The Ecuadorian Matador

Diego Rivas falls to his knees two feet in front of the bull. He throws open his arms and looks to sky and yells at the top of his lungs. We can’t believe it! The crowd jumps to their feet as the bull stands there panting, glaring at Diego. The Ecuadorian Matador spins on his knees now with his back to bull and again throws open his arms to an approving crowd. Another gasp resounds, applause erupts, and a murmur resonates. The bull, still standing there panting, knows it has been defeated. The dirt at its feet is dark red from its wounds. The bull has six decorated hooks hanging perfectly from its back, three hanging off to one side, three hanging off the other side. They were placed there by an unusual display of courage from Diego.

After a few moments Diego now has full control of the stands. He motions for the band to play louder as he flashes his red cape and draws the bull near for a turn, “Ole!” The Matador spins and again flashes the cape and again the bull charges and again we yell, “Ole!” Diego has perfect form by not moving his feet as the bull brushes past him. Diego goes for a third turn, flashes his cape, the bull charges, and Diego does a reverse spin with his back momentarily to the bull, “Ole!” The crowd gives an approving applause and cheers. The Matador accepts the applause with open arms and a pompous pelvis thrust followed by a yell. We stand and clap in approval. The guy has got charisma. The whole stadium can feel his energy. The trumpets sound signifying that it is time for the Matador to finish the bull.

Diego gracefully struts toward the bull, one pointed foot in front of the other like a male dancer, building anticipation. He now motions for the band to play softer. He holds his cape to his left side. Behind the cape he is hiding his sword. He slowly stops. The bull hesitates, digs its left foot into the dirt, lowers its horns, and narrows its gaze on the cape. Perfectly and slowly and with fluent motion, the Matador lifts his sword from behind the cape and points it just above the horns. The bull doesn’t notice the sword. Perfect execution. The bull charges. Diego charges. The Matador drives the sword into the hump of the bull with perfect aim and timing and is nearly scathed by the bull’s left horn. The crowd again erupts in approval. The bull is then turned a few last times by three or four of the Matador’s workers and it finally falls to its knees, then onto its side, a sign of a perfect kill. No finishing off is needed.

Diego walks to the wall with open arms. The crowd chanting and jeering “Orejas! Orejas!” He places an arm on the wall, lowers his head and begins to weep. He knows he has just given the show of a lifetime and this fight will promote him into a higher status of fame and prestige. For his show of bravery and skill, the judges award him both of the bull’s ears to appease the cheers from the crowd, “Orejas! Orejas!” He is picked up and carried on a set of shoulders for his victory lap. We throw our hats into the ring as a sign of approval and continue to cheer. Diego Rivas is truly a great Matador.