Stranger in the Jungle by Eddie Stimpson
Stranger in the Jungle
Along the jungle streams.
African families living their dreams.
Raising their children, and working hard.
Not knowing they would soon be apart.
Boys sent out to become men.
All they had to do was catch a chicken hen.
Girls stayed home, learning to be a woman.
Waiting for a husband that's very humble.
There were some things lurking in the woods.
They were afraid to run, so they just stood full of fright.
A new face in sight.
Not knowing just what to do.
They started running fast as they could.
Back to where the village stood.
Running with a breeze in their face.
Stepping over all kinds of snakes.
Huffing and puffing.
Screaming, "Mom! Dad!"
I seen a face that didn't look sad.
It was white and I think we been had.
Getting their families and began to run.
There was no place to hide under the sun.
Slave
Men, guns, and ships.
Caused our dreams to slip.
We were chained together
It was hard.
Men with whips and guns standing guard.
Placed in a hole.
Like a home of a mole.
The doors were sealed and locked.
Didn't even have a sleeping cot.
Through sunshine and storm
Through heat and pain.
From the rising of the sun.
To the setting of the same.
We love each other without shame.
There were many ups and downs.
None never the same.
Many came by and moved on.
Only God Knows their name.
Homes were open around the clock.
Some came by. Some never stop.
Some would sleep and eat.
Then move on knowing
They would never again meet.
The living was sweet and the living was hell.
You would never know unless you read the tale.
- Eddie "Sarge" Stimpson
Exhibit Activity:
Although we know that Sarge is the author of this poem, who's voice is being used to tell the story?
How does this poem make you feel?
What is Sarge trying to share with readers regarding this poem?
Do you think there is anyone that currently feels the way this poem expresses sadness?
Do you think there is anyone that currently feels the way this poem expresses separation?
Do you think there is anyone that currently feels the way this poem expresses fear?
Do you think there is anyone that currently feels the way this poem expresses hopelessness?
What other feelings does this poem express and what can we learn from it?
What can we do individually to ensure no one in the future feels the way expressed by Sarge's poem?
What can we do collectively (as a community, family, group) to ensure no one in the future feels the way expressed by Sarge's poem?
Sources:
Remembers of Mose The Life Of Mose Stimpson And His Time