All the voices were hushed, the puddles deserted, the gurgle of the wrestling flood submerged. My birthday making its black departure from the land had been blessed with showers whose consolation was my blessing. (Chapter 1)

Suddenly, the whole aspect of the morning had changed. Something, it seemed, had emerged to call a halt in preparation for a new beginning. (Chapter 2)

You never know what comin’ to you, in this worl’. you down today, you up tomorrow. (Chapter 2)

I know what it is, one boy was saying, I know what it is. He spoke very well. The old woman isn’t a fool. She knew what she was saying. She was a slave. We’re all salves. The queen freed some of us, but most of us are still slaves. (Chapter 3)

Tis the same story, old yet ever new the way life go on, whatever they says. Time wus I had my arms with strength... (Chapter 4)