PHOTO PROMPT © Lisa Fox (my pic)
Snow as soap made it easy to wash blood off her hands but not from her tattered dress. When the dogs came she’d still be easy tracking on this side of the frozen river. She drank handfuls of snow, soothing her parched throat.
She’d followed the moss on the trees to The Promised Land, where shackles and back lashes weren’t allowed.
Where she came from it never snowed. She marveled at the cold, white crystals that seemed so like her masters yet offered cleansing and strength.
She huddled in an earthy tree hollow, drowsy. Even in sleep, the bloodhounds bayed.
[100 words]
I just finished watching a 10-episode TV series, Underground, about Underground Railroad in slavery times in the U.S. My story is in honor of the individuals who had the courage to make the journey.
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields is the steadfast host of Friday Fictioneers.
Tao Talk 
Great tribute to those who risked everything to try to find freedom.
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Thank you, Trent.
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So much courage. I can’t even imagine…(K)
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Powefully and evocatively written.
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Neil, thank you <3
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What a sad time in history! Great tribute, Lisa.
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Miriam, thank you.
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Great story and meaning…fleeing for freedom.
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That show was really good about how showing every person involved with slavery was affected in one way or another. Thank you, Max.
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An emotional story of escape, let’s hope she gets away. I know there were many escapes by the African slaves from the southern plantations in America, how many did make it?
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I have no idea how many escapes vs. how many made it, but I’m guessing the number would depend on the source. I’m also guessing many more made it than some have estimated. Good question!
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An emotional story of escape, let’s hope she gets away. I know there were many escapes by the African slaves from the southern plantations in America, how many did make it?
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Ah, James, you are Someone :)
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Beautifully expressed.
So glad she escaped all those backlashes & ill-treatment.
Time is the healing factor.
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Thanks much, Anita.
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Such a chilling story. I can feel her fear, and her wonder at the new experiences she’s having, and the future she is striving to achieve. Powerful finish – the bloodhounds!
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Thank you very much, Margaret.
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Wonderful and powerful story, Lisa. The thirst for freedom is so strong that many would risk their lives for it. I hope your heroine makes it.
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I hope so also, Adele. Thank you.
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What a life!! The horror and then for some, escape.
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Paul, this series shows how ALL are affected, not just the slaves. The corrupting influence of having the gall to say I own another person. There are scenes in the series that are unforgettable. I cannot imagine what living it would be like :(
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Awful, the trauma and no help, so vile.
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What they went through is unimaginable. Hopefully, she eventually found a happy place.
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I hope so also, Keith. Somewhere she didn’t have to hide and could be her own person.
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Those who tried were so brave. You set the scene perfectly, Lisa.
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Thank you, Dale. Willing to risk it all.
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Absolutely. I like to think I would have…
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It’s sad people have to flee. I’ve read asylum seekers freezing to death in Eastern Europe because they are unprepared for snow. Horrible way to go. Elegantly written.
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Thank you, T. Yes it is :(
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Very well penned.
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Dahlia, thank you <3
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Dear Lisa,
A wonderful tribute to those who had the courage to flee slavery. So much more story between the lines. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, thank you very much and glad you liked the tribute.
Shalom,
Lisa
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I saw the series. It was outstanding. Your story
is wonderfully told. Thanks for the photo this week.
Have a lovely weekend … Isadora 😎
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Thank you, Isadora, and glad you saw the series and enjoyed my spinoff from it. You also on a lovely weekend <3
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i’m glad she made her escape. hope she’d eventually reach the promised land.
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Me too. I think things are better than before but it may be awhile before she gets there.
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This brought tears to my eyes, Li.
Profound on so many levels.
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Nancy, happy you connected with the story. Thank you <3
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With so much horror in the world today, we tend to forget some of the abominations from the past. I was listening to Barry Maguire’s 1965 his song “Eve of Destruction” recently. It was shocking to me how many of the same social injustices from 1965 are still with us today, alive and well and going strong. Sad, isn’t it?
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Yes :(
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Powerful story, Lisa. A mirror to a sad and embarrassing history. Well done.
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Thanks much, Bill. Yes it is embarrassing, along with all the rest of embarrassing things we’ve done.
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You’ve created a palpable feeling of fatigue and longing, hope and futility, in the cold.
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Sascha, thank you for your thoughtful and kind feedback <3
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A lot said in so few words. Well done.
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Dawn, thank you.
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I hope she made it. Brave brave soul. Beautiful story. Such courage in the face of such fear and hate.
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I think she did and yes on her courage. Thank you, Laurie.
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I couldn’t help but hear this as I read your story.
The original or alternate lyrics were “Black girl, Black girl, where did you sleep last night?”, which I’ve always interpreted as a runaway slave. Other interpretations make it about a woman hiding after committing a murder or hiding from a murderer. The predates any record or recording and has been recorded multiple times with multiple changes, so it’s hard to know for sure. Regardless, it’s about a woman on the run, hiding in the cold.
Nirvana did an excellent remake on their MTV Unplugged special.
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Women and children have been running from men in power for a long time. Both the Leadbelly original and Nirvana covers are powerful. I can def see the first girl as a runaway slave and the second someone who’d rather live in the streets than stay at home with an abusive parent. Saw it a lot in my old job. Thanks for your thoughtful longass comment and the video links.
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Did my long-ass comment post? I don’t see it.
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Yes, I just found it.
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I hope they don’t find her.
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Same here <3
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