Do you remember when we were slaves… in the cotton fields in the Old South, brother of soul of mine?
It seems like a life you’d want to forget but when I think of you, it’s the one I remember the most.
And my love for you too. It’s crazy how no matter how traumatic the life circumstance, all that we ever really remember – and even cherish – lifetimes later passing through space, time, minds, different bodies – Is the Love.
That’s why I was crying that time… the one named Hanuman I could swear it was, singing to Me, my Brother.
Just like you did then. Maybe because it was you who gave me so much compassion and love in the darkest of lives and times that out of all my memories and the traumas that have happened to me – None of it matters, in the face of your love. You made it better for me. You’ve been making it better.
And in the end, when all is said and done – that’s what I’ll remember. About this time in the dark. Like back then. I tell you this story like a treasured memory, a life slavery and destitution. Why?
Because you were my Brother.
Somehow, I remember when you’d sneak by the house, I was stationed in. While you were in the fields. At night. And you’d wave me out with a finger to your lips. And I’d wonder what you were up to. You’d wave me out and I’d untie my apron and go with you out the side door as we were free to do so in the nights if I recall – as long as we didn’t escape… where the slaves would sleep, when off duty. You’d take me through the dark in the middle of the field and we’d lie down. Come on, I want to show you something!
And you’d point and show me the stars. The bright stars so clear in the night sky. You loved the constellations and you’d point them out to me, calling them by names I’d never heard of. Can you see it Mel? I just liked lying there and looking up with you.
So expansive, so beautiful. Made me feel like we were free, there with your arm around me and the stars in the sky. I forgot about my life and its troubles and just enjoyed laughing with you and your wonder.
We’re gonna be free one day Mel and then you’ll see. I’ll go up North and start a business like them other slaves that been talking and I’ll make enough for us and you’ll be able to go to school like those proper white girls like you deserve.
All the dreams you had for Me. So full of belief you always were.
I’m sure I can do it. If those other fools who escaped can make their way – so can I. Why not? I’ve got an eye for things like the Master. Maybe I’ll shine shoes, then have a tailor? Or… maybe, have some kinda food you know like gramma ma’s old sauce that people would die for then you and me we’ll make it rich off that old recipe! They’ll have to come back for more, we’ll be the only ones making it!
Or maybe a diner in our kitchen!
All the ideas you had.
Then we can find a nice gentleman to marry you and my job will be done!
I always laughed at that part. That’s alright I said, but as long as I still have my brother.
Aw Mel, you’ll always have me but you deserve a life like them ladies on their porches in finery and I gotta find someone who can give you that. That’s my responsibility.
I’m your brother.
And I’d just look at you with all the love in the world because that’s all that mattered to me whether I was the lady on the porch with you as a fine tailor or two slaves with barely anything proper to wear lying in a field at night looking at the stars and dreaming our dreams.
I always believed in you.
No matter what you’d come up with next, once you said it.
Because you… were My brother. And who could do it – if not you. My hero you always were but I took it for granted in the way like an everyday hero, just always there loving you, and making absolutely anything possible. In that way, in my tattered cotton dress and my unkempt hair and bondage and chains – I was no less than A Queen.
Because I had you.
My Brother.
When they’d whip you or beat you for whatever deviance they claimed for your positive effect on the other slaves, your free spirit and love was so contagious and they wanted to make an example of you – to tame it – I’d cry, endlessly like I was the one getting beaten so hard I could feel it in my own body – and then I would for my “disobedience” in not staying quiet, and they’d leave us there together like Christ on his cross, and despite the welts in your back – you’d be trying to comfort and hold me instead. Protecting me even then in the midst of the sorrow.
We’ll get out of here you’d say in those dark moments. Just you wait and see. I’m alright, show me a little smile. They can’t break Me.
I’m Me.
Indeed, you are.
Capable of Miracles
My Brother,
always was.
And I’d feel better, and take care of you as well.
The sweetest, kindest smile you’d give the other slaves in the field, any and every one knew
this boy
was going somewhere.
Somewhere great.
This place was too small for him, he’ll break out one day.
Somehow, despite the suffering constantly around us – you never did break. Your spirit so bold and so brave – so full of love even the demons couldn’t touch you.
Because you weren’t that body, you weren’t that mind, you were
You.
Infinite grace from the Divine Him Self,
And you could do Anything.
Fearless, I’d say. If not maybe for me, the fear of losing me or something happening to me.
I didn’t want to feel like your weakness but sometimes, I did. They tried to use it against you – in hurting me. To taunt you. But you kept your cool. You knew how to do that too. Smart. Knew how to stay alive. I’ll get them later he says, or let Him do it for Me and you’d point up. As long as you are alright.
You knew the goal and stayed focused on it.
To get us out.
And one day, there was a great fire in the fields and everyone running for their lives as you yelled Mel!
And together we ran, and ran, and ran, and ran for what felt like an endless amount of time – and never, ever looked back.
You did become the tailor and got me married to a nice gentleman in the Free North, following those stars of yours to get us to our new Home.
A nice lady you found too, and we’d all sit on the porch, and marvel at the at the two slaves who became something new.
But do you know what I remember most about this life?
You and me in those fields, lying down looking up at the stars
because it’s when I felt
the most Free.
No matter where I was.
Because I was with You,
the most obvious of scenes to prove this point.
And nothing else mattered.
I was Home
with my Brother.
- Mel ♾️
Happy Birthday
Chase those dreams,
You got it.
As always. ♾️ ❤️
- Your Sister
Love Always ♾️
Comments