by Marion J. Dobbins
Bondage brought them
In the belly of wood they were chained
Tossed by the sea
As if less than
Forced to lie in what they created
Breaks from the black silence
Heard amidst the wailing of sorrow
Salted sea timber now moored to land
Brings no relief
For full poem: Download Deep within The Belly of The Wood
Author Bio: Marion J. Dobbins, a 7th generation Virginian, was born and raised in a small African-American neighborhood in Merrifield Virginia. Marion's love of history started at an early age. She would sit and listen to the stories told by her ancestors. These stories fueled the desire to know more about her family, her African American Heritage, her life within the County of Fairfax and Virginia. In 1999 she, along with her husband Wayne, started an historical interpretive company called “Meet the Past”. It is this vehicle that has afforded opportunities to interpret at such sites as Monticello, Gunston Hall, Sully Historic Site, and the University of Virginia's Juneteenth Celebration. Marion also works full/time as a Practice Manager for Fair Oaks Skin Care Center in Fairfax, VA. You can reach Mrs. Dobbins at: Email.
