The Water Dancer

“Act like a freeman,” Hawkins advised. “Lift your head. Look them in the eye—though not for too long. You are still colored. Bow before the ladies. Be sure to bring some of them books of which you are so fond. Remember, own the acre, or they will see right through you.”

That axe swing and any man might be lumber

He’s in over his head.

the floor never walked with one shoe

But for those who were hard, for those who worshipped the seven and nine,

I am more your mother standing right here now than that white man on that horse is your father.

We are all divided against ourselves. Sometimes part of us begins to speak for reasons we don’t even understand until years later.

I was a man well regarded in slavery, which is to say I was never regarded as a man at all.

The door to the Still home expanded

Haven, once requested, must be granted. B