I write about the people, places, and things that have shaped my journey. Occasionally, that means a poem or two makes it into the mix. Sweet Potato Pie was written for a beloved uncle who transitioned a year ago. My uncle, like the older members of my family, was apart of The Great Migration. According to the National Archives, The Great Migration was one of the largest movements of people in United States history. Approximately six million Black people moved from the American South to Northern, Midwestern, and Western states roughly from the 1910s until the 1970s. My family came from Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana. They spread out into the suburbs of Chicago, bringing their spirituality, their politics, their strong family values, and favorite recipes and foods. Sweet potato pie was and still is a much cherished dessert. To eat sweet potato pie is to ingest family and historical memory.
Sweet Potato Pie
May your heaven be a long table filled with the shining faces of your ancestors speaking your name.
Welcoming you with a spirit-filled song drenched in hallelujahs and well done well done.
You have come home.
You have come home.
Beloved
Child of God
Beloved
Son of Roxie and Ivory
Beloved
Grandson of Ruth and Dolly
Beloved
Husband of Helen.
Daddy
Grandfather
Uncle
Brother
Cousin
Deacon
Friend
Come Sunday and the Mississippi Delta of your childhood becomes a river of praise rising up and out of your mouth.
You are standing at the back of the church shouting to the choir.
All of heaven hears you and we hear you too.
We love you.
May your heaven, be a long table filled with your ancestors shining faces and all of your favorite dishes too.
May your momma present you with a sweet potato pie
And may you smile when she tells you
I made this one special
Just for you.
I’m thrilled to be a member of the Iowa Writers Collaborative. Please explore other writers in the group.
Love this. Thank you.
I can see it. I see your Grandma and mama at the table along with your baby.