A Worn Path
... determined to get to town. “Keep out from under these feet; little bob-whites…Keep the big wild hogs out of my path. Don’t let none of those come running my direction. I got a long way.” She walks with determination, even when things are trying to stop her. “Thorns, you’re doing your appointed work. Never want to let folks pass.” As Phoenix climbs up the tiresome hill that the path traverses, she notes that it "seems like there is chains on my feet, time I get this far", still she continues. Another challenge phoenix must face is the racism she encounters. This is during the time when racism was active. After falling into a ditch a white hunter helps her out, but patronizes her and fails to appreciate her journey: "I know you old colored people! Wouldn't miss going to town to see Santa Claus!" He also taunts her by pointing his loaded gun at her and asking, "Doesn't the gun scare you?" Phoe...