An atom, the original meaning of the word, was the idea that if you broke things down to their basic elements, the smallest thing you could break things down to would be just that, an atom. We now know the rather dreadful results of breaking an atom. It’s rather catastrophic, not only to the Japanese but to the original idea.
We hunted down the atom, found what we were told was only a mathematical myth, tore it apart, and in the midst of our awe over what we had done, we found that the atom wasn’t the atom. Atoms themselves were made up of smaller things, things so small the laws of physics we all take for granted become null and void.
But do not despair. Though our intellectual elites have blown up cities, made the land an irradiated waste, and turned the very idea of cause and effect upon its head, I have found the atom, the real atom. The smallest thing in the world is a word, an imperative, a promise. It is the smallest thing, because when you break it, there really is nothing left. I gave my word, and now I can’t keep it.
Death makes us all liars in the end, I’m afraid.
If there’s anything once the lights go out, if God is merciful, maybe you’ll get to those springs someday soon. I’m sorry if I’m not there with ya. I would have liked to have seen them again through your eyes. It’s been a long time. Say an Ave for me, kid. I’m going to need all the help I can get.
Tale Told 