4a4 SONG OF THE TREES

This story is about a brave African-American family who fought hard for their land. At times when food is in short supply and depression is bearing down, the family could have sold their trees which are worth a lot of money but they didn’t. They once proved to stand with their dignity intact even in times of need.

The Logan family has 4 children. Stacey, the oldest, is 11; Cassie, the main character is 8; Christopher John is 7 and the youngest is Little Man, 6. Their dad, David, is a railroad worker and their mom, Mary, takes care of the children at home together with their grandmother, Caroline.

The kids used to go to the forest which is their property, to pick wild blackberries while leading their cows and their calves to the pond. Cassie likes the trees so much that she considered them friends, and make her feel like the trees sing. His older brother would always say that it is just the sound of the wind. Still, these are a great source of comfort to her. One day, they went to the forest and Cassie noticed that their trees were marked X. From a distance, they saw Mr. Anderson and his man, talking about their plans of chopping all of their trees. They went home to inform their mom about what they heard.

When the children arrived, they saw the white man offering the family money for the trees. Despite of their poor life, their mom firmly refused. She knew very well that her husband would never sell their trees. Mr. Anderson tried to convince Caroline, the grandmother and even reminded her of Mary’s physical condition, but both in-laws stood their ground. The white man left angrily but knowing that the husband was far working for them, Mr. Anderson and his man continued to chop down the trees. The kids went to the forest to stop them. Mr. Anderson was about to whip the kid with his belt when the kid’s dad, appeared. When the kid’s father, spoke, he released the child. Mr. Logan threatened them that if they still continue with their plan, he will pull the plunger and the bombs that were planted around the forest will explode. Mr. Anderson’s men were scared and told him that David really does what he says. Mr. Anderson came into his senses and they left. Mr. Logan and his kids, though were glad the white men left, felt sad because of the trees that were already cut down, dead.

Cassie longed for the trees to sing again but failed.

By: T. Regina