Get Your Premium Membership

Death Is Nothing: the True Story of Nat Turner - Part 1

The original version of this piece is too long for me to post in its entirety, so it had to be sectioned off. Of all that I've written, I am most proud of this work due to its historical accuracy. I hope you enjoy it as well. It was an honor to write this. Lying in this shallow ditch I hear as they arrive, the miracle of God is all that's keeping me alive, and it is that belief in God to which each day I strive, surprised at this much faith? Just simply gaze into my life. Was born in 1800, month October 2nd day, and knee high to a hopper when my daddy ran away, before you climb your soapbox and begin to think that way, remember these are times when all the black folk here are slaves. Imagine being sold like stock, to work when cold or hot, the overseers beatin people if they're old or not, do not defy the owner, best believe you will be sick, of getting 10 to 20 lashes from the master's whip. My last name wasn't given at my birth and that's a fact, my given name's Nathaniel but they choose to call me Nat, the surname of my owner Samuel is what I claim, you put it all together yes, Nat Turner is my name. I think about Old Bridget, that's my grandmother you know, they snatched her out of Ghana, brought her here to freezing cold, she ran the Coromantee who were known for slave revolts, she watched the seeds get planted in me grow and take a hold. I thought myself the lucky one for I could read and write, it brought me to The Bible and I learned to read it right, then spent my childhood years admidst the Spirit up above, it fit my needy soul just like a mitten or a glove. I ran away at first when I was only 22, I should've stayed away because I really wanted to, but 1 month later, picture this it's me a black man free, a vision told me that I should go back and that was key. The visions I receive I know are messages from God, Old Bridget had religion shining deep within my heart, I will inform the brethren and won't stop until they're saved, The Prophet is the name that I was called by fellow slaves. As 6 years pass of this I know it never is too late, the hands of the Almighty have me primed for something great, I carry heavy shoulders for a man of 28, until I worked the master's field one faithful day in May........ To Be Continued

Copyright © | Year Posted 2011




Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

A comment has not been posted for this poem. Encourage a poet by being the first to comment.


Book: Reflection on the Important Things