Whippings in the Chase.

She was at the St. Clair River.
Chunks of ice across.
Baby trundled at her back.
Running for life’s worth.
Still far ahead of the
Range of hounds heard yowling.

Slit eyed Masters and operatives
Puffing panting, straining leashes.
Legree, Simon at the forefront
Having biggest share in those
Runaway blacks.

Liza up front.
One of the most desirable.
Nothing for her but to
Skip the ice stages.
Measure the speed of flow.


Forget about the pain of
Soaked, freezing boots.
Think rather about the
Future of her little charge.
Education. Trade pride.
Church worship and thanks
To Godward.
Family fortunate. Free.

(We personally knew
Some Shadds of Blenheim- Buxton.
Very nice people, Dolores, Ed.
Lake Erie shoreline. Fruit belt.
Cherry pie par excellence.)