Slavery

When the stranger's came in their sailing ship's The took us prisoner using chains and whip's On these ships below the decks shackled with ropes Around our necks. We got so sick we could barely stand then we arrived In a strange new land. Stood in line the young and old just like cattle we Were sold. We could not fight or run away so in this place We had to stay. Working all day in the blazing sun with little food And no chance to run. I was a free black man and I fought with bravery But now I'm a black man who lives in Slavery...

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Sara Etgen-Baker

Date: 10/12/2023 2:36:00 PM

a touching and brilliant write, Paul. The topic of slavery, even in its modern forms, is not often the subject of poetry. Your poem, however, addresses the slavery issue. I sometimes felt like a slave when I was working 12 hours a day. I wasn't kidnapped but chose to be enslaved working all day with little relief...only to do the same thing the next day...I know it's not the same as undignified and forced slavery, don't get me wrong. I think we ignore slavery in general...if I'm making sense.

Karen Jones

Date: 10/12/2023 2:03:00 AM

Much respect for your reflection on this mostly ignored topic in American history and even today. The ancestors built this country and have never been portrayed as the brilliant survivors of prisoners of war they really were. They were taken from homes and thrown into the pit with not even as much consideration as given to farm animals. So it is obvious this land is cursed as karma shall have her day in court. Thank you for writing this. My great grandma Mary McGee's mom was a slave in Carolina.