The Lost Page of Che Guevara's Diary

by MichaelMufasa

From January to March of 1966, Ernest "Che" Guevara moved from a safe house in Tanzania to a safe house in Prague, where he contemplated his next move.

(Disclaimer: This should be considered fiction)

The Lost Page of Che Guevara's Diary

It is 1966 and January seems so long ago, although it is now only March. But March in Prague is a world away from January in Tanzania. It is far away now, almost another world. But what is the difference when one is "secured" in safe houses and restricted from venturing forth? My beloved Aleida will arrive soon, and I hope is for the same closeness we had during that short time in Africa together. Of course a revolutionary soldier will always sacrifice the familiar for the cause of the people. The time for "loved ones" is scarce. But the heart (and body) wants what it wants.

Fidel has called this the "Year of Solidarity", and it signals to me that the next step in the revolution of the PEOPLE is at hand. My American brothers (and sisters) in Guatemala, Columbia, Venezuela and Bolivia suffer through the imperial oppression of the United States, more recently than ever before. The Great Octopus has tightened its tentacle grip into the governments and corruption spreads like disease. They suck the life from the people, forcing them to work even harder- and for less! I cannot rest until the creature has been destroyed or at least has slithered back into its North American lair.

The giant corporations, United Fruit for one, is no different than the slave masters of the past. They control the land, always taking more, demanding more, and offering pittance in return. We, the PEOPLE, will no longer abide by this capitalist aggression! We, the PEOPLE, will no longer push the plows, load the ships, and cater to the boss from the North!

Where can I best serve the revolution? This is the question I must answer. My Cuban comrades continue to bring the New Man to fruition. I have always been at the forefront, the vanguard of the revolution. This is my place, and of course my calling. My destiny is in the swamp, the brush, the mountain and the trench.

Peru is where I am told we are needed most urgently. Also Bolivia. I admit to being drawn to the Bolivian mountains because they are as close to my Argentine home I may ever come.

In Tanzania I was "Tatau", and now here I am "Ramon". But that is the meaning of "Che". A man. Only one man. Sure, "Ernesto" by birth, but Che is who I am and who I will be always. Only a man. I am not the revolution. The people are the revolution!

PATRIA O MUERTE! (Homeland or death!)