Get to Work!

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN LANDRUM, 1848

 

That Ann,

sullen and mean,

she needs a lashing,

and I’m ready to start

today.

It takes a strong whip

to control these slaves.

Forty lashes

the Bible says.

 

I tell Ann to carry the pots

to the shelf

and sweep up the floor,

and she says, “I’m tired, Master.”

“You are what?” I ask.

“I won’t clean today,” she says.

“I’ll clean tomorrow.”

We’re in the turning house

with Dave and the rest,

their white eyeballs popping out

to see what will happen.

I raise my whip.

“You get to work

NOW!” I shout.

And when she doesn’t budge,

my lash comes down

in designs

across her back.

“Get to work!” I shout again.

When she refuses,

I tie her with a rope

and leave her be.

That will make her

think about

her behavior.