Underground
My Life as a Life Smuggler
Well, this really is a challenge.
What I mean by opening with that line is, I had to choose a particular historical era to return to and then add to it my own idea of an occupation. I decided that I did not want to flit ahead to some future that I could not imagine without adding all the clichés of science-fiction. To head backwards required me to be honest about history and the circumstances that would guide my life. It would have to be something believable and real enough to tell a fantastic story.
I would be working on the Underground Railroad.
*
Let me arrange the scene for you: I am a black West Indian male who is too aware of slavery on my particular island (I may as well choose the one my parents come from - Dominica). I manage to work shipping and loading the boats that are taking in and delivering supplies around the Caribbean Sea and beyond. With some careful scrounging and my very industrious nature, I save some coins and cajole a ship's captain to take me on as a worker, noting which boats head north instead of south. America is still a land of opportunities, no matter what my skin colour happens to be. If I do not get onto the ship fairly, I become a stowaway who is quite familiar with how to hide on cargo holds of certain ships...and I make it.
Now, the time happens to be somewhere early in the nineteenth century. Slavery is about to be abolished in the British colonies, but the Americans will hang onto that benighted institution a little bit longer until a war almost rips them apart. There will also be many nervous people around wondering how France lost Haiti to its slaves, and some discussion about such an event happening in the United States. My lips will remain sealed unless I have to talk (accents would give the whole game away). My concern would be with contacting Quakers, abolitionists and the like to find out about the campaigns to fight slavery. Offering my services, I would convert or join up with any religion or righteous institution that is willing to pay for my services (collection plates do more than gather change for more hymnals and extra pews).
My guess is that, much like my own family, I would again end up in Canada. This means that I would probably settle in the Maritimes, an important hub for the black community in that young and still to be confederated nation. Knowing that there is a natural squeamishness over guns, I would pose as a simple messenger with the cunning and talent needed to slip human lives over the border when necessary. What no one would be aware of is the fact that I have my own weapons and know how to use them (those lovely Haitians spread the word about their success and I would find the means to get a pistol and ammunition; they would look quite charming next to the machete and other blades that never leave that hidden pouch on my person...until I need them). And I would offer my services.
At least once or several times, I anticipate that I would be captured. Sure, why not? There are plenty of historical documents showing that those who worked on the Underground Railroad were subject to terrible treatment and abuse by those who believed in and profited from keeping things the way things were. And a black worker for such a group would clearly be a target. I may even conspire to get myself caught for the greater good...for a few cases. And then I would take my revenge. I know that Quakers and the like believed that violence is not always the answer. I also know that as a West Indian violence gets rid of a lot of questions. A series of terrifying attacks on the right targets would be just the thing to establish my reputation. And I would have no regrets.
It would not be a very long career. I am guessing that by the start of the American Civil War, my job would no longer be tenable. I would return to Canada with whatever I had saved up from all my endeavors, retire on a plot of land with a family, and tell tales about my life in that dangerous occupation. Perhaps with enough education and understanding, my children would be inspired to enter into law or local government, but I would not hold out much hope that my small efforts would effect the world beyond that brief period of history.
But I would be very proud of my time on the Underground.
*
Thank you for reading!
If you liked this, you can add your Insights, Comment, leave a Heart, Tip, Pledge, or Subscribe. I will appreciate any support you have shown for my work.
You can find more poems, stories, and articles by Kendall Defoe on my Vocal profile. I complain, argue, provoke and create...just like everybody else.
Give it a look...
About the Creator
Kendall Defoe
Teacher, reader, writer, dreamer... I am a college instructor who cannot stop letting his thoughts end up on the page.
And I did this: Buy Me A Coffee... And I did this:
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Expert insights and opinions
Arguments were carefully researched and presented
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Keep reading
More stories from Kendall Defoe and writers in History and other communities.
My Summer of Pulp
A moment of clarity: I was at a café finishing up a rare Italian soda and trying to get away from the heat. The section I chose to sit in was rather empty and had a few shelves of books that have been donated by other patrons. You could take or leave whatever caught your attention. Most of what I found was romance, the worst sort of war narratives, and the usual airport fare. But I also found something that intrigued me: “Fletch’s Fortune” by Gregory McDonald.
By Kendall Defoe 12 months ago in Geeks
Quantum Computing and Its Applications: Revolutionizing Technology
Quantum computing, an emerging field at the intersection of quantum physics and computer science, promises to revolutionize the way we process information. Unlike classical computers, which rely on bits to process data in a binary format (0s and 1s), quantum computers utilize quantum bits, or qubits. These qubits harness the principles of superposition and entanglement, enabling quantum computers to perform complex calculations at unprecedented speeds. This article explores the fundamentals of quantum computing, its potential applications, and the transformative impact it could have on various industries.
By Alexander Mensahabout 11 hours ago in History
The Secret of the Ancient Clock
In a small picturesque village nestled between the mountains and a dense forest, there was an antique shop run by the enigmatic Mr. Dufresne. His shop was filled with ancient treasures, each with a fascinating story. Among them, an old clock stood out. Covered in dust and adorned with intricate patterns, it seemed to belong to another era.
By noura bougarne2 days ago in History
Broken Hearts Fall Silent
Attraction can sometimes be a deceptive guide, leading us through a mirage of charm only to leave us stranded in a harsh reality. It's a cruel twist of fate when the dream we chase turns into a nightmare we cannot escape. The realization that we've been deceived by our own feelings is a bitter pill to swallow, leaving us to pick up the pieces of our broken illusions. Yet, it's often through these painful experiences that we grow stronger and learn to see beyond the veil of mere appearances.
