Missy Vernon

Marble Springs 2.0 screenshot of Missy Vernon

What we know

1858-1928
Her mother held her in her arms as a child to escape the patrollers and go north to Canada on the Underground Railroad. Married Robert Vernon, who came to work in the livery in Marble Springs. Eight children, four survived infancy (Moses, Jordan, Freedom, and Liberty), and four did not (Zion, Canaan, Gilead, Daniel )

Out of Egypt

Out under dark stars
Missy's voice kept her warm,
humming under layers
of the thick scarves
her mother had woven.

Coming in, she unwrapped them,
her neck copper in the dimness
of the kerosene light.

Robert would nod, and she would sing¹
low
so
low

murmuring tales of Scheherazade, of Moses, of God
under the breath of the Crystal River.
And they slept neck on neck,
granting to God the taming power of her song.

Footnotes

1. Item 1654. The Utility of Singing
It is asserted, and we believe with some truth, that singing is a corrective of the too-common tendency to pulmonic complaints. … The music master informed me that he had known several instances of persons who were strongly disposed to consumption, who were restored to health by the exercise of their lungs in singing. Enquire within upon Everything

Connections

Portal

Sources

Harvey, James Rose. Negroes in Colorado. University of Colorado master's thesis. Available at the Western History Department, Denver Public Library.

Portal caption and links

A drawing of a bare-foot black woman.
Charity Paine on her belly as they shared the memories of warmth.
Hezekiah Lincoln on her head as they shared memories of slavery.
Ingrid Jenson on her chest as they shared memories of being held.
The Washerwoman on her feet as they were both bare.

Portal for secret connections