The_Messiah stands at the corner of the streets and straightens out his coat, clearing his voice.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I come to the streets today to surface a question I have long been wondering. I myself have my own views but I wish to hear from you all that will give ear what your take is on this question.

Throughout our generations people rise and people fall all the time. Indeed, this is normal. I hear all the time people claiming about how their ancestors were powerful and great... and yet nothing more than a name that crumbled under time. Those that rose to a great prestigious title may have even left great legacies behind them because of their prowess... But even so their fall was so long and perilous to death and passing from our world that what they once held with pride becomes only a memory of greater times and the greater the power they once had, the greater the loss of power when it fleeted. Such is the way of our life.

So I ask you all this... Does the fall hurt?

When we see our ancestors climb so high and then pass from us for whatever reason, what take do we have?

Do we look at the distance they covered, how many rungs of the ladder they conquered, how much weight their name bore?

Or do we look at the loss of what once was... as a symbol of a great fall back to the start for us to pick up the pieces and rebuild... A fall that hurts and reminds us of our fragility in this thing of ours?

I'd be intrigued to listen to your views on this subject."

The_Messiah dips his hat and waits for a passer by to respond.

Once, many many lifetimes ago, my forefather fought his way to the top. Alot of blood, sweat, and beers where spilled on his rise to success. Friendships where formed, some where servered, and important lessons where learned. Despite his brief time on the throne as Godfather, he learned valuable lessons that where instilled in each of his kin. Enjoy the view from the top, because it doesnt last long. The fall from grace can be painful, but the good times that got you there greatly outweight it.

In my family tree, those of my bloodline that held positions of prominence all had the same expressions on their faces as they laid in their respective caskets at their funerals.

A look of relief.

Sounds odd, but I'd imagine my ancestors aren't the only ones who felt that way.