relating to, derived from, or consisting of matter: having real importance or great consequences

By Sunei Clarke

In honor of Black History Month, I have written a piece that reflects on everyday reminders of slavery. I draw an unconventional parallel between my life and the experience of an enslaved woman.

glass 

A few months ago, I heard that drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning helps reset the body. True or not, it’s a ritual I will always keep. The glass is always the same—the tallest clear cup with six ridges. 

The first ping was when they all knew to start moving. By the time the spoon hit the glass again, they were to be standing in front of her waiting for an order. It didn’t matter the time of day. 

cotton 

At the beginning of my night the sheets always cover the four corners of my bed. By the time I wake up the smooth cotton sheets are no longer there. All that is left is the itchy stitching of the mattress beneath me. 

It seemed like the loudest sound in the field. Her heart beat faster, harder. She moved with the wind. Each step she took, she felt the stems scratching at her legs. No longer did they blister her fingers. 

water 

Clothes off. Hair up. Shower on. Pink bar, white bar, or body wash? My face wash is always in the same spot perched on the window ledge. My towel hangs, stuck between the sliding door. Shower off. Towel dry. Day starts. 

Sack secure. Dark sky. Head down. Knees bowed. Ready. As tired as she was, the brush of the crisp water against her bruised feet gave her instant relief. She waded through the water in the opposite direction, finding it harder to keep herself afloat. Another step. Don’t stop. Keep going.