Chants at the gallows

As I hung, held by a thin thread at the village square, I pled my case, knowing that my fate was already sealed. Looking up, I saw a sword I once sharpened swing dangerously above my head. Gazing down, I saw villagers gathered and screaming, "set him free! set him free!". The solace I derived from their chants and cries for my freedom, gave me strength and false hopes of redemption, because, I believed, their cries  echoed and ricocheted up and down the valleys of death, and up again to the Palace, where the Princess sat and gazed at the downtrodden; some of whom, have had relatives cut down by the swords I once sharpened.

As the executioners lowered the sword for the final cut; I took a last glance at the gathered villagers for the last time. It was then that I realized that most of the gathered villagers, were from villages on the other side of mountain! Where are my kinsmen? Where are same people I had sharpened swords for? Are they not aware of my predicament? How can the people that I had defended and given  swords to slay same people now clamoring for my freedom,  forsake me? Why are the people I once cheered for their slaughter be the ones defending me by asking for my freedom ?

The hood that covered my face now removed for all to see note and eternalize my face now removed, I realized the plan. My impending execution was merely to set an example, and the fate that awaits anyone who dared dissent. My continued gaze at  the villagers that had gathered to witness the execution of a dissenter, exposed my hypocrisy as they  recognized me ! In subdued voices, I  could hear them ask; "Is that not the king's sword sharpener" ? Yes, that's him,  responded a cross section. It was now obvious  that the gathered  villagers, had recognized me as one of those who sharpened  swords for the king. Yes, I once sharpened  same sword now swinging dangerously above my own head!

In unison, their chants for my freedom suddenly changed to,  "Execute him; Execute him"..! ; "He sharpened same swords that were  used to execute one and some of our own"!Yes, the swords I once sharpened was used on one of their daughters, but little did I know, it would be used on me.