This story poem is dedicated to my muse RLF and her mother Ginny.
the convenience
modern technology
gives …..
a simple act
the touch of a finger
on the screen
of a Smartphone camera
allows for
a measure of
FREEDOM ~
spontaneity and ease
to the instantaneously
inspired
creative act …..
….. handily
and readily
a snapshot
can be taken
quickly preserving
a moment in time
as when
this artist
took a snapshot
of his muse and hero
RLF
~ while she was taking
a snapshot
of this place
with a canal lock
historically
a part of the American fight
for FREEDOM
and EQUALITY for all
ideals penned by Jefferson
in that document
called the Declaration
of Independence ~
an area of water …..
….. running through
solemn ground
where the first
Revolutionary War
land battle
on Virginia soil
at Great Bridge
along the Albemarle
and Chesapeake Canal
did occur
however
when it comes
to the ideals
of FREEDOM & EQUALITY
in America
ironically
as it all worked out
in the annuls of time
this canal
dug with
the modern technology
of that era
nine steam dredges
on floating platforms
since its construction
has overshadowed
in usefulness
an earlier constructed
yet interconnected
by way of
the Elizabeth River
the Dismal Swamp Canal
that was dug by
human slaves
not afforded
to partake of the ideals
of FREEDOM & EQUALITY ~
~ that canal too has a lock
in Deep Creek
where this artist’s
muse and hero
RLF and her
mother’s side
of the family are from ……
…… in this artist’s eyes
as far as a snapshot in time
~ preserving remembrance
the Dismal Swamp Canal
was far more useful
in the American fight
for FREEDOM
and EQUALITY for all
than the other
‘cause it was used as part
of the Underground Railroad
and the dismal swamp
it runs through
was a sanctuary
for runaway slaves
who sought
their FREEDOM
and EQUALITY
peace out
Image & Words by ~Keith Alan Hamilton~
Check out my Slavery in America Image with Words Collection a part of the Images with Words Series. Buy 8×10 prints. Soon to be exhibited in The Urban Individualist Artist Collective at Art Works In Richmond, VA
http://www.artworksrichmond.com/HeleneRuiz.htm