It was around the year of 1818,

when I was born, yes it was.

Life was not an easy one,

when you are born into slavery’s jaws.

When I was young,

it was so tragic.

My mother passed away,

as if by magic.

Eventually I was sent far,

from the home I came to know.

To the home of Hugh Ald,

where my knowledge began to grow.

Sophia taught me the alphabet,

and after that I knew.

My world would be changed,

and my goal I would pursue.

When Hugh didn’t like my lessons,

a path I began to weave my own,

I went around the area,

and found someone to atone.

I began to read and write,

something someone like me shouldn’t do.

Many tried to stop me,

but I would see it through.

Others caught on,

and before I knew it,

many had gathered,

ready for my knowledge to emit.

While some were enthusiastic,

with the lessons I taught.

Others wanted simply to,

take it out with a swat.

While they did extinguish us,

and make us scatter.

I would prove to them,

that color does not matter.