Grateful For Traditions Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Thick the gravy made did sit.
With turkey giblets tempting,
The licking of awaiting lips.

Dressing prepared,
Next to a glazed honeyed ham.
With collard greens smelling good,
As the potato salad nestled close
To chit'lins and delicious candied yams.

Pumpkin, apple and sweet potato pies...
Filled the air with anticipation,
As the black-eyed peas and rice
Were passed by!

Heads are bowed in prayer...
Giving thanks for blessings,
And grateful for traditions!
Feeding a heritage nurtured well,
When families gather...
For these feasting eating missions!

'Grandma...
Will you tell grandpa to stop talking,
And pass the fried chicken...please! '