48.

Bowing Down

While honing my skills I’ m approached by an elder.

He slaps me gently on the side of my face and I feel no disgrace.

For I am an intellectual man who understands,

It was a sign of affection from an elderly man’s culture, that is done to

Infants, even if that infant is forty years old. I must tell you, it was odd

having a man’s hand gently slapping my dark face. From my culture, any

part of the hand in the face, is an indication of disrespect in my race. I

thank God for my intellect, that I didn’t show disrespect.

I am proud that I gave him his power as a superior elder over me.

I am proud that I honored his culture, but more importantly, I am proud that

I left a positive impression, of an African Slave.