Day 689: 5 Minute Freewrite: Monday - Prompt: poetry reading

Captain Lee noticed a bunch of his nieces and nephews crowded around a tablet on the deck during the family's river cruise. Nephew Donald Morton noted his interest.

“Come on over, Uncle Henry – Daniel is going live at a poetry reading in San Francisco, right now!”

“I don't know if this is his kind of poetry,” nephew Morris said.

“Oh, nonsense – there are all kinds of White people in there listening!” said Donald. “Come on over, Uncle Henry!”

“Oh, come on, Donald – can't we do anything without WhiteUnc having to approve?” Van said.

“Look, y'all – Daniel is making his living as a poet and writer. He needs the biggest audience possible, and taking money from willing White folks is a big part of Black artistic success. Uncle Henry is our uncle who loves us and has a lot of money and connections. Dad and our uncles do plenty, but Daniel needs all the support because he is about to go on international tour, and Uncle Henry is our internationally traveling relative.”

“But Donald –.”

“Look, y'all, this is MY tablet and that's MY brother. Everybody that doesn't want Uncle Henry to sit down here, YOU go sit somewhere else. Go. Move. Uncle Henry: sit down here!”

“Thank you for letting me know where I stand in terms of my importance as chattel, Donald,” Captain Lee said with a smile.

“Turnabout is fair play, Mr. H.F Lee, nephew of R.E.,” Donald shot back. “But hey, you were invited into the family, so we're going to let all that happened before that slide as long as you keep doing the right thing.”

“Fair enough – so what is my Californian nephew up to these days, after all? … wow … he is good.”

“Another good Morton investment, looking for a place to happen, Uncle.”

“I see that,” said Captain Lee. “When is his tour?”

“October, Uncle. England, Germany, France. Not that Dad and the uncles don't have his back, but you know, additional investment support and connections to wider audiences are always welcome.”

Captain Lee pulled out his phone, and Donald read his comments on Daniel's feed a few moments later.

“Hello, Daniel, from Uncle Henry. I am so impressed with your work! … Your brother Donald has me very excited about your tour, and I look forward to supporting you in every way I can as you prepare. Call me! I'm DM-ing you my cell and home numbers.”

“Yes!” Donald shouted.

“You know I didn't do that because you're so smart about history, although you are smart, Donald.”

“Yes, Uncle, I do know that you love us. We love you too, although some of us are fighting it.”

“Hey!” said Van.

“Ain't nobody talking to you, cuz,” Donald shot back, “although Grandma always says the hit dog will holler!”