The Minstrel's Melody
“It was barely six o’clock in the evening, and most of the pews and chairs brought outside from the church were full. The talent show was not scheduled to start until six-thirty. The stage—a platform of boards assembled by Reverend Rutherford, pastor of Calico Creek Missionary Baptist Church and Miz Rutherford’s husband—was at one side of the building. On the stage sat a trio of musicians on banjo, drums, and piano. They began playing “Jesus Loves Me,” and Orphelia hummed along.
“Slow down and walk ladylike, Orphelia,” Momma called out behind her. “And straighten your bonnet before it slips off your head.”
Orphelia slowed down a little without answering. She didn’t care if the bonnet fell completely off and got trampled in the dust. Having to wear a hot bonnet was like having to wear a padlock around her head. And being forced out of the talent show was like having a padlock around her heart.
As she neared the yard she saw boys and girls wearing their best suits and dresses, carrying m...usical instruments and recital books.MoreLess
“Slow down and walk ladylike, Orphelia,” Momma called out behind her. “And straighten your bonnet before it slips off your head.”
Orphelia slowed down a little without answering. She didn’t care if the bonnet fell completely off and got trampled in the dust. Having to wear a hot bonnet was like having to wear a padlock around her head. And being forced out of the talent show was like having a padlock around her heart.
As she neared the yard she saw boys and girls wearing their best suits and dresses, carrying m...usical instruments and recital books.MoreLess
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