Runaway

As fireworks begin to light up the dark Mississippi sky with cheers coming from beneath them, a young Black slave named Runaway sprints from the field of the plantation he is on into the darkness of the woods behind the field. After nearly 30 minutes of running the young man stops to lean up against a tree while he breathes heavy as his legs ache. As his heavy breathing gradually settles he begins to reflect on his life as a slave and starts to talk to himself as he continues his expedition in a slight jog.

Runaway: It wasn't easy gettin away, but I knew midnight would be a good time to sneak away with all the slavers and catchers off drinkin' and watchin' the fireworks, it would be the perfect time for me to slip away. The older folks told me to follow the North star because its the way to freedom. I have to get as far as I can and hope I find them people they call the Underground.

As Runaway ran through the woods he saw the lights of the plantation and the fireworks less and less and saw more darkness and felt unknown objects beneath his feet. There is some pain and scrapes on his foot from these objects, but Runaway refuses to let the pain of the unknown objects beneath him stop him from continuing his quest to freedom.

Runaway: My legs is hurtin’, but all I know is a greater pain, so the bloody soles under my feet are gon’ have to make due. The only thing waitin’ for me at the plantation I escaped from is lashes from a whip, heat from the sun, and bullets from a gun. Why did I have to be born like this? Why ain't I free like the people who own me? Why do I get beaten when I try to be anything other than property? Will I get far enough away from the hurt and the pain? Will it ever be a day when I don't got to ask why I feel this pain?

As he continues his slow jog headed north, Runaway can hear a faint chorus of dogs barking, men yelling and chains shaking in the far distance. Runaway knows the chorus in the distance is that of slave catchers seeking him out.

Runaway: I don’t know much about days and time, but I do know today is July 4th. One of the old timers back home told me that its the day our masters and mistresses celebrate the country’s freedom and independence with their families. I wish I knew what freedom felt like and I wish I knew what family felt like. I was taken from my mama when I was just a small boy, I don’t remember anything about her, or even myself. I don’t know how old I am and I don’t even know my name, if I ever had one. I call myself Runaway because the first time I ever saw another slave try to escape, the catchers brought him back to our master and said “sir we caught the runaway”. I wanted to have strength just like that slave that tried to escape and since I ain’t never been given a name I just started callin myself Runaway.

The once faint sound of slave catchers starts to grow louder as Runaway’s jogging begins to slow into a walk.

Runaway: Pastor Charles, a slave who preaches the word of the Bible to us slaves told us to go to God in everything. I’ve been asking God why is my life like this, ain’t I his child just like my owners? Why don’t I get to be free like them? What do I have to do to be free?

As the mob of catchers begins to close in on Runaway, gunfire begins to fly in Runaway’s direction, with one shot hitting him in his right leg and a second shot hitting him in his back and exiting out the front of his chest. Runaway falls face forward and turns himself on his back as blood profusely flows out of his chest and back. The gunshot wound that was at first a powerful rip of pain has now become a numbing fatigue. Runaway faces the sky as it begins to fill with fireworks emanating from nearby town celebrations. Runaway gives a faint smile as he lays dying and gives one final thought of peace.

Runaway: I know I’m dyin’, but if don’t feel like it, I finally feel somethin I ain’t never felt before, peace and rest. I think God was listenin’ and now he wants to show me somethin’. I can see it, I see what God is showing me and it’s so amazing that I can’t explain it to you, because you just wouldn’t understand...