and then...
The violent sea surrounding the ship was more peaceful than aboard the ship itself. Physical death was certain—and quick—if one jumped overboard, yet the better alternative to a dragged-out spiritual death on the shores of the New World. Their lungs filling with the blue water as a prelude to certain death was better than feeling the red liquid stream down their beaten bodies while wishing for the death that bypassed them for luckier ones.
Arrestingly beautiful, her eyes say more than her voice ever did. She stands on the bow. A loud wail goes forward. And then, she falls backward into the deep blue, taking with her the other slaves who’ve been shackled to her since they were forced onto the vessel. Their fate is sealed in the oceans of the Bahamas, where their spirits will continue to live.
The inhabitants of this small island country have known for generations that the waters surrounding it are a source of healing: the “go-to doctor” is what they call it. The tides flow out with the troubles, worries, and illnesses of those who believe. The spirits are now ready for them to see who has been orchestrating these waves. And then, they will learn of the world that has coexisted with theirs for as long as the people have found healing on the country’s shores.
Arrestingly beautiful, her eyes say more than her voice ever did. She stands on the bow. A loud wail goes forward. And then, she falls backward into the deep blue, taking with her the other slaves who’ve been shackled to her since they were forced onto the vessel. Their fate is sealed in the oceans of the Bahamas, where their spirits will continue to live.
The inhabitants of this small island country have known for generations that the waters surrounding it are a source of healing: the “go-to doctor” is what they call it. The tides flow out with the troubles, worries, and illnesses of those who believe. The spirits are now ready for them to see who has been orchestrating these waves. And then, they will learn of the world that has coexisted with theirs for as long as the people have found healing on the country’s shores.
Coming Soon
Self Made:
Boley Oklahoma
SELF MADE: Boley, Oklahoma is a creative nonfiction work comprised of personal narratives and stunning images, culminating in an understanding of the soul and spirit of Boley residents: those who built this town and those who remain a part of its tapestry and truth.
For True
River’s dream of becoming a great runner is derailed by the untimely death of her grandmother. She can’t run away from her pain, so she runs through it.
Forced to leave the only home she’s known in a beautiful island paradise, fourteen-year-old River is flung into the destructive life of Liona, the mother who abandoned her. Though eventually rescued from her personal hell and sent to live with her father Jimmy, hope is short-lived. Jimmy’s losing battle against alcoholism threatens to destroy River’s spirit and will to run. She gives up on her dream and the coach who believes in it until she meets Aamir, whose life of self-reflection and gentle strength in the face of inexplicable loss encourages her to try again.
Aamir inspires River to look inside herself for the savior she has been searching for in others. She finds that her heart must be restored with the will to forgive and the courage to defy the odds if she is going to run the race of her life.
Forced to leave the only home she’s known in a beautiful island paradise, fourteen-year-old River is flung into the destructive life of Liona, the mother who abandoned her. Though eventually rescued from her personal hell and sent to live with her father Jimmy, hope is short-lived. Jimmy’s losing battle against alcoholism threatens to destroy River’s spirit and will to run. She gives up on her dream and the coach who believes in it until she meets Aamir, whose life of self-reflection and gentle strength in the face of inexplicable loss encourages her to try again.
Aamir inspires River to look inside herself for the savior she has been searching for in others. She finds that her heart must be restored with the will to forgive and the courage to defy the odds if she is going to run the race of her life.