A HAmlet Childhood Memo

                                                                  Brad Zomick

     

      I guess I have been oblivious up to this point.  I knew things were getting weird but I didn't realize the magnitude of it until my dead father rose from the grave to explain things to me.  I remember back in the day when things were good.  Now everything is rotten.  Father is dead and mom is married to Uncle Claudius, who is also king.  How did I not see what was going on?  I never suspected mom of cheating on dad.  I guess it was possible because he was always away being a good king.  But how could mom help Claudius kill dad, her husband?

      I really never paid attention to what mom or Claudius did around the castle when dad was away.  He was away a lot, fighting wars, signing treaties, and being king.  He was a busy guy.  He always told me to keep things in order when he was away.  I guess I screwed up.  I remember one incident in particular.

      I was must have been eight years old at the time.  Dad was going to fight in Norway.  We had a talk before he left.  We sat down in the courtyard.  It was a beautiful day and dad's presence was like another sun.  He seemed to glow as he spoke to me.  He said, "Hammy, I will be away for a while.  I want you to watch mommy, and guard our fortress from invaders.  Take this.  It will help you be strong."  He gave me a small gold dagger.  He left that afternoon and I knew he wouldn't be back for a long time.

      Things carried on as usual.  I ran around the castle playing and shirking any responsibility that I had.  One day I was playing hide-and-go-seek with Laertes and the other kids.  I accidentally strayed from the other kids.  I just wandered around for a while.  I was roaming through the maze of hedges in the courtyard, when I heard voices.  I peaked through a bush and saw mom and Uncle Claudius.

      "Come on baby.  I know you want it," said Claudius.

      "Oh Claudius!  You are so silly.  I have a family.  I don't need you." she replied as she walked away.

      "I'll see you later baby!!" he shouted.

      As I peered through the bush, someone jumped on top of me.  It was Laertes.  He scared me for a second, but then I just wrestled him off me.  We continued our game as if nothing ever happened.  Whatever happened between mom and Claudius I forgot.

      Life carried on.  Dad came and went here and there.  Every now and then I saw mom and Claudius speaking, or walking into some room.  I never thought anything of it at the time though.  Now in retrospect, I realize mom had succumb to Claudius's advances.  She was weak but I forgive her.     

     

I wish dad was around.  He always knew how to handle situations and save the day.  I guess that's why he was such a great king.  Now his ghost is telling me to take care of business and set things in order.  I guess I am going to have to take out the garbage.