Alone at La Fiesta Brava

more of a short, short story, I fancy...

 

 I didn't want to attend that damned bullfight, but my girfriends finally persuaded
me as I had grown weary of the lone traveler routine, continually taking the path
of opposition.

 

So, at three pm, I found myself walking into the sandy arena on that deceivingly
sunny day.

I spotted the bull, so beautiful he was, and gazed into those big, brown eyes; for
a moment, just a moment, he appeared to stare back at me.

 

The matador was as smooth as his red and black velvet jacket, elegant as his
black bow tie, and for a moment, just a moment, I was infatuated by his dark
skin and straight white teeth, especially when he smiled and kissed me softly on
my tiny hand.

 

Many people, mostly visitors from other lands, applauded him, praised him for 
his bravery as he taunted the bull with his fiery, red cloak.

 

But then, how was this animal to understand his fate?

 

Perhaps instincts informed him that he was trapped, that forcibly he was

compelled to defend himself.  Perhaps.

 

And he did.

 

Brutally beaten, I observed as he lay defenseless, body consumed by sand, sides
heaving while the matador proudly raised his hand to accommodate the vigorous
spectators.  My friends cheered along with the crowd...

 

I cried.

 

 

Reviews

[Mr. Deft Diction]

This could be about many different things. There's a savageness here in this piece that almost hurts. This could be about rape. It could be about senseless violence that has nothing to do with a woman. It could simply be about a person who feels like they've just walked off the field of battle, in any place.

Either way, the title is very cunning and appropriate, b/c you ended it MAGNIFICENTLY!

Beautiful, heart-felt write, Ap.

[Orlando Murcia]

This was a kick a*s poem I am glad you wrote about this sweetie , Orlando

[A.J. Smith]

Festival of the brave...charming, revered hero, adored by the masses, seductive, macho, culturally valued...deceit and manipulation posing as skill...all masking a cold, cruel heart...taunting, provoking, subduing, destroying a proud, beautiful creature, backed into a corner with no options...for sport, pleasure, power? Is this what it is to be a man...to do this to a bull...or a woman? Written in blood red. Excellent.

[Legion]

:( What are you raging against and feel that you are losing? A good write but disturbing within the depths of one's soul. Hope you find your strength to defend against and conquer it.

[Nicole (Carpe Diem)]

I don't know how people can enjoy the sport of bull riding... it just seems like a bad idea all around... the bulls aren't happy, the bull riders can get seriously injured ... i guess people like the thrill or the adrenaline... i have no idea... it does abs. nothing for me.

[wizthom]

lust for blood will often give the weak power that are nothing more than a illusion,
for karma is the truth in the end.peace wizthom

[Kena Dawn Augustine]

This reminds me a little of that song, "take a bow" by madonnna, and the video where she is in the room alone, touching the tv screen of him with the bull, he is on stage. the imagrey was great. very deep, i had to read it a couple times to understand, which is good. thanks for sharing.

[Brenda Sue]

It is sad that anyone would get pleasure from the pain of others, be it human or animal. But so many people do. Very well written. Great job.

[Progressive Atheism]

I see this as a poem about a bull being beaten, but perhaps I'm getting too deep for others to understand.

[Bhavya Kaushik]

This is really very sad! There are many sports around the world which are really very brutal and wicked (no offense)..I wonder do they deserve to be called as "sports"...
Really, This is such a sad thing to happen with the speechless poor animal! I'm myself engaged with some N.G.O's, yet here in India we don't practice bull fight, but this entire write of yours is actually conveying a very deep meaning!
Also, the theme is so unique and different!
Really, it is indeed an awesome write..I loved it! :)