(Photo copyright Randy Mazie)
My life’s journey will end here, in a wooden box piled high with rocks to hold it down when the rains come.
This year of 1830 has brought great change to my life. I have gone from enslaved and beaten Virginia farmhand to citizen of the new colony of Liberia. Many of my shipmates have turned their backs on the soil and taken to trade with the natives. They have failed. I have gratefully accepted my allotment of land and work it with joy.
I know the land. I am free. And I will die a free man of property.
(Written for Friday Fictioneers, Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. July 12, 2013.)
vb's reverbs 
Dear VB,
As everyone knows by now, historical fiction is my favorite. Your story is no exception. Well done, well done indeed.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thanks, Rochelle–I’ve certainly enjoyed reading your tales from the past–and learned something as well.
Another great entry for this week’s challenge! Very clever revisiting of history.
The settlement of Liberia is an interesting story–many conflicting opinions.
good one VB – this makes me sad when I think about things that others worked so hard for that current generations disdain.
That is so true, Bill–your observation applies to many aspects of today’s life (here and abroad).
Amen to Bill’s comment.
Excellent! Well done.
Many thanks, Sandra.
Very well written.
Always nice to hear that–thanks.
I don’t know anything about this chapter of history but your story has got me curious now! Well done!
The first three decades of the nineteenth century don’t seem to get as much attention as the monumentally important years of the last half.
I can imagine it would be such a proud moment to make the transition. I am sure those who turned their backs regretted it soon enough.
It was a hard life for some and required perseverance as well as sacrifice.
Vb, I can feel his pride and applaud him for it (and you for the story.)
janet
Many thanks for the nice comment, Janet–always appreciate your reaction.
Well done VB
Great story, well written. Loved this
Dee
Thanks, Dee–enjoyed your historical fiction as well.
Well done. The history angle is a good one.
Thanks, fun to explore interesting times.
Now THIS is something! Has the stuff of history. Super job this week, VB.
Many thanks for the fine compliment, Kent–well appreciated.
You said so much with only 100 words. Well done, darling.
Thanks–don’t think the Heavy Petting Zoo would fare too well in the early 19th century town of Monrovia (can’t speak for its success with the natives in the brush).
Every one deserves to live and die free – nice flash fiction
Very true, especially those who work hard for it.
good stuff… Randy
Thanks, Randy, and thanks to you for a great prompt photo–lots of storytelling opportunities in it.
What was it about this goat? It evoked great emotion, and depth this week. Nicely done. I felt the man’s pride.
For such a dainty goat, it certainly inspired some bizarre tales. Thanks for the nice comment.
This is great, a true reminder of all the heroes never mentioned. Sad to think about more recent events in Liberia
It is sad, but conditions have never been easy–
Powerful!
Thanks, Dawn.
A powerful story, wonderful that he found freedom and worked the land with joy.
Many times, freedom is not free–which makes it all the more valuable when attained.
not sure abt the history behind this story.. but it has resemblance to other historic stories..well done
Starting a new country from scratch is an overwhelming undertaking–there are many conflicting stories about the early days in Liberia.
Well conveys the spirit of those striving to be free, wherever and whenever they may be..
Thanks, Perry–the free citizens of early Liberia proved that those who worked hard, survived, and those who were skilled, and/or ambitious, prospered.
Hi V.B.,
Loved the Liberia connection. Lots of people don’t know its history of accepting returning slaves and that made a great premise. Excellent story. Ron
Many thanks, Ron–good to see you back. It is an interesting story. Liberia was founded by free and manumitted blacks, many sponsored by the American Colonization Society.
A great historical flash!
Good piece of historical fiction. And will die happily.
To die satisfied with, and happy about, the life you’ve lived –can you ask for more?
Nice story. I like the historical context.
The picture, with the old tombstone, is ripe for a story about the past….Many thanks.
Like Rochelle, I enjoy historical fiction too. Very well written and thought provoking piece.
Very well done. Historical fiction is my favorite as well, and you’ve given us one to think deeply about. Mine? Mine is all fluff this week: http://unexpectedpaths.com/friday-fictioneers/judas-goats/
Dear V.B.
Great reference to the history of Liberia. Well done.
Aloha,
Doug