Under the Tulip Tree

by Michelle Shocklee

Admittedly, it was far easier to talk to Grandma, simply because she let me share my thoughts and ideas and didn’t pass judgment the way my mother did.

Even though slavery isn’t legal anymore, I believe it’s important to remember the past as it truly was, not as we wish it to be.”

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?

“Your family wronged me,” I hissed. “No child should ever be treated the way your mama treated me. No child should ever be taken from their mother the way your pappy took me from mine. Don’t matter that I was a slave owned by Master Hall. Don’t matter that my skin was dark. What matters is that I is a human being. What kind of person treats another human being the way your mama treated me?” I shook my head, my chin trembling with emotion. “But I ain’t here to judge you, Mr. Hall. That day will come soon enough. For you. For me. For your mama and pappy.”

“I hope every woman who can write will not be silent.”

“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.”