How dare he ask to keep her things
and collect her debts
as if a mere slave could expect to receive
an inheritance!
I tell him I am the heir of my slaves
I say all you have belongs
to me!
Then I add:
If you speak of her money to me again
you will never see
moonlight or sunlight or stars!
Now go
I command you
this is my house
see how it is filled with fine
mahogany furniture
from the forests
of this lovely island?
Go, polish the wood,
enjoy your freedom
to move through this house,
cleaning fine furniture
instead of rotting
in a dark, airless room
with dead bodies!