By Mercedes Chavez4 days ago in Confessions
Comments (26)
Domo Arigatou Tomodachi - This is something I did not know - who me a know-it-all - - Truly Inspirational - J-Bud
I like the way you mingle yourself with your protagonist here, so we see you both.
Awesome, and the William Stills woodcut is a thing of beauty! If your Dominican wanderer's as literary a figure as you are, Kendall, then I also see him making a connection with Emerson and Thoreau, and campaigning for abolition among the intellectual elite. I was happy to see my country's own 1833 abolition acknowledged, but I never have quite got on with our "Am I not a man and a brother" depictions of humble beseeching slaves awaiting the white emancipator (this continues even into the Twentieth Century with British films such as Song of Freedom, for example). Such imagery ignores the Railroad itself, plus Nat Turner and Denmark Vesey, plus every slave who didn't make it into the history books but ran interference, subversion and sabotage before and during the Civil War. Even vicariously, through your article, it's great to feel a part of this era when American liberty was fought for with vitality and conscience behind enemy lines.
I liked your thought process and the fact that you shared it with us as the reader. I like that you walked us through the adventure and idea with you, it made the story more engaging and enticing to read! It was clever that you chose placse where your family is from or migrated to and lived at some point, I can tell that it made the story a lot more personal for you! Overall this was a fun read about your theoretical life and occupation form another time! Also congratulations on Top Story! 🎉
Nice article. Well-written. Great images that goes well with the story. Congratulations on being listed in the top stories. Keep writing.
Congratulations, Kendall! I like your historical choice. Well crafted with excellent accompanying images!
Thoughtful & Very Touching!
Your job choice is admirable and courageous. I don't think I would last as long as you in those times, because I would be a full-on rebel. That's probably me making an assumption based on what I know about the past, but who knows how I would act. I just know there were a lot of untold stories from that time. You did a great job in your portrayal. And Congrats!
Congratulations!
I have published a few pieces here, but mainly historical stuff. Still have not found any that I am passionate enough to put myself into the role. This is where i was mainly leaning. My heritage. Maybe now i can find the passion to dive into a role. you chose an encouraging topic.
Congrats, Kendall! 🥂
Congrats on the top story!! 😁
Good job choice!
Nice work! I enjoyed reading your thoughtful, historical piece. ❤️
This is a sobering take on the challenge and a candid window on a past life in 19th century America. Very well done!
Well done, Kendall!
Dear Kendall Defoe, I must say that your talent for storytelling never fails to impress me. Once again, you have woven a tale that effortlessly transports the reader to different times and places, immersing them in a vivid depiction of a historical era. As I read your words, I found myself eagerly traversing the paths of your protagonist, entangled in the treacherous web of the Underground Railroad. The way you intertwined facts and fiction is truly commendable. The journey of your protagonist as a black woman from the Caribbean, navigating the complexities of slavery, deeply resonates. Your attention to historical and social details of that time period creates an authentic impression, enhancing the overall impact of the narrative. It is evident that you conducted thorough research and approached the subject matter with utmost respect and sensitivity. I also admire the multifaceted nature of your heroine. From her resourcefulness in securing a place on ships to her bravery in aiding escapees, she embodies resilience and determination. Against a backdrop of danger and constant threat, you create an atmosphere of tension that propels the story forward with each subsequent breakthrough. Your portrayal of violence as both a means of survival and a tool for justice provokes reflection. While Quakers and abolitionists may have advocated for non-violence, your protagonist's understanding of the world, shaped by her Caribbean roots, introduces a nuanced perspective. It raises questions about the boundaries of pacifism in the face of oppression and provides insights into the complexity of human nature. By the end of your story, I felt a deep respect and admiration for your protagonist's contribution to the Underground Railroad. The sacrifices she made and the risks she took are a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who fought against the chains of slavery. Your ability to evoke such emotions is a testament to your writing skills. Thank you for sharing this captivating piece. I eagerly look forward to delving into more of your stories on your profile at Vocal.Media. Complaining, debating, provoking, and creating... just like everyone else. Warm regards, Zoe Fear
I like the way you think. I’ve gone to some Friends’ Meetings, and know the history. The Quakers were true allies, no virtue signaling there. And yes, sometimes violence is the answer.
Engaging and thought provoking! Thank you for sharing this piece, extremely well done!
Oh I just love inspirational stories regarding slavery, like yours! So well done!
Nice story, you capture the history well. You also pointed out the interesting coincidence that America declared independence at exactly the same time Britain ended slavery in its colonies. They def didn't tell us that when I was growing up in the US! It makes one wonder if independence was really all about that single apocryphal story about "tea" that they told us.
Thank you for sharing this captivating and heartfelt narrative!! 👏It serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by those who fought against the atrocities of slavery and the ongoing quest for a more just and inclusive world.🙌
I love everything about this. The narrative is engaging, subject matter is interesting- dangerous, too. The graphics are awesome and really compliment the story. I’m with Donna, I haven’t read many of these entries, but this one makes me want to!
Yes!! that would definitely be something to be proud of! I liked how you structured this one and the images as well. I haven't read many entries for this one yet but this makes me want to read more! 👏
Honorable, heroic aspiration.