“A slave who[‘d] work during the holidays was [ill-]considered by our master [&] scarcely deserving [the time to play]. He was regarded as [a disaster] [Any] one who rejected the favor of his master [was then suspected]. It was deemed a disgrace not to get drunk At Christmas; and he was [then] regarded As lazy indeed, [& prolly a punk] [All those poor slaves] who had not provided [Themselves] with the necessary means, During the year, to get [dissipated] Enough to last him through Christmas [dreams].” From what I know of the effect of these Holidays upon the slave [was sleaze]” (Douglass, 1845 Narrative, Chapter 10) #brokensonnet #sonnet #fredrickdouglass #slavesnewyearsday (at 48Th Avenue Stairs) https://www.instagram.com/p/CYPeiU9vPW1/?utm_medium=tumblr
