I knew once we was married
and crossed the Potomac River back into Virginia,
Sheriff Brooks might get wind,
might come
arrest us.
I thought maybe if we laid low—
real low, kept quiet,
kept to Central Point,
he’d forget about us.
I couldn’t tell Millie.
She was already moody,
what with being pregnant,
dropping out of school, everything.
I knew she was pretty innocent.
Innocence what got her Sidney—sweet Sidney.
Hell, I love her innocence.
We been married all of five weeks.
Took Sheriff just five weeks to find out,
make his move.
Maybe it would’ve been better
I told her.
Jail is a hellhole. Sixteen bunks in it.
Both white men and colored men here—
ain’t no motel.
I wonder where they took Millie.
Won’t let me talk to her.
Grabbed me rough the moment the car stopped.
shoved me in the cell.
I climbed into an upper bunk,
didn’t sleep.
Eyes wide, wondering what’s next.
Wondering about Millie.
Must’ve dozed, ’cause I was woke
and it was light.
Told me to come front.
My sister Margaret posted bail.
$1,000.
I owe her.
Millie’s still there.
They said if I try to get her out
I go right back in.
They said,
Don’t expect the kinda
party you experienced the first time around.