Slatted wood, two-story, half a block deep,
at least thirty-nine windows and four doors,
three fireplaces lit as river wind creeps
through this winter while white men vote to score
onescore laws controlling slaves: Stripes (lashes)
at court’s discretion when off plantation
sans pass, or spreading seditious speeches;
hanging death for inciting rebellion.
Free blacks or mulattos may keep one gun,
powder and shot if licensed by a judge;
must show papers of emancipation
or face jail till IDs appear; begrudge
their taxes or stay enslaved to sheriff
until their hired labor pays the debt off.
Each eve, job done, lawmakers leave to quaff.
Roger Armbrust
March 24, 2008
