Allow me to introduce the author of this poem: my granddaughter, Katie. She is in the seventh grade and recently wrote this as an assignment (after studying the underground railroad).
When she sent it to me, the paragraphs were in two colors to make it easy to distinguish the two voices. I have changed the font styles instead to adapt to the quirks of BlogSpot. I hope you will enjoy reading it as much as I did. I know you will be impressed.
Underground
Railroad Dialogue Poem
By: Katie
We escaped at night when the sky
was black as coal, traveling barefoot and hunted takes its toll. I dig deep and
use all my might, the brick is a symbol bathed in white.
I listen for the passengers to knock on the door, because
there is not just one but there are many more. My lantern is lit with color,
waiting for the children and their mothers.
We finally stopped at a station
for the night, it has been a rough journey for 20 miles in flight. I have other
companions with me, wondering what will be.
A group of slaves stopped for the night,
shivering with fear and fright. I can’t imagine the pain, only wondering about
others the same.
Getting fed was a great feeling, now I worry about our long term healing.
We go to bed wondering if we will make it, knowing that if we are given a
chance we have to take it.
I fed the slaves wanting them to be full,
but I know the journey is an ongoing pull. I went to bed hoping that I don’t
get caught, but I know in my heart that I’m always being sought.
In the morning we head out, waiting for the
moment when we can shout. I wish people goodbye and give a gentle wave, knowing
that soon I will no longer be a slave.
I wish the slaves goodbye and send them
off, wanting them to no longer be bought. Lonely I wait for the next one, but I
still wonder when this will all be done.