The Barn
Amirtha S.
-
My research of Black slavery and treatment towards slaves in America prompted me to come across an analogy comparing treatment of slaves to animals tied up at a barn at the time in the US. The more I read novels, listened to songs, read poems, and explored Black art, the more this specific analogy became apparent. I became increasingly interested in the treatment of slaves during the pre-civil era. Historically, a lot more focus is poured on the civil war and abolitionist movement itself, along with famous stories of slaves who led revolutionary movements, rather than stories of slaves who lived their entire lives as a normal slave. While the stories of leaders of the slavery movement are important, the stories of Black people who endured enslavement without a voice or a way out is just as important, in my humble opinion. I decided to do thorough and constructive research on slave treatment and write my poem utilizing the analogy. My work in no way encapsulates the pain that Black slaves endured, but it does provide a raw image of what slavery looked like in many places for these people.
-
Growing up, I told myself "You're not weird, you're limited edition." Truthfully, creativity allows myself to express my real character and my emotions in a thoughtful manner.
