Written in Response To Visiting the Ridgely Plantation

I know I can’t grasp the fullness of what happened here. Even as I live and breathe on stolen land, I will never understand the depth of what was done. Never could. Never will. 

I cannot change history and I cannot dismiss it. All I can do is be proud that I stroll on the same land where slaves used to suffer, and own the same land they used to tend. 

 

Geri

MD

17 years old

More by Geri

  • Battle Cries

    One girl’s lanky frame against the dark turf field,

    lit up by fluorescent lights 

    She saunters toward the building 

    holding another girl’s hand

  • Surrender

    The screen stares back at me: 

    9:30 pm, 

    an unfinished assignment, 

    a deadline due. 

    My weary chest heaves a heavy breath.