Mary would work with me in reading poetry and the Bible. After about a year and a half, I got to be quite good at reading the Bible. After awhile, my curiosity led me to begin to learn how to write.

Mrs. Wheatley was quite pleased and surprised at my ability to learn. Unlike the typical slave owner, she encouraged me in my learning.

After having learned to read words, I wanted to learn how to write them. So I started by using chalk and charcoal to practice my letters and words on things like brick walls.