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Article: Eulogy for Julia C. Collins: speculations on her thoughts in Oswego, New York at Lake Ontario circa January 1865.(Fictional work)
- Article from:
- African American Review
- Article date:
- December 22, 2006
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2006 African American Review. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Icy winds slash the waves of Lake Ontario, dash open the wings of my winter cape and rustle the furrows of my woolen skirt. I invite this assault, inhale deeply to force the frigid air into the recesses of my chest. Under grey skies of hibernation, I battle the white skeleton of death sucking my breath. I try to stifle this wretched tuberculosis consuming my lungs and my last winter season.
Like my pen pursuing the novel and this epistle, I chase the morning light and anticipate stoic blue firs and pliant white birch trees emitting oxygen. Fresh and crisp air soothe my raspy cough and accentuate the paradox of a disease that intensifies when I exhale, urgently ...