Father Time

It’s been exactly 5016 years, seven months, eighteen days, five hours, 32 seconds and 57 seconds since the dawn of time.  58, 59, 33 minutes…

So why do I keep track of every passing second of ever moment that passes while I am awake?  Because I know when and how it all ends.  I know what will happen, precisely when it will happen.  I have to be where something big is happening in time, so I can record it books so the people will remember. 

So that they will recall the wars and consequences of the past.  Every being that died in agony and, sometimes, in vain.  My heart breaks every time I hear a young knight scream as a steel blade passes through his ribs.  I can hardly look as the sword is drawn from his body and he collapses, lifeless, to the bloodstained battlefield; but I have to.  Though it costs me countless terror-filled nights, I have to make sure that no great war, battle or scrimmage is forgotten.

They say that pain corrects future mistakes, but does it?  The people must remember the sorrow and heartache that comes from hate or spite or even greed. 

They never remember, though.  A new war begins every day, be it big or small, long or short.

Sometimes, though, I catch a glimpse of small, but beautiful things: a child’s first steps, an innocent kiss between a boy and girl who are truly in love, or a simple hug to cheer someone up. Beautiful moments like these never grow tiring to watch, but rejuvenate my soul and reassure me that there is still some good on earth. 

This is why I keep the time.  This is why I put myself through all the terrible things that man has done; so that innocent children and faithful lovers might have a chance of peace in their lives.  So that, one day, war might not have to continue.  

5016 years, seven months, 18 days, six hours, 13 minutes and 46 seconds…

If you forget the past, you are doomed to repeat it.