An Ambiguous Tale

"Deadly Weapons" By: Brendan Cadman Laid as the bedrock of our foundation, inscribed on the certificate of our birth, through the black ink of feathered quills. Its power can tear through the strongest armor, equipped with scopes for accuracy from miles away, the targets locked in its sights have no way to escape. There are ones who use them for protection, to preserve everything they've worked for, shielding from the strays the ones they love.  But often they find their way into the hands of the wicked, the people who would use them for chaos and evil, to set the world on fire just to watch it burn. When treated and shown the respect they demand, they are harmless in the proper hands. Gifted with the ability to right what has been wronged, beseech the ruthless and tyrannical from their thrones, and inspire the change that affects and benefits us all. When used with ill intentions and contempt, they can oppress and silence more than hearts and minds.

"What Would I Say?" By: Brendan Cadman An aging man sat with his feet and his thoughts, buried in the warm summer sand.  He looked out far beyond the white caps, crashing down onto the soaked beach front.  As he watched the red sun slowly drown into the horizon, his past rose from the shallow watery grave in his heart.  Not all was trouble that crowded into in his mind, with the remaining light of the dwindling sun warming his face,  and illuminating his soul with remembrances of fond times. Though scatter clouds would pass overhead from time to time, blocking out the sun and casting a shadow of darker days.  It wasn't too long before a young child walked past, hand in hand with his father toward the water. When they reached the shore they began skipping rocks, splashing and rippling the calm evening sea.  The aging man couldn't help but notice the child, who wore a face that reminded him of his own long ago. He amusingly studied the two talk and