I feel saddened by the news, wantin' to ask daddy why he didn't get no better slave. Mr. Granger ain't a nice man by any standards, so why would daddy want to help 'em? I ain't even a man and I know a slave with a lousy hand ain't gonna do no good.
I shake those thoughts outta my mind, though, 'cause I know a nice southern belle would never think like that. I should respect my daddy's wishes, for he always knows best. He tells me that every day. And sometimes, when he'd drunk a lot, he forces my thoughts to be holy and his.
"Granger, sir?"
My daddy nods, his eyes lookin' anywhere but his companions'. "He needed the money and I could use anotha' hand 'round here. It worked out perfect."
I can tell my daddy's tellin' a lie, the way he talked so fast and avoided the man's crystal eyes like he'd get killed at one glace. He owed Mr. Granger somethin', and I'll be darned if I don't find out what.
"You sure it ain't 'cause of Burlock?" Mr. Smith gives a good-natured laugh, shakin' his head to show his joke. Daddy don't find it funny. Probably 'cause it's somewhat true.
The room lapses into silence, both men shifting uncomfortable. It's rather funny to watch.
"I best get going now, Thomas, give my respects to your wife."
My daddy nods, getting to his feet and shakin' that man's hand. "Don't be a stranger now."
I don't know what he's talkin' about, Mr. Smith ain't ever a stranger. He's here almost more than me.
"Your daughter 'round here, I thought I could get a good look at her, consider your offer."
I feel my breath come out short, my heart patterin' faster than before. His offer? I take back my promise to pay attention in Church in the 'morn.
"Ah, yes. Mary. She should be 'round here somewhere. I'll just call Miss.Lizabeth down here to grab her."
I send my apology to God, then slump to the floor, feelin' rather relieved. I feel sorry for my sister, but we've never been real close. We grew in the womb at the same time, but after that she and I didn't get each otha'. So I feel bad for only a second and then move on to be selfishly happy.
"Mary?" Miss.Lizabeth shouts for my sister, and I can't contain my grin. Sometimes I love my daddy.
"Yes Miss.Lizabeth?" And that's when I laugh with glee.
I shake those thoughts outta my mind, though, 'cause I know a nice southern belle would never think like that. I should respect my daddy's wishes, for he always knows best. He tells me that every day. And sometimes, when he'd drunk a lot, he forces my thoughts to be holy and his.
"Granger, sir?"
My daddy nods, his eyes lookin' anywhere but his companions'. "He needed the money and I could use anotha' hand 'round here. It worked out perfect."
I can tell my daddy's tellin' a lie, the way he talked so fast and avoided the man's crystal eyes like he'd get killed at one glace. He owed Mr. Granger somethin', and I'll be darned if I don't find out what.
"You sure it ain't 'cause of Burlock?" Mr. Smith gives a good-natured laugh, shakin' his head to show his joke. Daddy don't find it funny. Probably 'cause it's somewhat true.
The room lapses into silence, both men shifting uncomfortable. It's rather funny to watch.
"I best get going now, Thomas, give my respects to your wife."
My daddy nods, getting to his feet and shakin' that man's hand. "Don't be a stranger now."
I don't know what he's talkin' about, Mr. Smith ain't ever a stranger. He's here almost more than me.
"Your daughter 'round here, I thought I could get a good look at her, consider your offer."
I feel my breath come out short, my heart patterin' faster than before. His offer? I take back my promise to pay attention in Church in the 'morn.
"Ah, yes. Mary. She should be 'round here somewhere. I'll just call Miss.Lizabeth down here to grab her."
I send my apology to God, then slump to the floor, feelin' rather relieved. I feel sorry for my sister, but we've never been real close. We grew in the womb at the same time, but after that she and I didn't get each otha'. So I feel bad for only a second and then move on to be selfishly happy.
"Mary?" Miss.Lizabeth shouts for my sister, and I can't contain my grin. Sometimes I love my daddy.
"Yes Miss.Lizabeth?" And that's when I laugh with glee.
