The Screams from The Past
By Amerata, Stage 5
Art Write Light 2021 is a creative writing project curated by Story Factory, in collaboration with visual artist Blak Douglas. During the program, students from Bonnyrigg High School and St Clair High School were introduced to the work of Blak Douglas, and created written and audio pieces responding to his artwork. The audio you’re about to listen to features a young writer from the program reading an extract from their work.
LISTEN TO THE AUDIO OF THE STORY
The Screams from The Past
The calling of animals who roam the land are always heard. Beyond that, I can hear the screams of my people who once ruled it.
Monologue
“Watching people through my window again huh. It’s kind of funny to see how happy they look, almost as if it’s all fake. You find many different people walk past every day. Some people say I hold a grudge, especially towards white people and if I’m honest, how can you not??? They’re like thieves who steal and use their privileges almost like discounts!! Okay, I know I can be tough at times but when I do step outside I can’t help but feel so scared and defensive like crows are at night. Especially after I found out about what happened to my parents. I can’t help but feel so blue and empty like there’s no sun here to brighten me up. And without my parents here I feel as if all I have left are my shadows who creep on me at night like animals.
But lately, something very big happened. I saw crowds of people who looked like me, sounded like me and had the same emotions that I felt every day. They were marching and screaming at the top of their lungs, eyes almost bulging out of their heads. In time I noticed that they were my people, marching for our rights and it automatically brought me back to a conversation I shared with my father. He whispered, “Don’t let them intimidate you. Don’t be afraid to be who you are. Our people are first and we are plentiful. Black is beautiful!
But I couldn’t bring myself to it. I couldn’t even walk to the door. How was I supposed to go out and join them when I can’t even take care of myself?
But then something very unusual caught my eyes. I saw different people in that flood marching too. The Asians, The Blacks, The Middle Easterns, The FOBs and even the Whites! I felt something… Relief? Hope?
Relief that maybe this world can change. Maybe there are people out there who care and it looked beautiful, like a second of Euphoria.
In that moment, I felt as if the spotlight was on me this time and all that was left for me was the shadow who haunts me. His name was ‘Guilt’ and I didn’t like him. He followed me everywhere. Whenever and whatever I did, he was there. But that day was different. He sat by the window and pulled the curtains open. He didn’t say anything, he just pointed towards the marching people, with a grin on his face.
I knew what he meant and I knew I had to go out there.
Much is Rife, Blak Douglas, 2021
Art Write Light is generously supported by the Balnaves Foundation.
