Friday, May 15, 2009

Starvation

We stand naked with our ribs protruding out of our skin and our bellies round and bloated. I hear the rumbling of my stomach and the wailing cries of others amongst us. Rainwater collected in puddles and morsels of food found in the streets is our main source of nourishment. My tongue is dry and heavy as I try to bring some moisture to my cracked and bleeding lips. The dense, stale bread we had been given by the men and women that came to see us scrapes down my throat as I quickly try to swallow my last piece. The bread helps to stop the hunger but it only tastes of parchment and dust. They are here again and I reach out to them. They look on at us with sorrow in their eyes but they step away in fear as if we are a contagious disease they don't want to be exposed to. The other children jostle each other, trying to get the biggest scrap for themselves. It is the first time I will eat today and I need to fill my belly with as much as I can get. My stomach churns and screams of pain explode through the taught skin of my abdomen. No one hears; no one cares; no one comes to comfort me. The others are too focused on their own survival. We can only endure so much suffering before our bodies give in.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Synthesis: "The Book of Negroes" and "To Toussaint L'Ouverture"

In William Wordsworth's sonnet "To Toussaint L'Ouverture" he is speaking to Toussaint but because their situations are so similar, you could say it was written to Aminata from the novel "The Book of Negroes" by Lawrence Hill. Both Toussaint and Aminata were enslaved and fought for their freedom. They are both inspirations to the people around them. Something that no one would have thought possible for them to overcome, they were strong enough to. Born into slavery, Toussaint's hard work eventually earned him the position as the governor of Haiti, demonstrating how he conquered the horrific event of slavery. Aminata was taken from her homeland and sold into slavery as a child. After enduring around 20 years, she was given an opportunity to escape and took it. When Wordsworth says, "live, and take comfort. Thou hast left behind powers that will work for thee" to Toussaint he is telling him not to worry about what has happened, he has made a difference in the lives of many. Aminata could also take this advice. She has impacted and influenced many people throughout her journey because of her strength, determination and intelligence. Others will always remember this and be thankful for her teaching. Both of these pieces of writing are about slavery and the strength and willpower necessary to fight for freedom.