For the past few days I have had the strongest craving for black eyed peas! When I woke up this morning it dawned on me why (No I am NOT pregnant again). I believe the reason for my craving is because it is New Years Eve, and for as long as I can remember my mother, grandmother, and aunts always make black eyed peas on New Years Eve. I believe that the tradition is centered around having good fortunes in the coming year, but seeing as though I am not a subscriber to luck I cook black eyed peas on this day for another reason and that reason is tradition. I no longer have my maternal grandmother and great-grandmother in my life to turn to for wisdom. I spent so much of my life being influenced by the examples of those two wonderful women, learning from every visit and conversation. So even though I can no longer share physical space with those special women, on this day I can stir up their memories in a pot of Black Eyed Peas! Everyone have a safe and happy New Year!
Peas In the Pot
Black eyed peas for the New Year
Not because I believe in luck
but because its what my grandmother did
it is tradition
Black eyed peas are never as good as they are on New Years day
tasting like my Granny's hugs and kisses
memories simmering
pots full of family
feeding spirits
reaching back and passing forward
I bring them with me in bowls full of knowledge
pot liquor poets
those women-folk who fed me
gave me recipes for survival
something substantial to chew on
to grow from
to digest
in my soul and in my flesh I was nourished
gave it to me straight
their truth gave me courage
the way that they flourished in the worst situations gives me patience
motivation
their is no "give up" in my blood
only black eyed peas
cooked on New Years eve
and bellies full of love
No comments:
Post a Comment