
For St. Patrick’s Day this year, I’m going to do something very special. I’m going to end a tyranny.
I stalk the darkening streets, slowly chasing the wind between shadows. In the city centre the streets are doubtless bedecked with green, but in Belfast’s slums, no one is sober enough to care.
We used to be a proud nation. Kingdoms rose and kingdoms fell but Ireland was always Ireland. It took an empire which never saw the set of sun to grind us beneath its heels.
This is why I will not carouse today. Beneath the shamrock banner a thousand Irish chant and drink and revel, slaves celebrating freedom in shackles. How suitable, that today I shall drive the snakes from this land.
IRA. UVF. Letters, meaningless initials that came, did nothing but cause pain, achieved nothing but sorrow, and faded once again. Soon UK shall join them.
I will not be like that. I will achieve. I will conquer. I will liberate.
Blood red and shamrock green shall mix to form a very Gaelic brown. Irish eyes are cold and dead.
I draw closer to the parade.
Happy St. Patrick’s day.
Dan B-W. is a 16 year old attending Year 11 (Secondary School) in Godalming, Surrey, UK.
© 2008 Dan B-W. Original for CCF (Dan B-W grants CCF first electronic rights for one month; CCF may archive the material indefinitely and include it in an eBook anthology).
* CCF does not publish students' last names on the work they submit for publication.
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