My Reasonings

Once when I was yonder I was the spectator of a mother's sorrow. January 1st, the white man's holiday for the New Year, is a difficult day for the slave, for it is selling day. On this particular day I observed as a mother, whose children were wrenched out of arms, fought to keep her seven children. They were to be sold to now masters. This made a profound impact on me. I remember thinking to myself that when I become a mother, I will not allow that to happen to my children.

I have been through many things since that day so long ago. At the age of fifteen, Dr. Flint pushed himself with me. He put me in charge of watching over his little girl. He had her sleep in his room, so I had to sleep in there as well. This all caused Mrs. Flint to be jealous and violent with me. One day she had me swear on a Bible that I did not sleep with her husband to which I did right away. And after that she seemed to be more at peace, and promised me that she would protect me from him. Her methods of doing this were odd to me, and extremely nerve racking. She ordered me to sleep in a room next to hers so that she could keep watch over me. Imagine all the sleepless nights on both or our parts! I felt as though I was a soldier that must be ready for battle at any given moment. I knew that I could not count on her, and I pitied her. I talked with my grandmother who offered to buy my freedom, to which the manipulative and lustful Mr. Flint would hear nothing of for I was the property of his daughter. My soul did revolt against such tyranny.