Nanny Writes A Letter To Janie (Their Eyes Were Watching God)
February Prompt From November's Autumn: Character
This a picture of a young Lena Horne. It is how Janie from Their Eyes Were Watching God looks in my mind's eye. Halle Barry played Janie in the TV movie. I found that movie immensely disappointing. It had much more sex and violence than the book.
The topic is character. I am fulfilling Level 3 which is :
Try writing a short (four sentences +) note or letter as the character, addressed to you, another character, the author, anyone.
Dear Janie,
This is your nanny. Isn't it funny I know how to read and write now?
I can see that I made a mistake by forcing you to marry Logan Killicks. At the time I thought I was doing the right thing. He had land and was older so I thought you would be safe. I can see now that he was too old, plain, and dull for a pretty young girl. You see, I was born during slavery and never expected too much out of life. I always thought if I hadn't had such hopes for your mother, she wouldn't have ended up hurt and used the way she did. I just couldn't bear the thought of anything bad happening to you baby. I can't blame you for being angry with me, but please don't hate me forever. I did the best I knew how.
If you want me to be honest, I was never completely satisfied with any of the men you married. Logan Killicks wanted to use you as a mule, Joe Starks physically abused you and tried to lock you away in a white washed prison, and even Teacake Woods beat you up to prove his manhood.
Janie, I'm very proud of the way you always tried to better your situation and relationships. Thank God, you rose above the low expectations I had. I'm truly sorry you had to shoot Teacake when he had the rabies, but as you figured out, better him than you. You know it's possible I may have had something to do with how you turned out. I did raise you.
I have been with you this whole time but you didn't know it. Now you do. Please don't ask. There is no way to explain death to the living.
I have to go now. I love you Janie. Always have and always will. Keep taking care of yourself. Remember I'm watching.
Nanny
