I set the North Star in the Heavens
I mean for you to be free
You dreamed that saints saved you
But mortals will give refuge
I’m going to see you through
The hour has come
While the plantation sleeps
Harriet slips into the night
Lord, I’m going to hold steady onto you
I can’t make it alone
Running through the swamp
She hears frogs croaking
She creeps through the woods
Owls screech
Her heart flutters
Hush: Hoof beats!
I can’t outrun them
Lord, don’t let them catch me
And take me back
Don’t let my journey end here
God cradles her
The safe haven
The men on horseback have passed
Thank you, Lord
For watching over me
I don’t know who to trust, Lord
Most strangers would turn her in,
Not help her
Lord, don’t let nobody turn me round’
I’d rather die than be a slave
Trust me to protect you child
I will arm you against your enemies
Harriet, I will make a way for you
Your faith has wings
No harm will come to you
Harriet climbs into a wagon
The farmer covers her with blankets
The wagon stops at dawn
Harriet walks ‘til her legs ache
Harriet’s feet bleed and her gut churns
By moonlight, she marches on
Making her way mile after rugged mile
Hiding in haystacks, attics, and barns
Holding God’s hand
All the while
In the Promised Land, Philadelphia
The sun shines gold in the trees
Harriet feels light as a cloud
Is this Heaven, Lord?
Not Heaven, Harriet, FREE SOIL
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ReplyDeleteI love this poem! I love how you told the main parts of the story through a poem. The most meaningfull parts! great job!
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful, Amber. I'm glad you included the line, "I'd rather die than be a slave." That is such a strong statement, and it indicates her absolute determination. You did a great job of using Weatherford's words and your thoughts to tell Harriet Tubman's story.
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