Sultry Summer's Evening Poem by James B. Earley
Sultry Summer's Evening
A frail…old Negro lady
…Born…in Lincoln's day
Who knew the taste of freedom
Only… when… she passed …away
Imprisoned… by the hatred
Which gnawed… within her soul
Agony written upon her face
… From the story…that she told
Of a sultry......summer’s evening
She was but…a child…back when
Her sister…was dragged away…in the dark
…By a group of sullen men
On horseback…silhouetted
Against…a glazed…moonlight
…And White folk...until her dying day
Reminded her…of…the night
When the cabin…in the clearing
Where the slaves called home
Was violated and desecrated
As she stood there…all alone
In the yard…and wept
…And silently…prayed
A vigil…with a purpose
Through the night…she stayed
Returning late…the next morning
……Of a sweltering day
They heaved a box…where she stood
… Without a word…rode away
...Though...they disappeared...forever...
Yet…their faces plagued her mind
…There…beside…her sister’s body…
Lying in the box…
.................................They made
...................................................................Of pine
Dedicated to my paternal grandmother, Sallie Virgie Earley 1855 -1948.....who was born into 'Slavery'...during...the 'American Holocaust, ' witnessed this moment...as a young child, and was consumed with a bitter hatred as a result of the experience. 'Sultry Summer's Evening' is a tribute to her memory....with the prayer...that she has...in death...found that measure of peace...which was so tragically elusive....during her sojourn.....on this earth.
a very nice heartfelt poem. true life is not alway fair some people have to face lots of hardships. may her soul rest in peace.
a sad and touching piece, and i could not help my tears to fall.How cruel that must be. I could not imagined having a relative to have experienced like that. Thank you, James for the sharing.Take care of you.Shalom Hugs, Meggie
Poignantly beautiful but so tragic, my blood froze. How proud you must be knowing of their strength to survive this inhumane period they called a life. OMG-D has man learnt nothing yet?
wow...that really touched my heart..very vivid, real, and truth 10+
this is a revelation of past incidents..this is quiet sad..it ends in tragedy......... the appearance and the expression is very unique, , it is well presented, , naizz
The implications of this poem are very profound. One tragic summer evening never to be forgotten. Very touching. Warm regards, Sandra
It sickens me to think that incidents such as this actually took place. How diabolical we can be... Hugs, Dee
Your imagery sent chills, for sure. What a hellish experience this must have been. My imagination cringes and doesn't even want to go there! I suppose many details of this story have been lost; but it is such an important narrative. It explains so much about the screwed up state of the world, past and present. It is important because we need to never forget this part of history (as, alas, your poor Grandmother could not) .
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
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12/4/2025 10:43:14 PM # 1.0.0
This is so heart wrenching James and so many of us have to thank our lucky stars we have not known such horror. Your dedication is commendable, and I am sure your Grandmother rests in peace. You have conveyed the story with great sensitivity and skill. Top marks! Karin Anderson