My time as a slave
Always work, always behave
Misbehave, thrown in my enclave
But I will be brave
Master promises freedom
I knew him Knave, deprave

My time as a slave
Food is what I crave
Clothes, never laved
Master, I never forgave
Because of him,
My brain is concave

May, 1865, the time came
Master probably felt shame
“I’m free!” I exclaimed!
But none of us knew our endgame
It wasn’t us to blame

We just didn’t know what to do
We could be barbers, farmers servants
So many jobs to pursue
I wish parts of my life I could undo
I wish I could hit redo

But I had to move ahead
I had to get a bed
Get some bread
Also get wed
My injuries, I need some meds

A life was my aim
I had to put money to my name
Make sure my children aren’t ashamed
I had to learn and teach
A normal life is within reach