Isolationism is not a stranger to me and books became my friends, when I had none. This is part of my history, which I am sharing with you.
The Tread to Freedom
ByElnora Palmtag
How well I remember that long walk from the car to the door,
Leaving my familiar faces to face this strange, cruel school,
Coming inside after passing their vile, pointless drops from above,
Finally, inside the corridor, where only the white can rule.
This walk is repeated for two long and painful years,
But never will I let them see my anger or pain,
I will face each day as if it is the last,
When I can escape from the driving rain.
The rain of tears I cry each night in my lonely bed,
For no one wants to talk about the things I dread,
They keep saying, “We are so proud of you,”
For everyone will cry if I turn up dead.
Dead from the cruelty told to me each day,
In the classrooms of a place that has no heart,
By children of people who think they are right,
Right to say what which path is my part.
Part of a black world, held in contempt,
Sold into slavery and then set free,
Set free to do what I hear my family say,
Free to be whatever you want to be.
Some want to be white and live “the good life”
Have the kids, home, husband and wife,
Live in the big house in a good neighborhood,
And forget that there was ever slavery, “That’s good!”
