Wade in the Water

"Wade in the Water" is the chorus and the title of an old song.  The phrase refers to the Gospel of John (5:4) where it says, “For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatever disease he had.”   The fictional Mingo Sanders of the story "Wade in the Water" is consumed with rage, guilt and regret.  He -- exactly like the historical Mingo Sanders -- has been a decorated soldier for the US Army.  He was personally thanked and congratulated by Colonel Theodore Roosevelt with whom he fought side by side in the Cuban War.  Then, also exactly like the real Mingo Sanders, is discharged without honor for his failure to provide information about an incident with fellow Black soldiers that never happened.

The historical Mingo Sanders went with his wife on a speaking tour of prominent African American churches to explain the events of the so-called "Brownsville Raid" which was very much in the news around the country.  The fictional Mingo Sanders walked back toward Georgia, friendless and alone.  The drama of this story can be read as the redemption of his soul by a ritual cleansing.  Or it can be read as  a recovery of his personhood through his re-entry into the community of African Americans.  There is evidence in the text for both readings.