Under the Tulip Tree

by Michelle Shocklee

We’ve watched too many men in powerful positions build empires without a proper financial foundation, relying too heavily upon credit and loans instead of solid investment. Greed and a lust for more weakened the economy irreversibly and brought us to this sad day.

“You need to see life from a different perspective in order to move forward. I believe this job may be exactly what you need to help you find your place in the world.”

“You ain’t got no choice, Frankie. We is slaves. If Master Hall says you gotta play with Miss Charlotte, then you has to obey. Same as me. Same as Liza. Same as Saul. Ain’t none of us gets to choose. We just gotta obey so’s things goes well for us.”

With that settled, we both seemed to mentally prepare ourselves. She to go back in time to hard, painful memories, and me to listen, learn, and perhaps come away with a better understanding of the cruelties and injustices some people experienced at the hands of others simply because of the color of their skin.

They shared a triumphant smile that left me, a white woman, out. I’d never endured anything like what Frankie had, nor had I experienced racial discrimination as Jael most surely had. I couldn’t possibly understand the depth of feelings that must have passed through Frankie when she realized she was no longer a slave, owned by another.

Wasn’t that what life was about? To know and be known. To offer encouragement to others and share the burdens we all face. No matter the color of one’s skin, weren’t we all supposed to care about each other?

Was that the key to surviving, no matter what life hands you? Find the good among the ashes?

“There are always going to be people who oppose change, but I think they’re in the minority. Most people desire to live in harmony with others, no matter their differences.”