§LÄVÈ

S L A V E ~ 1

Birmingham, United Kingdom

(1980's)

Year- 1983

Catalina Ayanna Pierce

Watching the sunset was like letting the glow of it, kiss life's hurts away.

It was very beautiful. The only thing that seems to make a small smile appear upon my face anymore. Seeing a sunset, whenever I get the chance, made me feel a bit bright inside. It makes me think of love, made me remember that no matter what, there is always beauty that surrounds me and only those with a pure heart can truly see the beauty of nature,

    My mother use to say. She always spoke about all Gods creations and what a day it would be, when people realized what was on the inside of someone and not what was on the outside.

That day, when someone would stand up for what is right and not fall back down when everyone else disagreed. Ever since Martin Luther King Jr. and his 'I have a dream' speech, things hast changed. Slightly for some, and not so much for others. Today, people are still slaves. Today, people are still ashamed to be seen speaking to someone that skin is not pale like theirs. Today, carried the same crestfallen feeling as did the day before. But, I still looked forward to another day, I still look forward to see this world change. I have very high respect for Martin Luther King Jr. as did my mother. We respected him for what he did and for the fact that he stood up for what was right. He wanted people not to be criticized and judged because of the colour of their skin, but for the person who they are inside. He believed human beings could unite as one and live in peace.

    I sigh and let my head fall to my feet as I heard my name being called. I wanted to stay in this position and take in the sunset a while more, but I knew this was the end. As I looked up, about to answer to my name, Ms. Delatore was already walking down the garden with a frown on her face, "Did you not hear me call for you, Catalina?" she placed a hand on her hip, "Or did you suddenly become deaf?" she stopped a few feet away from me.

I turned, directly facing her, "I-I am sorry mistress, I was just admiring the beautiful sunset-"

   "I do not care what you were doing. When I call you, you answer and that's final. Do you understand?" she raised her eyebrows, the tone of her voice stern as usual when she spoke to anyone who was staying here.

I bowed my head in a nod and interwind my fingers, I slightly cleared my throat, "Did you need help with something, mistress?" I asked, "No. I need to see you in my office, it is...important" she gave me a look before turning on her heel walking away, entering through the door that parted the inside from the outside.

     Instantly, I followed her.

In 1972, four years after Martin Luther King Jr. died and seven years after my birth, My mother died. It was...a very hard and heartbreaking time for me. I remember that day as if it was just yesterday and every time I do...It brings tears to my eyes. My mother was everything to me, she was my world and to have someone that you love so much be ripped away from you so quickly without even a goodbye hurts you to the core. It breaks everything inside you and it tears you apart.

   After that day, I was on my own for at least a week before Mrs. Smith took me in. She was an old white lady that grew me up for five years...then, she gave me over to an organization called, 'Per una causa più grande'. It was italian for 'to a greater cause'.

Now, it is six years later and I am eighteen years of age. Still, I am in this organization that I was put in because twelve years old was the 'appropriate' age for anyone to start learning how to read and write, learn on how to become independent...and becoming a slave in the future.