Anthony Blake | + Follow Poet |
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MISSISSIPPI RIVER ROOTS

Banjo play
Song to the skies
Night inspiration to the stars and moon
Awaken the soul
Show the behold
Freedom threshold
Not looking for a dream, but a Freedom entity
My name is Joe, I am a former slave that was captured in the city of NEW ORLEANS, La
Let me narrate my slavery story
Walking through the city, and spotted by some slave owners
I was grabbed, but I tried mightily to pull from their grasp
I was tossed onto a boat down the Mississippi River enroute to a plantation to do bidding for the Owner Master
I tried to rebel and not behave
I felt pain and shame
I was now a slave
I would be beaten until my flesh was torn and blood poured
There was no getaway
The Mississippi River was long and wide
No slave had a place to hide
It was either work or die
The days were hot and strenuous 
Thirst wasn’t an option
One drop was all a slave would get
As a slave, there was no dignity nor fanfare of honor
Work or be killed
You had to push on no matter what
All I had was my Harmonica and Banjo as my friend
The night of rhythm from the torture of the day
I was strong and muscular in my youth

Those days have long gone
I am now old in my 90’s and have observed
Freedom finally came, and I was no longer a slave
But now I am faction of the plantation
I am free
Still living among
My other slaves have long gone to their reward
I am next to follow
I saw my Death ahead future coming
The kingdom awaits and all the preparations made
My demise written from above
My final home
Wisdom has done me well
I lived to tell
Heaven will be what I longed for years
Front and center
Remember my name Joe
A slave no more, but always a reminder
You will hear a slave’s voice from above
Anguish and conquer
History will follow me
My honor a world shall see
Now its Heaven and me.

Copyright © Anthony Blake | Year Posted 2025

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