It was, however, about 1861 when the event finally occurred. The genie finally refused confinement, no more bottle for him. He left his restraints and was gone, no turning back. Oh, some saw it coming, and in alarm had given warning, but in the end nothing was left for them to do but to quit the genie, which they did, saying they'd have no part of a genie run wild.
Well, the transformation was accepted by many, I am sorry to say, but make no mistake, it was not the same genie after that. Right away, he decided that he had a taste for war, and those that had shunned him soon experienced his wrath. Their bodies covered the battlefields and their land was laid waste. For a few years he lingered, occupying his time until sure his victory complete, but soon he moved on; there was just so much for a genie to do!
With no one to oppose him now, he soon became a teacher of children. The children listened and tried to learn all they were taught. He became a great landowner, well respected by all. He became a businessman. Surely, we could go on. To be brief, there was not much the genie did not try his hand to do. So, the genie waxed great, just as at this hour. No more bottles for him; now his domain is the earth.
I realize that some find no fault with a genie as the one we have today. However, let it be known that he is not the same genie as the one of old. Those that knew him before would not know him now, so much has he changed. Those that know him now can't imagine him any other way. You just get used to a genie and accept him that way.
But what of those people, you ask, whose homes were laid waste? Well, they never recovered all that was lost, but they are still with us today. They never have quite trusted genies again, but I guess you can't blame them for that. You know in their heart they still believe a thing not popular or understood now. They still feel genies ought not run wild and free, but be kept under control, as is fittin' and proper. A strange people, sure I would agree. But maybe they're right, for ultimately it is not known what a genie run wild might be prone to do next.
I'm afraid we may never know again the genie of old, but just between you and me, I wish that we could. A kinder, gentler, more subservient genie I am told that he was. Wouldn't it be nice if genies served us instead of us serving them, and yes, I realize it's an unusual idea. But if it is true that the old genie is truly gone for good, then let us pray that God frees the South, that She will yet become free one day.