An Angel of Death Arrives

He teaches law at a large state university. He wanted the war when it started. He was all for it. He knew all the abstract arguments for it and was not afraid to repeat them to all who would listen. A lot of folks listened.

It is five years later. His oldest son has grown to be a man. His son won the war lottery. He’s in uniform and fighting in the war.

The professor of law sits in his study at home. The doorbell rings. He answers the door. A young Marine in Dress Blues stands on his doorstep. An angel of death has arrived to deliver the tragic news.

Later, that night, he sits alone in his study. A gentle Autumn rain patters on the leaves. He watches the leaves fall from the trees.

What were those arguments he found so clever so many years ago?