The Whipping

One of many dark moments in America's History, home of the brave and the free.


A.W. Nutter

“Let the bullwhip sing”
“Stifling freedoms ring”

My sweat soaked shirt
Was quickly torn away
Fears dampening the dirt
I silently began to pray

My arms tightly bound
To a very large tree
No mercy to be found
I will never be free

“Let the bullwhip sing”
“Stifling freedoms ring”

A breeze caresses my skin
The whip will soon follow
His property committed a sin
My screams I try to swallow

The bullwhip slices the air
Skin separates with each lash
The pain more than I can bear
I scream as the master laughs

“Let the bullwhip sing”
“Stifling freedoms ring”
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Beesley Avatar
August 31, 2010 at 5:27 AM
truth that's terrifying...now the slavemasters are more insideous and mind controlling
K. Avatar
August 20, 2010 at 2:49 AM
Wow, Anthony this sure is a powerful write-- I could quite imagine the crack of that whip--very moving-- nikko :)
Walters Avatar
August 14, 2010 at 6:01 PM
I love the emotion in this one and the pain it conveys. Very nicely done! Kris~
Knop Avatar
August 14, 2010 at 4:34 AM
Wow, Anthony, what a great historic lesson and write! Slavery indeed was a big crime. And slavery is still going on in some parts of the world. Thank you for commenting "Inferno of Floods" and have a great weekend!...Gert
Devonshire Avatar
August 13, 2010 at 6:05 PM
Slavery truly was America's darkest hour, Anthony. People should never be regarded as property, but slavery still prevails in other parts of the world. This is an incredible write! To my favorites. I'd give you a Pullitzer if it were in my power. What amazing rhythm, rhyme and biting imagery that tears at the soul. Awesome! Best wishes, Carolyn
Brown Avatar
August 13, 2010 at 10:15 AM
Another day of reading the many diverse poems here at the Soup. I enjoyed reading yours today Anthony. Have a wonderful weekend. I need to see if I can find some inspiration this weekend. Love, Carol
Kendrick Avatar
August 13, 2010 at 4:32 AM
I believe that you have conveyed the emotion, wrongness, and humanity of the dark side of a master who was lead by the wrrong master himself..Keep the creativity going..Sara
Neels Avatar
August 13, 2010 at 3:28 AM
Stark reality of history and the astrocities that sometimes still happen.. Powerful write - Wilma
A   Avatar
August 12, 2010 at 9:24 PM
Anthony, I followed your poem! Very painful I must say, to be torn apart with with the nature of being free. How sad, the lashes tearing off strips of skin on eash whip. Enjoyed your poem,..p.d.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace