Chesapeake Bay birds soared high as a new day washed gently across young Benjamin Banneker’s farm Early morning frost glittered the ground all the way from Benjamin’s front door down to the river’s wet bank Winter was almost here and everything on his farm was in order Benjamin had wrapped his hives to keep the bees warm and calm He had repaired his fence to keep the deer out of his gardens He had harvested his vegetables and picked his fruit one last time before the cold swooped in Now with his chores completed Benjamin had time to dream
Benjamin followed a familiar trail leading toward his favorite spot under the chestnut tree For entertainment Benjamin had taught himself how to play the violin He had also taught himself how to play the flute On hot summer days the tree shaded him while he played his instruments blending his soft music with the birds songs
But today sunlight danced through the bare branches as Benjamin sat down He hardly noticed the cold ground beneath him nor did he enjoy the beauty of the chestnut tree Today was different Today was quiet He did not bring his flute or his violin to play In his hands was a different kind of instrument a small pocket watch
