She stood on the Trader’s Block. Men walked by and stopped to examine her. Many with whips in their hands. Some more gentlemanly with canes. Either way. They stopped and stared. Demanded she open her mouth; forced her to do so. Were her teeth in good shape? They all wanted a healthy robust woman to work in their fields. They didn’t know she could read. She’d seen the poster on display. Slaves for Sale Today. That horrible publication. Is the auction of the mind included with the auction of the body? For her, it will never be so. She can read. She can think. She can read the stars. She will not be long with whomever buys her today. She will try to escape again and this time she will succeed.
It’s Prosery Monday at dVerse, the virtual pub for poets around the globe.
Today, we’re asked to write a piece of prose (144 words or less) that includes the line “Publication is the auction of the mind” from Emily Dickinson’s poem Publication – is the Auction. We can change the punctuation of the line, but we may not change the order of the words. Emily Dickinson lived in the time of slavery. She was not an activist on the subject however, the subject was actually or metaphorically a subject of some of her poems.
I chose not to include an illustration today.
lillian the home poet 
I enjoyed the historical angle, Lill, but it’s about a sad, diabolical time. I can’t imagine what it must have felt like to stand on the Trader’s Block, with men examining me. I like the way you split the prompt line.
LikeLiked by 2 people
A horrible inhumane practice which is why I did not post any kind of illustration with it. It’s interesting to read all the articles etc about Emily Dickinson’s family and growing up, in relation to her “connections” to the realities of slavery. Although she was friends with abolitionists she was not an “activist” on the issue. Eons ago, I required my students in an all white high school, in a course I created in African American Literature, to read To Be a Slave by Julius Lester. Excellent book. They also had to read The Autobiography of Malcom X. This was in 1973 and 1974.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I admire you for doing what you did in your classroom. Thank you.
Lillian, I’m guessing you’ve seen this:
LikeLike
Lillian, I like the way you broke up the line. It works well for the content of your story. The slave owners are lucky all she wants to do is escape.
LikeLike
Nice one!!!
much love
LikeLike
Such a poignant piece of writing. I could see her, feel her anger, it was so evocative. Wonderful writing.
LikeLike
Such a great visual description of what too many experienced.
LikeLike
I, too, like the way you split up the prompt line and that you incorporated the historical aspect of slavery into your Prosery, Lill. Thanks for writing!✍🏻
LikeLike
A powerful write on a painful subject, Lillian…cruelty cannot crush courage!
LikeLike
I enjoyed this one. Interesting historical ties to the line and use of the line as well.
LikeLike
What an inspirational write – Jae
LikeLike
I hope she does/did escape. Harriet did! What a vile practice, and the antecedents all down colonial history to today across the globe.
LikeLike