Middle and high school students were asked to write a poem or essay based on viewing the quilt collection: “Bold Expressions: African American Quilts from the Collection of Corrine Riley,” on display now at the Bellevue Arts Museum through Oct. 7. The winning essay is by Anirudh Prakash, 11, a student at Odle Middle School.
The contest was sponsored by Bellevue Arts Museum, Bellevue Reporter and Bellevue Friends of the Library.
Genie’s Surprise
By Anirudh Prakash
“Two’s company, three’s a crowd,” Grandma declared. “Misery loves company, too,” Grandpa added grumpily. Elijah peered at the quickly approaching thick, gray mass. Their shack momentarily lit up by a flash of light. “Whoosh!” The already quivering oil lamp flickered in panic before the darkness engulfed the room.
“Mama,” Genie screeched in terror. “No field-march today!” Elijah could visualize that Papa’s excited yell matched well with his jump. “Be careful Papa Simon. Let’s hurry before the big burst,” Mama had managed to magically gather her stash even in the pitch-black area.
“Ready everyone?” Genie’s slender arms struggled to hold the door against the gale’s force. The beckoning, distant white spot was barely visible as the family scampered towards their destination. “Catch me if you can, Genie,” shouted Elijah, who decided to sprint ahead.
Grandma’s cane wobbled on the squishy ground. Papa limped alongside her. “You seem to have a happy hop today, eh Simon,” she teased him. As Mama firmly held Grandpa’s hand, her left arm clenched the precious bundle. “Watch it Elijah! You splashed dirt on me again,” Genie’s voice got buried in the thunderclap. Despite exhaustion, Grandpa hastened his pace with the others.
Townsfolk poured the already packed white community hall. “Soiled footwear outside please” a teen directed the oncoming families. Senior Isaiah addressed the crowd in the hall, “Thank you for coming everyone. I know this is never easy to give up a chance to be in the fields,” People burst into laughter. “But when Mother Nature is cranky, we all have a bigger job. Make enough room for your elbows. Empty out your belongings. Get to work right away. Children and elders can contribute too. Remember, no task is too petty. Sort, mark, cut, distribute, pack, there is plenty to do for everyone. When life hands you tartness, make tasty lemonades.” Everyone cheered in anticipation.
In no time, the floor was scattered with hundreds of scraps. Sharp pointers crisscrossed the hall, connecting groups with threads, fabrics, and colors. Men hunkered down to clasp layers in place while women waded their way through the maze to needle different spots.
Seed sacs were neatly cut up and arranged over a wood panel. Old corduroys and jeans were lined up from their piles. Girls organized the groups of cloths to make the most of similar items available. Some heaped up the stuffing material like cotton and newspaper for everyone to pick out from for padding.
Teens tied the binding knots while deciding whose thread color looked the best in contrast. Youth chose corners to create their own miniature masterpieces, just until the adults snatched them away to fit into the bigger design, almost perfectly and kids could not complain.
“I almost forget how good it feels, until a day like today comes along,” Grandpa bared his toothless mouth and had a good laugh while tears rolled down his cheeks. “I wonder if the landlord feels good today though, seeing none of us?” Papa said with a momentary dread in his eyes. “Worry tomorrow about tomorrow Simon, today is the day to be together, relaxed and joyful,” Mama said while she seamlessly drove the fat needle into the thick fabric layer.
Elijah could notice how cracked and dry her fingers were, due to picking crops in the fields. Papa’s distressed legs were also the result of backbreaking labor from before dawn until after dusk. A long sigh left him as Grandma patted Elijah’s face with concern.
Elijah glanced around the hall which hustled and bustled, yet filled with chats and giggles, oblivious to the thunder that bugled behind the lightning. Auntie Elena asked if Genie needed a drink of water before she ran off to assist another group. “Genie isn’t scared of the rumble or the crackle no more,” Grandpa said to his buddy. Elijah viewed the sky again. Folks sprinkled jokes and anecdotes inside, while the rain soaked the cotton bloom outside to turn spongy wet.
“Open the door, right this minute,” everyone in the hall dropped their task at hands and gazed at the door with a nervous gasp. Isaiah’s shaky hands slowly opened the door. Mrs. Worthson and children Bella and James peeked in, water dripping from their noses. “Well, Landlady Laura!” Grandma huffed. “Good Lord, they cannot be expecting us to work on a day like today!” Papa barely whispered, trying to stand upright. “Where are your manners, Wilma?” Grandpa signaled Mama. She sprang up and handed clothes for the guests to wipe themselves dry.
“Sorry fellows, we are late, but,” Mrs. Laura Worthson blurted amidst rubbing her hair. James interrupted her, “We brought warm gumbo and freshly baked bread.” “Hopefully, there is enough for everybody,” Bella continued, glancing around the hall filled with puzzled faces.
“Look Miss Bella, we all built quilts, some are almost ready,” Genie could not contain her enthusiasm. “Hmm, only if you can remember what I taught you and name all the colors in here, go on,” Bella carefully followed Genie around the hall. “Hello Elijah, what did you use for decorations on today?” James awoke Elijah from his trance. “Yellow, pink, green, brown, red, white, blue, black…” Genie’s voice echoed the hall.
Laura hugged Wilma and asked, “Seems like each family has made enough quilts to take home? I am glad your folks can stay warm this winter.” “Oh Mrs. Laura, we have a couple of quilts for you as well.” Simon proclaimed, “And a large one to decorate the community hall too.”
“Great idea, community quilt serves as a lasting reminder of how our townspeople beat the depression era. Also that their collective labor could craft gorgeous quilts in unity,” Mr. Worthson walked in and said with pride.
“Remember to use the right vocabulary we went over earlier,” James put his arms around Elijah’s shoulder. “Teamwork, sharing, community, happiness…” Elijah circled the bright hall pointing at people who had already broken into cheery smiles, yet again.
